Happy birthday, G.K.Chesterton!
He was born on this day, May 29th, 140 years ago. Chesterton was a great English journalist, art critic, dramatist, poet, and Christian thinker and apologist. He not only possessed a brilliant mind but an incredible sense of humor--a truly marvelous combination!--and it is said that even those who radically disagreed with him still loved and admired him. Chesterton truly knew how to "speak the truth with love."
Chesterton's biography on Charles Dickens (another reason to adore Chesterton--he loved Dickens!) is widely considered to have spurred on the Dickens revival in the London in the early 20th century. And Chesterton wrote about everything under the sun--from detective novels to biographies to essays to Christian apologetics to copious journalism pieces. Amazing.
Chesterton was apparently a man possessed not only of a giant intellect but also of a giant size. He stood 6 feet 4 inches and weighed 286 pounds. He once quipped to George Bernard Shaw, "To look at you, anyone would think a famine had struck England." To which Shaw retorted, "To look at you, anyone would think you have caused it."
And this is great--he apparently often wore a cape, a crumpled hat, and held a cigar dangling from his mouth. (My daddy would have loved him.)
I've quoted Chesterton too many times to count. His love for the Lord, his hysterical (though often quite dry) sense of humor, his brilliance (that usually goes waaaaay over my head), his winsomeness, and his practicality all combine to create a truly unique and remarkable man and voice. But I confess: I started reading what is widely considered to be his great Christian opus--Orthodoxy--many years ago and never got very far. Got bogged down and simply gave up. In honor of his birthday, I'm going to give it another go...I may crash in a ball of flames once again, but here goes. I think Chesterton would approve of the daunting effort.
Just a couple (among so many) of my favorite quotes--
"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." Convicting.
"I like the Cyclostyle ink; it is so inky. I do not think there is anyone who takes quite such a fierce pleasure in things being themselves as I do. The startling wetness of water excites and intoxicates me: the fieriness of fire, the steeliness of steel, the unutterable muddiness of mud." So true--the power and beauty of the things God has created! I've loved this quote since I first heard our minister, Dr.Bauman, quote it when I was in high school--back in the middle ages. Seriously, this was eons and eons ago, and I have a truly horrible memory...yet I still recall the thrill I felt when I heard Chesterton's words. Don't you love that--"the unutterable muddiness of mud?" Isn't it so true?
On politics, well, I think he would get a huge kick out of our crazy political situation these days--but here's what he wrote about his time: "The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected." Enough said.
And one of my daughter, Janie's, very favorite quotes: "Jesus promised His disciples three things--that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble." Why do we expect any less?
So happy birthday, G.K.! May your tribe increase...and might your readership as well!
To God be the glory.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Eggs, exercise, and enjoying God's glory!
Sometimes I wonder if a decent percentage of the world's problems could be solved simply by folks getting outside for a little exercise. Who knows? People working off their frustrations with a little sweat. Putting some of their fears into perspective with a bit of huffing and puffing. Pounding their irritation and hair-trigger tempers into submission with good old fashioned physical exertion.
Yeah, I know that's superficial and even a bit silly, for many of life's intractable heartaches and disappointments go mighty deep...too deep, surely, for the healing that comes from a brisk walk or a bracing bike ride. I'm certainly not advocating exercise as a panacea for life's troubles.
But still...isn't there something about getting outside into God's lush playground and being reminded that your Heavenly Father crafted every bumble bee, bubbling brook, and leafy branch? Have you studied the ants lately? Or the salamander? Or the hawk? What miraculous workmanship, what intricate beauty.
Just this afternoon, we found this little gem lying on our deck--
An empty Robin's egg--so spectacularly blue! Why on earth would God make the egg of a common, regular old bird such an amazing color? Couldn't He just have painted every egg from every species of bird some kind of utilitarian brown? Wouldn't that have been far easier and quicker?
No! Because He is, in John Piper's words, "resplendent in His glory!" Our Lord crafted over 10,000 species of birds (and over 22,000 subspecies)! What on earth? And our glorious God created over 950,000 species of insects! Can you even get your mind around that many varieties of little, insignificant bugs? And we think we don't have enough time to get everything done on our to-do list? We worry that God isn't big enough or great enough to handle our problems?
He is the Lord Almighty! As I just read this morning, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor." (Ps.8:1-5) Boy, that'll put a spring in your step!
So can I make a silly suggestion? If you're feeling discouraged or worried or frustrated, how about strapping on a pair of tennis shoes and walking outside. Maybe you can take your dog--I know it's the best part of Bingley's day, and he sleeps like a log for hours when we get back. This is him right now--
So much for the rambunctious puppy. Not after a good walk. He's been happily dreaming of squirrels and his buddies on the greenway all afternoon.
But as good as that stroll might be for your dog, I promise it will be even better for you. Maybe enjoy a bit of praise music. Hum along, reminding yourself of the greatness and goodness of your Lord. Or simply listen to the music of the birds, crickets and frogs...and talk to God about what you're feeling. Or perhaps tune in to an inspiring podcast or two--I can't tell you how many times Andy Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, Ravi Zacharias, or Tim Keller have shared something that the Lord knew I needed to hear that day, that hour. Or even walk with a buddy--and rejoice in the priceless gift of friendship. Oh thank You Lord for our dear friends and family!
As the old Nike ad says, "Just do it!" Get out there and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, the scent of spring, and the promise of new life all around you. And remember--your God made every bit of it, because He is great and glorious beyond all imagining.
Yes, Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Remind us again...and again, Father. To God the glory.
Yeah, I know that's superficial and even a bit silly, for many of life's intractable heartaches and disappointments go mighty deep...too deep, surely, for the healing that comes from a brisk walk or a bracing bike ride. I'm certainly not advocating exercise as a panacea for life's troubles.
But still...isn't there something about getting outside into God's lush playground and being reminded that your Heavenly Father crafted every bumble bee, bubbling brook, and leafy branch? Have you studied the ants lately? Or the salamander? Or the hawk? What miraculous workmanship, what intricate beauty.
Just this afternoon, we found this little gem lying on our deck--
No! Because He is, in John Piper's words, "resplendent in His glory!" Our Lord crafted over 10,000 species of birds (and over 22,000 subspecies)! What on earth? And our glorious God created over 950,000 species of insects! Can you even get your mind around that many varieties of little, insignificant bugs? And we think we don't have enough time to get everything done on our to-do list? We worry that God isn't big enough or great enough to handle our problems?
He is the Lord Almighty! As I just read this morning, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor." (Ps.8:1-5) Boy, that'll put a spring in your step!
So can I make a silly suggestion? If you're feeling discouraged or worried or frustrated, how about strapping on a pair of tennis shoes and walking outside. Maybe you can take your dog--I know it's the best part of Bingley's day, and he sleeps like a log for hours when we get back. This is him right now--
But as good as that stroll might be for your dog, I promise it will be even better for you. Maybe enjoy a bit of praise music. Hum along, reminding yourself of the greatness and goodness of your Lord. Or simply listen to the music of the birds, crickets and frogs...and talk to God about what you're feeling. Or perhaps tune in to an inspiring podcast or two--I can't tell you how many times Andy Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, Ravi Zacharias, or Tim Keller have shared something that the Lord knew I needed to hear that day, that hour. Or even walk with a buddy--and rejoice in the priceless gift of friendship. Oh thank You Lord for our dear friends and family!
As the old Nike ad says, "Just do it!" Get out there and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, the scent of spring, and the promise of new life all around you. And remember--your God made every bit of it, because He is great and glorious beyond all imagining.
Yes, Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Remind us again...and again, Father. To God the glory.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Whose words?
Whose words are you listening to and heeding? Really.
I was struck by this yesterday afternoon when I felt a bit hurt by the tone of some words used by one of my family members. That person never intended to hurt me by something they said, but yours truly felt the unintended brunt of the words.
Right afterward, I took my little seed of irritation outside to our deck and sat down--thankfully--with the Word. The right Word! Here was my intention--sit in the sun and nurse and grow that tiny little seed of hurt feelings into a giant-sized beach ball of bitterness and self-righteousness. Yeah, that's always a really helpful, healthful response, right? Wrong.
Praise God He had other plans. For I half-heartedly opened the Word that I should be heeding and taking to heart, and, no kidding, the whole lesson was on the words of Jesus! Can you believe that? You can't outrun the Savior (thank goodness)!
I read passages like--
"And all spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from His mouth." (Luke 4:22) Does grace flow from my mouth? If my heart is full of bitterness and bile, then grace will never flow from my lips. Forgive me, Father.
"And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word possessed authority." (Luke 4:32) Whose words do I truly listen to as the authority for my life? Am I taking to heart what others say? Am I listening to idle gossip? Or am I savoring the joy of hearing the authoritative words of the God of the universe? Why would we ever settle for anything less than His words?
"Heaven and earth will pass away; but My words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33) Okay, remind me again--is your focus upon the temporary and imperfect or the eternal and perfect? Because if heaven is our destination and eternal life is our most prized possession, then why on earth are we putting so much weight on words that are like a puff of wind--gone in a moment--rather than the words of the Word that will last for eons and eons and beyond? Duh.
"The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63) Words of death and destruction or words of life, love and the spirit--is there really a choice here? Pay attention, people, to the words you are listening to, focusing upon...and giving out to others!
And finally, one of my favorites, when good old Peter responds to Jesus after the Savior has asked them if they will leave Him like so many of the other fickle followers. Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life..." Indeed. Jesus' words not only give us life and light, but they are the actual words of eternal life. Why on earth would we give serious consideration to any infinitely lesser words? Why don't we always--first and foremost--seek and savor the words of eternal life?
So, just a little reminder--words matter. Go to the Word for the words that matter most. Go to the Word to hear words of wisdom, correction, hope, joy, love, and eternal life. And then, out of the overflow of your heart, give out words to others that share all that light and life of Christ.
To God be the glory.
I was struck by this yesterday afternoon when I felt a bit hurt by the tone of some words used by one of my family members. That person never intended to hurt me by something they said, but yours truly felt the unintended brunt of the words.
Right afterward, I took my little seed of irritation outside to our deck and sat down--thankfully--with the Word. The right Word! Here was my intention--sit in the sun and nurse and grow that tiny little seed of hurt feelings into a giant-sized beach ball of bitterness and self-righteousness. Yeah, that's always a really helpful, healthful response, right? Wrong.
Praise God He had other plans. For I half-heartedly opened the Word that I should be heeding and taking to heart, and, no kidding, the whole lesson was on the words of Jesus! Can you believe that? You can't outrun the Savior (thank goodness)!
I read passages like--
"And all spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from His mouth." (Luke 4:22) Does grace flow from my mouth? If my heart is full of bitterness and bile, then grace will never flow from my lips. Forgive me, Father.
"And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word possessed authority." (Luke 4:32) Whose words do I truly listen to as the authority for my life? Am I taking to heart what others say? Am I listening to idle gossip? Or am I savoring the joy of hearing the authoritative words of the God of the universe? Why would we ever settle for anything less than His words?
"Heaven and earth will pass away; but My words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33) Okay, remind me again--is your focus upon the temporary and imperfect or the eternal and perfect? Because if heaven is our destination and eternal life is our most prized possession, then why on earth are we putting so much weight on words that are like a puff of wind--gone in a moment--rather than the words of the Word that will last for eons and eons and beyond? Duh.
"The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63) Words of death and destruction or words of life, love and the spirit--is there really a choice here? Pay attention, people, to the words you are listening to, focusing upon...and giving out to others!
And finally, one of my favorites, when good old Peter responds to Jesus after the Savior has asked them if they will leave Him like so many of the other fickle followers. Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life..." Indeed. Jesus' words not only give us life and light, but they are the actual words of eternal life. Why on earth would we give serious consideration to any infinitely lesser words? Why don't we always--first and foremost--seek and savor the words of eternal life?
So, just a little reminder--words matter. Go to the Word for the words that matter most. Go to the Word to hear words of wisdom, correction, hope, joy, love, and eternal life. And then, out of the overflow of your heart, give out words to others that share all that light and life of Christ.
To God be the glory.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Remembering their sacrifices
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)
Thank You, Father, for the men and women who have given their lives over the years to secure our freedom. On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember those countless individuals whose names we do not know but whose memories we honor and hold with profound gratitude and respect. We cannot fathom such a sacrifice...but You can, Lord Jesus. Thank You for being our ultimate Warrior-Savior and laying down Your life so that we might be free forever.
I just read this quote from Rick Atchley: "May we all recommit today to being good stewards of 'free,' because it's very expensive."
Forgive me, Lord, for how often I take that glorious freedom for granted--freedom purchased for me as a citizen of this great nation by the precious blood of brave men and women...and freedom secured for me as a redeemed child of God with the incalculable worth of the blood of my sinless Savior. Free to us...but so infinitely costly to Him who bore all our sin, shame, and guilt.
Freedom is most definitely never free. It always comes at the cost of great and lasting sacrifice. Might we all spend some time this day pondering--with great humility and profound thanksgiving--the sacrifices of those in our armed services as well as that of our Savior. They gave all that they had in order that we could enjoy all the blessings of freedom. Might we be "good stewards" of that infinitely costly freedom by the way that we live this, and every, day.
I've shared this before, but my daddy served as the gunnery officer on a destroyer for all four years of World War II. His destroyer was involved in the heaviest of action in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and he lost innumerable friends during that war. After daddy's death about 13 years ago, our family found the bronze star he earned in that war in a most curious place--in his sock drawer. As my brother shared at daddy's funeral, this was so that every single day of his life, when daddy opened that drawer to put on his socks, he would be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of his comrades and friends in the war. They would never come home and live their lives, raise a family, make their mark in the world. But God had given daddy that opportunity. My dad did not want to forget--even for a single day--so that he might live each day in such a way as to bring honor to their memory and glory to His Heavenly Father. And he did. Oh my, he did.
Daddy never forgot...not even for a day. Might we never, ever forget either...and live each day God chooses to give us to His glory and for His honor...for our Lord is infinitely worthy.
To God be the glory.
Thank You, Father, for the men and women who have given their lives over the years to secure our freedom. On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember those countless individuals whose names we do not know but whose memories we honor and hold with profound gratitude and respect. We cannot fathom such a sacrifice...but You can, Lord Jesus. Thank You for being our ultimate Warrior-Savior and laying down Your life so that we might be free forever.
I just read this quote from Rick Atchley: "May we all recommit today to being good stewards of 'free,' because it's very expensive."
Forgive me, Lord, for how often I take that glorious freedom for granted--freedom purchased for me as a citizen of this great nation by the precious blood of brave men and women...and freedom secured for me as a redeemed child of God with the incalculable worth of the blood of my sinless Savior. Free to us...but so infinitely costly to Him who bore all our sin, shame, and guilt.
Freedom is most definitely never free. It always comes at the cost of great and lasting sacrifice. Might we all spend some time this day pondering--with great humility and profound thanksgiving--the sacrifices of those in our armed services as well as that of our Savior. They gave all that they had in order that we could enjoy all the blessings of freedom. Might we be "good stewards" of that infinitely costly freedom by the way that we live this, and every, day.
I've shared this before, but my daddy served as the gunnery officer on a destroyer for all four years of World War II. His destroyer was involved in the heaviest of action in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and he lost innumerable friends during that war. After daddy's death about 13 years ago, our family found the bronze star he earned in that war in a most curious place--in his sock drawer. As my brother shared at daddy's funeral, this was so that every single day of his life, when daddy opened that drawer to put on his socks, he would be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of his comrades and friends in the war. They would never come home and live their lives, raise a family, make their mark in the world. But God had given daddy that opportunity. My dad did not want to forget--even for a single day--so that he might live each day in such a way as to bring honor to their memory and glory to His Heavenly Father. And he did. Oh my, he did.
Daddy never forgot...not even for a day. Might we never, ever forget either...and live each day God chooses to give us to His glory and for His honor...for our Lord is infinitely worthy.
To God be the glory.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Not resuscitation...but resurrection
A little food for weekend thought--
"And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Rev.21:5)
Oh what a promise! He is making ALL things new. Right now, at this very moment--even in the midst of disease and death and defeat and discouragement--the Lord Jesus is making every single thing new and whole and beautiful...pristine and perfect as they were originally meant to be. And He adds that His words--the words of the Eternal Word--are trustworthy and true. We can bank our lives on, and place our hope in, them.
Just read some powerful words on this verse from Nelson Ould--a pastor in Richmond who is one of my husband's dear friends. After helping with the funeral of a friend, Nelson reflected upon death and eternal life. He writes--
"And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Rev.21:5)
Oh what a promise! He is making ALL things new. Right now, at this very moment--even in the midst of disease and death and defeat and discouragement--the Lord Jesus is making every single thing new and whole and beautiful...pristine and perfect as they were originally meant to be. And He adds that His words--the words of the Eternal Word--are trustworthy and true. We can bank our lives on, and place our hope in, them.
Just read some powerful words on this verse from Nelson Ould--a pastor in Richmond who is one of my husband's dear friends. After helping with the funeral of a friend, Nelson reflected upon death and eternal life. He writes--
"I helped officiate a funeral at another church this week, and it gave me a chance to reflect on eternal life. What I’m realizing is that eternal life has more to do with the quality of the life than the duration. Nobody gets excited about this life... extended. Nobody gets excited merely about endless life. Who wants this life – including its struggle and futility – forever?
Instead, what Bible writers describe is new life. New life is resurrection, not simply resuscitation. C. S. Lewis argues, for example, that what our souls long for is a resurrection of our senses. Take memory. Lewis argues that memories today are a dim foretaste of what our memories could be, and what our souls long for. Lewis writes, “I can now communicate to you the fields of my boyhood… by words. Perhaps the day is coming when I can take you for a walk through them.”
I hope you’ll let your thoughts and imagination expand to consider resurrection life. Then and only then you’ll have a little taste of what the apostle Paul says will be unimaginable joy of the resurrected life in heaven and in the new creation (I Corinthians 2:9). Let the resurrection encourage you today! For all who are in Christ, this is where our lives are moving."
That's good stuff. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are not simply improving all things...nor are You disposing of all things and starting over. You're not trying to make us a bit better, and You're not throwing up Your hands and giving up on us altogether.
No, You are making all things new. Making us new--new bodies, new attitudes, new desires, new habits, new heart, new love. And making everything in this universe new--no more sorrow or sickness or despair or bewilderment or cruelty or manipulation or loneliness or separation or frustration or misunderstanding. No more shortages or pollution or death. It will all be remade into something redeemed, resurrected, and gloriously new.
We can't begin to understand the miraculous breadth of that kind of resurrection power...but we rejoice that You said it, You proved it by rising from the dead, and You undeniably validated that all Your words are trustworthy and true. Yes, all the dying and decay on this planet is so, so hard...but Christ is making all things new...even right at this very moment. Thank You for not simply resuscitating us...but resurrecting us into abundant, glorious, eternal new Life. No doubt about it--the best is yet to come!
To God be the glory.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Constant changes...but Changeless God!
Another school year is coming to a close. Our oldest has been happily married for four months...
our second oldest graduated last week from Davidson College--
...our third youngest is now officially a college sophomore...
our fourth youngest will be a high school senior next year...
and our "baby" will be right smack in the middle of middle school (not to mention the "puppy" has turned into a dog)--
Geez, how on earth did this happen? Just the day before yesterday, we were rocking infants in the middle of the night, reading Goodnight Moon for the umpteenth time, attending Mother's Day teas at preschool, and serving messy snow cones at "Fun in the Sun" at Root Elementary.
And now? Weddings and graduations and teenagers and high schoolers preparing to fly the coop. This parenting stuff is rewarding, exhausting, wonderful, but haaaard business as it constantly challenges us to adapt to continual change and to let go and let go and let go. Oh my, it's difficult sometimes to pry our clutching (but loving) fingers off our children one painful bit at a time.
But in the midst of all of life's changes, isn't it reassuring that God never ever changes? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb.13:8) And if He is always with us--and He is!--then He will use all those changes for our ultimate good and His glory. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
What a reminder--we shouldn't be frightened or intimidated or discouraged by change, because He's commanded us not to be scared or downhearted, for our Almighty Lord is forever and always with us wherever we go...and wherever our children go.
I loved these words from Shauna Niequist's book, Bittersweet, "...I've learned the hard way that change is one of God's greatest gifts and one of His most useful tools. I've learned the hard way that change can push us, pull us, rebuke and remake us. It can show us who we've become, in the worst ways, and also in the best ways. I've learned that it's not something to run away from, as though we could, and I've learned that in many cases, change is not a function of life's cruelty but instead a function of God's graciousness...
If you dig in and fight the changes, they will smash you to bits. They'll hold you under, drag you across the rough sand, scare and confuse you. But if you can find it within yourself, in the wildest of seasons, just for a moment, to trust in the goodness of God, who made it all and holds it all together, you'll find yourself drawn along to a whole new place, and there's truly nothing sweeter. Unclench your fists, unlock your knees and also the door to your heart, take a deep breath, and begin to swim. Begin to let the waves do their work in you."
Yes, Lord yes! Doesn't it all come down to trust? To trust that God is in our futures just as He has been in our pasts. To trust that He Who has never failed, will not fail us now. To trust that no matter what it might look like at the moment, the best truly is yet to come...because heaven is always ahead of us. To trust that if we unclench our fists and let go, God will hold and guide and care for those we love more than we ever could. To trust that God's plans and ways are always always always best. To trust that He who died for us also lives for us and will lead us safely to our heavenly home.
To trust the changeless God with all our changes...because He is forever faithful, worthy, loving, good, kind, and perfectly trust-worthy.
Not sure what kinds of changes you might be facing today, but I do know that we're all facing them--some happy, others hard; some exciting, others exasperating; some joyful, others fearful. Whatever the changes, might we remember our never-changing, ever-faithful God is sovereignly in control of them all. He will use every change to grow us, shape us, teach us, reveal Himself to us in new ways, and ultimately bless us and bring glory to His name. But we've got to be willing to "unlock our knees...take a deep breath, and begin to swim." And that simply means choosing to trust.
Father, we believe. Help our unbelief so that we might swim in the glorious waters of Your infinite grace and goodness.
To God be the glory.
...our third youngest is now officially a college sophomore...
Geez, how on earth did this happen? Just the day before yesterday, we were rocking infants in the middle of the night, reading Goodnight Moon for the umpteenth time, attending Mother's Day teas at preschool, and serving messy snow cones at "Fun in the Sun" at Root Elementary.
And now? Weddings and graduations and teenagers and high schoolers preparing to fly the coop. This parenting stuff is rewarding, exhausting, wonderful, but haaaard business as it constantly challenges us to adapt to continual change and to let go and let go and let go. Oh my, it's difficult sometimes to pry our clutching (but loving) fingers off our children one painful bit at a time.
But in the midst of all of life's changes, isn't it reassuring that God never ever changes? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb.13:8) And if He is always with us--and He is!--then He will use all those changes for our ultimate good and His glory. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
What a reminder--we shouldn't be frightened or intimidated or discouraged by change, because He's commanded us not to be scared or downhearted, for our Almighty Lord is forever and always with us wherever we go...and wherever our children go.
I loved these words from Shauna Niequist's book, Bittersweet, "...I've learned the hard way that change is one of God's greatest gifts and one of His most useful tools. I've learned the hard way that change can push us, pull us, rebuke and remake us. It can show us who we've become, in the worst ways, and also in the best ways. I've learned that it's not something to run away from, as though we could, and I've learned that in many cases, change is not a function of life's cruelty but instead a function of God's graciousness...
If you dig in and fight the changes, they will smash you to bits. They'll hold you under, drag you across the rough sand, scare and confuse you. But if you can find it within yourself, in the wildest of seasons, just for a moment, to trust in the goodness of God, who made it all and holds it all together, you'll find yourself drawn along to a whole new place, and there's truly nothing sweeter. Unclench your fists, unlock your knees and also the door to your heart, take a deep breath, and begin to swim. Begin to let the waves do their work in you."
Yes, Lord yes! Doesn't it all come down to trust? To trust that God is in our futures just as He has been in our pasts. To trust that He Who has never failed, will not fail us now. To trust that no matter what it might look like at the moment, the best truly is yet to come...because heaven is always ahead of us. To trust that if we unclench our fists and let go, God will hold and guide and care for those we love more than we ever could. To trust that God's plans and ways are always always always best. To trust that He who died for us also lives for us and will lead us safely to our heavenly home.
To trust the changeless God with all our changes...because He is forever faithful, worthy, loving, good, kind, and perfectly trust-worthy.
Not sure what kinds of changes you might be facing today, but I do know that we're all facing them--some happy, others hard; some exciting, others exasperating; some joyful, others fearful. Whatever the changes, might we remember our never-changing, ever-faithful God is sovereignly in control of them all. He will use every change to grow us, shape us, teach us, reveal Himself to us in new ways, and ultimately bless us and bring glory to His name. But we've got to be willing to "unlock our knees...take a deep breath, and begin to swim." And that simply means choosing to trust.
Father, we believe. Help our unbelief so that we might swim in the glorious waters of Your infinite grace and goodness.
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Walking with Rebecca
The last two times I saw her, she was walking. Walking along the greenway--once with two of her dearest girlfriends and the other with her dear husband and her sweet old chocolate lab. A beautiful sight.
Both were on sunny mornings--remarkably lovely mornings, each in the midst of a mostly cold late winter and reluctant early spring. But these were the kinds of mornings that put a song in your soul, hope in your heart, and whispered of heaven. Warm, bright, delicate spring scents, the beginnings of green buds all around--the certain promise of renewal and rebirth.
When I heard the sorrowful news just yesterday that God had called her on home, I wept...but then recalled seeing her on those two lovely walks. Her friends walking alongside her--one on each side--as they talked and laughed and looked around and shared as only girlfriends who have been in the trenches of life together can do. Oh what an inspiring, indelible picture it was. A picture of how Christ made us for community...to walk with one another on this sometimes hard, sometimes wonderful journey of life. We're to walk alongside...encouraging, helping, exhorting, challenging, forgiving, and loving one another with everything we've got. Ever pointing one another to the Redeemer who walks before us, behind us, beside us, and within us--reminding each other we're never ever alone for He will never forsake us, never leave us.
And then the last time I saw her--walking beside her beloved husband, their big old lab leading the way. Oh how many times had I seen them out there on the greenway while I walked our old Moses? Such a treasured sight each morning to glimpse a husband and wife walking along (at a brisk clip, I might add), chatting and sharing comfortably and happily as two who have lived and loved together long and well. Thank You, Lord, for the joy of marriage and for the gift of seeing two people who obviously adored one another. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and for the happiness of being outside in Your great, colorful garden. And thank You, Father, for the simple, sweet consolation of a dear old lab.
But as I thought about those two sights, a song came to mind--"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Strange I know. Just a few months back, I cried as I watched another person I love walking...walking to this song. Only she was dressed in pure white, wearing my mama's wedding veil, and walking down the aisle on the arm of her daddy. Her sister, Janie, sang the words and just as she began the third verse, the back church doors opened, and Mary Norris and her daddy walked down the aisle. Janie sang--
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
Oh the glorious, wondrous, joyously good news of the Gospel! We're great sinners with wandering hearts...but Christ is a Great Savior who poured out His grace upon us at the cross and has taken our hearts and sealed them for heaven above. Saved us and given us the gift of eternal life...and the hope and wonder of heaven.
And all I could think was--that is Rebecca! That is Rebecca right now! Because of what Jesus did for us, Rebecca is the bride of Christ, pure and spotless and healthy and happy and whole. No more tears. No more pain. No more struggle. No more fear. No more limitations. No more sorrow.
Yes, today she is walking...walking this time not with her two dear girlfriends nor her wonderful husband and dog...but with her Savior. Walking down the aisle of heaven in glory and savoring the faces all around her of those she's known and loved. Walking to the joyous songs of heaven, laughing with the wonder of heaven, and experiencing for the first time the glory of real life as it was meant to be lived.
While we weep on earth, she rejoices in heaven. We don't understand it all--this grieving is so hard...but in those gaps where understanding fails, we choose to trust in the One who died for us and trust in His Word and His promises which will never fail.
So thank You, Father, for Rebecca's life. Thank You for the hope of heaven. Thank You for the hints in this life of the wonder of all that we have ahead for the real and glorious life You died to give us. As long as we remain on this earth, help us to walk faithfully and lovingly...with our gazes and hearts fixed upon You...
until that glorious day when, like Rebecca, we'll walk right into Your presence...as Your bride.
To God be the glory.
Both were on sunny mornings--remarkably lovely mornings, each in the midst of a mostly cold late winter and reluctant early spring. But these were the kinds of mornings that put a song in your soul, hope in your heart, and whispered of heaven. Warm, bright, delicate spring scents, the beginnings of green buds all around--the certain promise of renewal and rebirth.
When I heard the sorrowful news just yesterday that God had called her on home, I wept...but then recalled seeing her on those two lovely walks. Her friends walking alongside her--one on each side--as they talked and laughed and looked around and shared as only girlfriends who have been in the trenches of life together can do. Oh what an inspiring, indelible picture it was. A picture of how Christ made us for community...to walk with one another on this sometimes hard, sometimes wonderful journey of life. We're to walk alongside...encouraging, helping, exhorting, challenging, forgiving, and loving one another with everything we've got. Ever pointing one another to the Redeemer who walks before us, behind us, beside us, and within us--reminding each other we're never ever alone for He will never forsake us, never leave us.
And then the last time I saw her--walking beside her beloved husband, their big old lab leading the way. Oh how many times had I seen them out there on the greenway while I walked our old Moses? Such a treasured sight each morning to glimpse a husband and wife walking along (at a brisk clip, I might add), chatting and sharing comfortably and happily as two who have lived and loved together long and well. Thank You, Lord, for the joy of marriage and for the gift of seeing two people who obviously adored one another. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and for the happiness of being outside in Your great, colorful garden. And thank You, Father, for the simple, sweet consolation of a dear old lab.
But as I thought about those two sights, a song came to mind--"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Strange I know. Just a few months back, I cried as I watched another person I love walking...walking to this song. Only she was dressed in pure white, wearing my mama's wedding veil, and walking down the aisle on the arm of her daddy. Her sister, Janie, sang the words and just as she began the third verse, the back church doors opened, and Mary Norris and her daddy walked down the aisle. Janie sang--
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
Oh the glorious, wondrous, joyously good news of the Gospel! We're great sinners with wandering hearts...but Christ is a Great Savior who poured out His grace upon us at the cross and has taken our hearts and sealed them for heaven above. Saved us and given us the gift of eternal life...and the hope and wonder of heaven.
And all I could think was--that is Rebecca! That is Rebecca right now! Because of what Jesus did for us, Rebecca is the bride of Christ, pure and spotless and healthy and happy and whole. No more tears. No more pain. No more struggle. No more fear. No more limitations. No more sorrow.
Yes, today she is walking...walking this time not with her two dear girlfriends nor her wonderful husband and dog...but with her Savior. Walking down the aisle of heaven in glory and savoring the faces all around her of those she's known and loved. Walking to the joyous songs of heaven, laughing with the wonder of heaven, and experiencing for the first time the glory of real life as it was meant to be lived.
While we weep on earth, she rejoices in heaven. We don't understand it all--this grieving is so hard...but in those gaps where understanding fails, we choose to trust in the One who died for us and trust in His Word and His promises which will never fail.
So thank You, Father, for Rebecca's life. Thank You for the hope of heaven. Thank You for the hints in this life of the wonder of all that we have ahead for the real and glorious life You died to give us. As long as we remain on this earth, help us to walk faithfully and lovingly...with our gazes and hearts fixed upon You...
until that glorious day when, like Rebecca, we'll walk right into Your presence...as Your bride.
To God be the glory.
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