Friday, December 16, 2011
Waiting Update
Turns out it doesn't normally take 4 hours to examine a newborn. The baby fell out of her car seat on the way into the appointment and they were watching to make sure she was OK before releasing her. Thankfully she seems fine. And I'm glad I waited for this young mother, whose own mother died a few years back.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Waiting
John Lennon said "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." I wonder what to call what happens to you when you're "busy" waiting for someone?
Efficiency experts suggest one should always have something available to do. I don't always have that foresight, and even when I do, I find waiting distracting. Expecting someone to show up at any moment really interferes with my focus. I could always using waiting time to pray, but sitting in a waiting room with a TV truly inhibits prayer. And I keep thinking that the person I brought to the doctor should be done any minute. Does it really take 3 hours to examine a newborn? Did I really agree to do this during my busiest week of the year?
When this is over, it would be great if I could see some overarching purpose for my time that seems to be wasted in a week with too little time. But I have a feeling it will just be chalked up to a ride needed, nothing more noble or earthshattering than that.
Advent is about waiting. The Israelites waited centuries for the Messiah, then most of them missed the moment. I hope I don't miss Jesus showing up.
Meanwhile, I think someone's car needs a jump...who knows...just maybe...
Efficiency experts suggest one should always have something available to do. I don't always have that foresight, and even when I do, I find waiting distracting. Expecting someone to show up at any moment really interferes with my focus. I could always using waiting time to pray, but sitting in a waiting room with a TV truly inhibits prayer. And I keep thinking that the person I brought to the doctor should be done any minute. Does it really take 3 hours to examine a newborn? Did I really agree to do this during my busiest week of the year?
When this is over, it would be great if I could see some overarching purpose for my time that seems to be wasted in a week with too little time. But I have a feeling it will just be chalked up to a ride needed, nothing more noble or earthshattering than that.
Advent is about waiting. The Israelites waited centuries for the Messiah, then most of them missed the moment. I hope I don't miss Jesus showing up.
Meanwhile, I think someone's car needs a jump...who knows...just maybe...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Grateful
For the last year I have written in my gratitude journal daily (with only a few misses)three things I am grateful for. Some days the three items flow easily. Other days I have to stretch a bit...but I shouldn't really, because even on rough mornings, that follow difficult days, the basic blessings of life still exist: breathing, grace, God's love, the list is endless really.
The discipline of choosing three things daily teaches me to pay attention. To resist taking for granted the ways of God in my life. To notice the daily consistent ministrations of the Spirit. And for this, I am profoundly grateful.
I once tried to stop complaining. I didn't get very far. So now, this positive approach, instead of omitting complaints, add praise. I have to be honest that the praise has not yet overridden the complaints entirely, but praise is gaining. May another year of practice bring a greater improvement. God make it so.
The discipline of choosing three things daily teaches me to pay attention. To resist taking for granted the ways of God in my life. To notice the daily consistent ministrations of the Spirit. And for this, I am profoundly grateful.
I once tried to stop complaining. I didn't get very far. So now, this positive approach, instead of omitting complaints, add praise. I have to be honest that the praise has not yet overridden the complaints entirely, but praise is gaining. May another year of practice bring a greater improvement. God make it so.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Opening Doors
In their preference for equality, my daughters prefer not to have men open doors for them. But separate from gender traditions, we all have moments we need that kind of help.
Last night my husband came home from a party where the attendees donated gifts for City Gospel Mission's Christmas Store. He asked me to come down and open the door for him so he could carry in the huge box of toys. He could have figured out another way, but it was a whole lot easier to have me open the door.
John the Baptist was a door opener for Jesus. Jesus could have opened his own door, he is the Master of the Universe. But it made a lot of sense to have John's help in preparing the people to hear the good news.
I enjoy opening doors for people, especially moms with strollers. At this time of year it's common to see someone with their hands full struggling with a door. Opening doors can be a simple kindness offered.
As Christmas nears we can also like John look for ways to open the door for Jesus into people's lives. Kind deeds coupled with a word about the coming Christ can bless the harried shopper or harrassed colleague. As you're out and about this season, look for door opening opportunities.
Last night my husband came home from a party where the attendees donated gifts for City Gospel Mission's Christmas Store. He asked me to come down and open the door for him so he could carry in the huge box of toys. He could have figured out another way, but it was a whole lot easier to have me open the door.
John the Baptist was a door opener for Jesus. Jesus could have opened his own door, he is the Master of the Universe. But it made a lot of sense to have John's help in preparing the people to hear the good news.
I enjoy opening doors for people, especially moms with strollers. At this time of year it's common to see someone with their hands full struggling with a door. Opening doors can be a simple kindness offered.
As Christmas nears we can also like John look for ways to open the door for Jesus into people's lives. Kind deeds coupled with a word about the coming Christ can bless the harried shopper or harrassed colleague. As you're out and about this season, look for door opening opportunities.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Unrecognized Grace
A line from the incredible song Blessings by Laura Story says, "What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise." Certainly we don't easily think that.
This fall we have studied The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, the kings of Israel and Judah. Some kings are not easily categorized.
Uzziah lived a faithful obedient life, until one day, he decided to offer incense in the temple. The priests protested, yet he proceeded, until God struck him with leprosy right on his forehead. Suddenly he was ready to leave the temple, and lived the rest of his life in a separate palace while his son ruled in his place.
After reading of how other "bad" kings repented and received God's mercy, I found it odd that Uzziah, who had been previously faithful before this incident, spent the rest of his life quarantined with leprosy. Did that mean he didn't repent?
And then I reached the story of Ahaz. He was a record-breaking bad king, and eventually totally rearranged the temple. The priests of his day said nothing to him, but just went along with the program. He installed an altar modeled on another country and did his own services replacing the priests, all actions that defied God's instructions. Yet no immediate judgement, no leprosy, no disaster, no censure at all.
That's when I had to wonder if God's strike on Uzziah was actually grace. Keeping him home with leprosy prevented any further offenses against God. Uzziah had been faithful, and his pride got the best of him, but this judgement perhaps kept him in God's favor. Perhaps Ahaz was so far gone as to not merit God's intervention.
Certainly Jesus clearly stated that to whom much is given, much will be expected, so at times when we feel the harsh limits or boundaries set on our own lives, we should be grateful God cares enough to rein us in.
This fall we have studied The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, the kings of Israel and Judah. Some kings are not easily categorized.
Uzziah lived a faithful obedient life, until one day, he decided to offer incense in the temple. The priests protested, yet he proceeded, until God struck him with leprosy right on his forehead. Suddenly he was ready to leave the temple, and lived the rest of his life in a separate palace while his son ruled in his place.
After reading of how other "bad" kings repented and received God's mercy, I found it odd that Uzziah, who had been previously faithful before this incident, spent the rest of his life quarantined with leprosy. Did that mean he didn't repent?
And then I reached the story of Ahaz. He was a record-breaking bad king, and eventually totally rearranged the temple. The priests of his day said nothing to him, but just went along with the program. He installed an altar modeled on another country and did his own services replacing the priests, all actions that defied God's instructions. Yet no immediate judgement, no leprosy, no disaster, no censure at all.
That's when I had to wonder if God's strike on Uzziah was actually grace. Keeping him home with leprosy prevented any further offenses against God. Uzziah had been faithful, and his pride got the best of him, but this judgement perhaps kept him in God's favor. Perhaps Ahaz was so far gone as to not merit God's intervention.
Certainly Jesus clearly stated that to whom much is given, much will be expected, so at times when we feel the harsh limits or boundaries set on our own lives, we should be grateful God cares enough to rein us in.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Waiting
When the women were waiting to visit the tomb on Sunday morning, they expected to see a dead body. They didn't know what to think when they got there. They did not have to mourn long.
When my mother died unexpectedly 10 years ago, laying her in the grave hit me with its permanence. I will spend half my life without her. That seems like such a long time.
But, when I reach eternity, this waiting will be a blink of an eye. That's what the power of the resurrection means to me.
Thank you Jesus for dying and rising again, so that I can have hope of sweet reunion.
When my mother died unexpectedly 10 years ago, laying her in the grave hit me with its permanence. I will spend half my life without her. That seems like such a long time.
But, when I reach eternity, this waiting will be a blink of an eye. That's what the power of the resurrection means to me.
Thank you Jesus for dying and rising again, so that I can have hope of sweet reunion.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Counseling
I'm glad I read a book about difference between white and black conflict. Now when I counsel P and B I don't worry that they yell at each other, it's just how they communicate.
Roger and I were yellers in our early days, especially the first six months. I still don't mind a good yelling match.
When P and B left from our session today, I had to smile. P paced the floor reenacting events from the week, while B sat and watched with her own comebacks. But they keep coming back.
I know TOO many middle class couples white and black who never even try counseling, they just grow tired of trying and bail out. But these young folks keep coming back, and they are making progress.
I am grateful for the privilege of watching them learn to love each other.
Roger and I were yellers in our early days, especially the first six months. I still don't mind a good yelling match.
When P and B left from our session today, I had to smile. P paced the floor reenacting events from the week, while B sat and watched with her own comebacks. But they keep coming back.
I know TOO many middle class couples white and black who never even try counseling, they just grow tired of trying and bail out. But these young folks keep coming back, and they are making progress.
I am grateful for the privilege of watching them learn to love each other.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Asleep in the Light
Those disciples, sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus really needed them. He asked them three times and they still let him down. So lame.
As for me...how have I slept on the job lately? Ouch.
Keith Green wrote a song called Asleep in the Light. We so easily fall asleep on the job. Lord, help me to be awake when you need me.
As for me...how have I slept on the job lately? Ouch.
Keith Green wrote a song called Asleep in the Light. We so easily fall asleep on the job. Lord, help me to be awake when you need me.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Gone Take 2
Curtains still drawn.
Bedclothes in a knot.
Abandoned water bottle.
Wrappings from toiletries on the floor.
Mismatched sandals.
Spring break is over.
I fasten back the curtains letting in the morning light.
Strip the bed.
Gather the water bottle.
Discard the wrappings.
Push the sandals under the bed
Awaiting his return.
Take a walk in the quiet morning air.
Counsel a young couple.
Gather groceries for those still here.
Watch my other pitcher in his opening scrimmage.
Dine with friends.
Sleep soundly.
Bedclothes in a knot.
Abandoned water bottle.
Wrappings from toiletries on the floor.
Mismatched sandals.
Spring break is over.
I fasten back the curtains letting in the morning light.
Strip the bed.
Gather the water bottle.
Discard the wrappings.
Push the sandals under the bed
Awaiting his return.
Take a walk in the quiet morning air.
Counsel a young couple.
Gather groceries for those still here.
Watch my other pitcher in his opening scrimmage.
Dine with friends.
Sleep soundly.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gone
Curtains still drawn.
Bedclothes in a knot.
Abandoned water bottle.
Wrappings from toiletries on the floor.
Mismatched sandals.
Spring break is over.
I fasten back the curtains letting in the morning light.
Strip the bed.
Gather the water bottle.
Discard the wrappings.
Push the sandals under the bed.
Awaiting his return.
Bedclothes in a knot.
Abandoned water bottle.
Wrappings from toiletries on the floor.
Mismatched sandals.
Spring break is over.
I fasten back the curtains letting in the morning light.
Strip the bed.
Gather the water bottle.
Discard the wrappings.
Push the sandals under the bed.
Awaiting his return.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Parents
No one (except God) loves unconditionally like a parent.
Children love their parents, and as they grow older children appreciate parents, and are more tolerant of their foibles, but they still feel annoyed with the parts of their parents that are in some way, well...annoying.
Parents feel some responsibility for their offspring, even their foibles, either by genes or environment, so they are more accepting of those shortcomings, more willing to overlook. When children are still growing up, parents do their best to moderate their children's weaknesses, but at some point when they are full grown, parents hopefully release that project and love them despite those pieces.
Spouses love by choice, but they tend to always be still trying to fix their significant other, thinking that surely this could be better.
So today especially, on St. Patrick's Day, I miss my Irish parents and their unconditional love for me.
Children love their parents, and as they grow older children appreciate parents, and are more tolerant of their foibles, but they still feel annoyed with the parts of their parents that are in some way, well...annoying.
Parents feel some responsibility for their offspring, even their foibles, either by genes or environment, so they are more accepting of those shortcomings, more willing to overlook. When children are still growing up, parents do their best to moderate their children's weaknesses, but at some point when they are full grown, parents hopefully release that project and love them despite those pieces.
Spouses love by choice, but they tend to always be still trying to fix their significant other, thinking that surely this could be better.
So today especially, on St. Patrick's Day, I miss my Irish parents and their unconditional love for me.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Blogging and Podcasting
When I started a blog, I was determined not to be one of those people who never put up fresh stuff. On the other hand, I also didn't want to take too much time to blog compared to other priorities.
If I could set myself up to dictate blogs while driving and other moments, I'd be much more prolific. I often write blogs in my head that never get any further.
But meanwhile, I always write sermons, every week pretty much, and have been posting those online. So if you're interested, here's my latest, and you can see a list of previous ones:
http://wcfmc.podomatic.com/entry/2011-01-20T12_40_55-08_00
If I could set myself up to dictate blogs while driving and other moments, I'd be much more prolific. I often write blogs in my head that never get any further.
But meanwhile, I always write sermons, every week pretty much, and have been posting those online. So if you're interested, here's my latest, and you can see a list of previous ones:
http://wcfmc.podomatic.com/entry/2011-01-20T12_40_55-08_00
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