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.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
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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