Winter to Spring

Tufts of green swaddled cypress trees by the lake. For months, only a few birds perched on naked limbs. Occasionally, a squirrel scampered to a nest at the top. 

            A couple of weeks ago, a hint of green appeared on brown branches. Each day, I observed the growth. Soft needles poked out in all directions. A halo of emerald began to fill in bare spots. Soon the needles will change the trees into a mass of spring green. Then wildlife will hide and be protected within the branches. The trees will offer shade and reflect their beauty on the lake. 

            What appeared dead during the winter, burst into life during spring. The transformation didn’t surprise me because I watch the cycle every year. Even though I prefer the beauty of spring, I have learned to appreciate the trees during each season. 

            In my own trials, I have learned that God is with me in every cycle of my life. Sadness and tears fade as He takes me to the next phase. Since He has been faithful in other circumstances, I can trust that He will continue to be with me. 

Have faith in Him in all circumstances, dear people. Open up your hearts to Him. The true God shelters us in His arms. ( Psalm 63:8 The Voice)

Creator, You are the God of the spring and of the winter. You are faithful to be with us in all of our seasons. Amen

A Marred Image

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. (Romans 8: 28 The Voice)

From my patio, I surveyed the abundance of purple, pink, white, and orange 

spring flowers in my garden. Tiny bells, spikes and clusters of dainty blooms decorated the variety of plants. 

            The dark lake reflected a forest on the opposite shore. Sunlight streamed through empty branches of the cypress trees. Only the birds joined me in welcoming a new day. Peacefulness wrapped me like a cloak. 

            However, within the loveliness, I noticed imperfections. Clumps of algae spoiled the lake’s surface. Dead blooms intermingled with the colorful ones. Weeds popped up in the grass. A broken limb dangled high in the cypress tree. Roaring cars and motorcycles almost drowned out the bird melodies. 

            This world is filled with pain, trials and uncertainty. We can focus on the imperfections or we can appreciate and be thankful for our blessings. Even in our hard times, we know that God can take our difficult circumstances and use them for good.  

Loving Father, you are with us in this imperfect world. Thank you for using all of our situations for good. Amen

Unhearlded Servants

For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room. I was shivering and you gave me clothes. I was sick and you stopped to visit. I was in prison and you came to me. 

Then the King will say, “I’m telling you the solemn truth. Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me-you did it for me.” 

(Matthew 25: 35-36, 40 The Message)

Wheelchairs. Walkers. A few residents strolled in on their own. The recreation room began filling up for the weekly service. 

            With two of his children, a young pastor moved around the room as soon as they arrived. The elementary aged boy and girl shook hands with every person. Their dad shook hands and greeted each one by name. He introduced himself to my cousin and me as we joined my aunt for the Sunday service. 

            At the small organ, he played familiar hymns and then asked for requests. Elderly voices blended with younger ones. 

            With confidence, the young girl and boy sang several verses of “Jesus Loves Me” and signed the chorus. What a delightful part of the afternoon church service. 

            The simple, but powerful sermon about faith, touched my heart. Earlier in the day, I had attended my own church with thousands of worshipers. Both pastors used Scripture and preached a significant message for their congregation—large or small. 

            Days later, my cousin and I returned to the assisted living facility to attend another service with my aunt. A different man led the gathering and moved around the room to greet each person by name too. 

            While we sang selected songs, the leader constantly scanned the room and moved to those who needed a little encouragement. Throughout the service, he motivated and uplifted the audience with his kindness and compassion.

            One young and the other old, both men faithfully serve the tiny congregation every week. They treat each person with love and dignity. The love of Jesus shows through as they serve the aged. Some with dimming eyes, impaired hearing, and fuzzy minds. Men and women who lived full lives working and serving others, now have two devoted men doing the same for them. The dedicated men see every person living in the facility as precious in God’s sight.

            Their preaching and faithfulness to the elderly will never be announced on the news. There will be no monetary compensation for their time. The reward will be to hear, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” 

            How many others quietly serve with no expectation of fame or riches? Instead of elevating those who love the limelight, look for the humble servants who make life richer and more meaningful for the lonely, widowed, and orphaned. 

            I went to the services to support my aunt but received a powerful lesson in serving from two godly men. 

Loving Father, thank you for those who faithfully serve even when many fail to notice. Help me to love and serve like Jesus. Amen          

            

            

            

Twinkles of Light in the Darkness

A cocoon of fog encased the highway. Mile after mile I could see only a short distance in front of me. The gray tunnel hid trees and buildings along my early morning trip to church. 

            Blurry red spots revealed vehicles ahead of me. Occasional speeding cars illuminated my way for a few seconds before passing and disappearing into the abyss. 

            At a safer speed, I joined an unplanned caravan of autos as we continued a steady pace for miles down the interstate. 

            In my mirror, I could barely recognize a car following me. With his lights off, the driver increased the danger to himself and those behind him. From one exit to another, he remained oblivious to the problem. Finally, he turned on his lights so other drivers could see him. What a relief. 

            In the heavy fog, not one light could illuminate the entire roadway. But each little light made a difference. They helped guide me and prevented a disaster. 

            Those lights reminded me of a scripture I read that morning before getting into my car.  Matthew 5: 16 told of being a light in the world. 

            Sometimes I feel that my little light won’t make much of a difference. Then I remembered things done for me which might have appeared small but touched my heart. A hug during a stressful time. A bowl of homemade soup when I was alone and didn’t feel like cooking. A ride to the doctor when I couldn’t drive. A delicious meal after my surgery. Birthday cards that lined my counter. Words of appreciation. The list could go on and on. 

            Like car lights on a foggy road, our lights can be a guide for someone’s darkness to give hope and encouragement for their journeys as God is glorified. 

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.¹⁵ Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.  Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16 WEB)

Dear Lord, guide to be a light in a dark world. Amen

Baseball Bat Game

Young Life leaders held a baseball bat upright. Campers took turns putting their foreheads on it and turned in circles. Then crowds of young people laughed as they wove and stumbled around. 

            The special needs friends participated in various games on the field with help from their buddies. Several needed a little assistance but a few required more help.

            Buddies for one girl made sure she could play the game despite her wheelchair. Friends cheered as they pushed her wheelchair over the bumpy grass to the bat. Another friend held the bat upright so they could circle it with her wheelchair. Her arms and legs didn’t allow her to touch the bat or run, but her caring friends didn’t leave her out. 

            The grin on her face showed us she felt included and loved. Her friends laughed and cheered.Those watching saw the love of Jesus in the leaders, buddies, and special friends. 

            For the weekend, each Capernaum camper received love and acceptance in a significant way as they experienced a wonderful time with new and old friends. 

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. (Isaiah 40: 29 NKJV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for each of your children. Whether they are strong or weak, they can love and teach each other. Amen

Capernaum is a part of the ministry of Young Life that reaches special needs young people. 

Genuine Love

Lifts lowered wheelchairs to the ground. Special friends departed busses and vans. Camp staff lined the sidewalk and cheered arriving campers. Every special needs young person came with a buddy for the weekend. 

            Young people from all over Florida, came to Young Life’s Capernaum camp. Some traveled for hours to spend a wonderful weekend nestled in the Ocala National Forest. Adult leaders, college and high school students gave up a long weekend to serve and love unconditionally their friends.  For three days, I marveled at the dedication of the buddies and how they tirelessly helped those who often are rejected by society. The joy and smiles of each friend and buddy touched my heart over and over. 

            The first evening during the carnival, music played. Dancers jammed the area. Games and popcorn added to the festivities. Plates of whipped cream went onto leaders’ faces. Excitement filled the air. 

            My eight-year-old granddaughter, Molly, and her friend worked at the tattoo table. Each person selected a unicorn tattoo. The young girls held wet paper towels over each tattoo while the line lengthened. 

            The line grew longer and longer so I started helping out. One young man picked out a tattoo from the designs I showed him. While I held the paper towel on his arm, he looked at me tenderly.  Without a word, he placed his hand over mine until the tattoo was secure. Tears pricked my eyes. 

            Though I was there to help him, his touch of kindness soothed my heart. He never spoke but continued to smile. Then he was gone and off for more fun. 

            That evening began three days of love and service. Instead of listening to news filled with horrible events, I witnessed genuine love and acceptance. 

Most of all friends, always rejoice in the Lord. I never tire of saying rejoice. Rejoice! Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. (Philippians 4: 4 The Voice)

Loving Father, thank you for loving interactions between widely different people. All precious in your sight. Amen

            

            

Melting and Molding the Pieces

Eternal One, my True God I cried out to You for help. You mended the shattered tpieces of my life, You lifted me from the grave with a mighty hand, gave me another chance, and saved me from joining those in that dreadfulpit. 

(Psalm 30: 2-3 The Voice)

Two hours in the dental chair with multiple needles to numb my mouth. Pulling and pulling to remove the cracked crown. Gooey impressions and then, a temporary crown. Even though my dentist and her assistant tried to make the visit as pain free as possible, the whole process was stressful.

            Before I left the office, a small plastic bag was put into my hand. I looked down to see pieces of my fragmented, gold crown. 

            For a few days, the remnants remained in my car. Then I decided to see how much the gold was worth. 

            I walked into a small but attractive jewelry store. Sparkling rings, watches, necklaces and bracelets filled the glass cases. 

            “Do you buy gold?” I asked a man behind the counter.

            “Yes,” he said. 

            Instead of pulling out a long chain or fancy ring, I handed him my broken crown. 

            “Does it have a tooth in it?” he asked as a latex glove went onto his hand.

            “No.” How disgusting that would have been.

            The jeweler determined the quality and weight. After checking the current price of gold, he determined what he would pay me. 

            Though not a large amount, I bought my lunch with enough left for a second meal. 

            The damaged pieces of my crown will be melted down to form something of more value. Perhaps it will be part of a ring, necklace or bracelet to give joy to someone.

            Those pieces reminded me of broken lives that appear damaged beyond repair and worthless. But God can take shattered lives and make them into ones that are beautiful and valuable.  

            The melting process can be painful and heartbreaking. Several times in my life while dealing with divorce, a rebellious child, and death, I felt like nothing worthwhile could come from the sorrow. However, during the refining process, God remained close to heal, form and lead me in a new direction. 

Creator, thank you for molding broken pieces into something worthwhile. Amen