Blessings Even in Darkness

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4: 5-7 (NIV)

Rain slapped the roof of my patio. Wind churned the lake and whipped the trees. Thunder rumbled. What welcome sounds after months of barely a drizzle. I didn’t mind a storm as long as rain accompanied it. 

            My view had included brown grass, droopy flowers and lower lake level so I longed for refreshing.  

            In the predawn darkness, I only heard the crescendo and decrescendo of the rain. Thunder grew louder and closer. But thankfulness filled me as the showers increased. 

            Even though blackness blocked seeing the rain, I knew the lawn, trees and flowers devoured the life-giving gift. 

            Dawn would bring reality to my vision. The lake level would be up. Dust and pollen would be washed away. Leaves would sparkle in the sunshine. Limp blooms would wave. My garden would be cleansed and invigorated.  

            Even in the darkness, rain restores and exhilarates. 

            In the same way, we often don’t see God working but observe the results. 

            A friend’s recent scan revealed no cancer even though a previous one showed multiple tumors. Peace overtakes anxiety in difficult situations. Kindness appears in the midst of grief. A prodigal child calls home. A family is reunited. The list could go on and on as we remember. 

            Just as I am thankful for the revitalizing rain, I am thankful for the blessings God brings, especially during our dark times.    

Loving Father, thank you for the times you work in our lives in unseen but amazing ways. Help us look for you and share how you bless us. 

Amen

            

            

            

            

From Barren to Beautiful

 From Barren to Beautiful

Rebecca Carpenter

May 3, 2024

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:12-15 (NIV)

Eleven years ago, Alan and I tramped through sand to look for the right spot for our new home. Only a few lots remained along a peaceful lake. Seven spindly cypress trees stood along the shore but a forest enclosed the opposite side. 

            The realtor waited as we examined the potential home site. Even with nothing but barrenness and trees slightly taller than Alan, we saw a future dream and decided on the lot. 

            “We will take this one,” Alan said. 

            “Go home and think about it,” she replied. 

            Though shocked by her response, we agreed. After discussing the options, the following day we gave her a check and started the buying process.  

            A little over eleven years later, the view is much different. The tall cypress limbs reach out to hug each other and form a lovely border. A tiny oak grew into a towering shade tree and home for a variety of wildlife. Green grass forms a carpet over the sandy soil. Multicolored flowers edge the shore and fill beds. 

            We sold our large, dream home to move to a community with a smaller house. We had planned to remain in the first place for many more years until Alan became ill with pulmonary fibrosis. 

            After his diagnosis and declining health, he announced one day that we should sell the house, downsize and move to a place where the yard would be taken care of and life would be easier for me. 

            Even though the truth of his impending death was difficult to accept, we both realized it was the right decision. 

            Building a new home, kept us busy and helped distract us from the reality of his terminal disease. Although most of the time, outwardly he seemed fine to others, we knew he could no longer play racquet ball, mow the lawn or travel. Our lives had changed dramatically. 

             Downsizing, packing, selling one house and working on building a second one, being a trustee for my parents… became too overwhelming. For a time, we took our home off the market because it was just too much. Looking back, I am amazed at how God took me through all of it. 

            During that time, both of my parents went into a nursing home and then to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to receive twenty-four hour care. 

My dad passed away in May before we moved in August as mother’s health weakened. We looked forward to getting involved in our neighborhood. But that didn’t happen. 

            Alan’s health quickly declined and four months later, he passed away. My family, friends-old and new-surrounded me with love and comfort. My life changed drastically. 

            As I navigated being alone, my once desolate homesite became a much-needed sanctuary for my peace and comfort. God took something barren and made something beautiful. 

My life has not turned out the way I once hoped but God has taken the pain, burdens and troubles and made something new. Even in the midst of tribulations, I have been loved and blessed. 

            Unexpected tears came as I wrote and remembered. Then I realized my mom left us ten years ago last month. Alan’s birthday is May 5 and the eleventh anniversary of dad’s passing is on May 8. No wonder tears flowed. Grief poured over me as I miss them all but I know I am not alone. 

Loving Father, even in my hardest times, you provide for me and bless me in amazing ways. Thank you.

Amen

Overcoming Obtrusive Squawking

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:14-18 (NIV)

 

A light haze drifted across the lake, blurred the forest and dimmed the dawn’s light. 

            Hidden birds sang joyful songs. Then crows’ obtrusive squawking overtook the cheerful melodies. All I could hear was their annoying caws. When they briefly paused their commotion, pleasant trills echoed around the lake. But noise soon returned. 

            I struggled to hear the captivating morning tunes and tried to ignore the self-absorbed discord but it was almost impossible. 

            Unfortunately, our culture has been bombarded by unhappy, self-absorbed people who believe that by being noisy and obnoxious they can get their way. 

            If only, we could return to listening to God’s voice in our hostile, angry world. By following the examples of Jesus and teachings from God’s Word, we can offer encouragement, love and compassion to conflicted, hurting and discouraged people. 

Loving Father, show us how to love and care for each other instead of attacking and tearing down. Help us show kindness even when it is hard.

Amen 

            

The Perplexing Last Supper

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

John 13:1 (NIV)

John and I walked through throngs of people searching for a man carrying a jug of water. Several women with water jugs passed by since they normally get water for their families.  Finally, we spotted him and followed at a distance. 

            When he stopped and put the water container down, I stepped up and said, “The Teacher and his disciples will observe the Passover meal at your house.”

            With no argument, he nodded and led us to an upper room where we prepared for the Passover meal.  John and I looked forward to a quiet meal with Jesus and the other disciples. 

            That didn’t happen. Jesus’ announcements that night startled and perplexed us from the beginning. 

            We began eating the special meal like we did each year. Instead of just reciting the rituals for the meal, Jesus blessed and broke the bread. As we took it, he said, “Take eat. This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  

            Before I could ask what he meant, Jesus took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it. “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

            Confused faces filled the silent room. Of course, we heard all kinds of parables at he taught but this seemed different. Bread and body. Wine and blood. New covenant. We had the Old Testament covenant. Wasn’t that good enough? 

            Just as I began to ask questions, Jesus stood, took off his outer garment and wrapped a towel around his waist. Another surprise??

            We had enough to figure out and then he stopped in front of me with a basin of water. No slaves had come to clean my grubby feet. Why would Jesus stoop to that humiliating task? 

            “Are you going to wash my feet?”

            Jesus nodded with a smile. 

            “No. Never!” I exclaimed. 

            “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

            I certainly didn’t want to miss out. “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well.”

            The Master moved around the room cleansing grime off filthy feet. No one else protested as all eyes marveled at his humility.

            However intense sorrow covered his face as he lovingly washed the unclean feet of Judas. There was no condemnation even though the two of them knew the conspirator would turn his Teacher over to the religious authorities that night. 

            When he finished washing our feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. For years we had watched him heal, preach, and love so why was he showing us how to wash feet during a meal? We listened intently for a lesson that we knew would come.

            “I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet so you also should wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example that you should do what I did for you. I give you a new command. Love each other as I have loved you.”

            After just telling us to love others, his next words contradicted the new command. “One of you is going to betray me,” he said.  

How could that be? We had spent three years listening, learning  and loving him. Murmurings sounded around the room. 

            “Is it me?” 

            Others echoed my question. The Lord only said, “The one who dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.”

            We often dipped bread in a common dish at our meals so I had no idea who the traitor was. Judas took off about that time when Jesus said, “Go quickly and do what you have to do.”

            Since Judas took care of our finances, we believed he was taking care of a money matter. 

            A troubled mood settled over the room. Jesus looked sadly at each of us. “You will all fall away. But after I am risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

            “Maybe the others will leave but I never will,” I told him proudly. 

            “Peter, tonight before the cock crows you will deny me three times.”

            How could Jesus say those things about me? “Even if I have to die or go to prison, I won’t disown you.”

            I was confident my faith was strong and I would never deny my Teacher. But Jesus knew and loved me anyway. 

Father, even as Jesus faced a horrific death, he taught and loved those who would betray and deny him. Help us follow his command to love as he has loved us. Amen

Grief at the Grocery

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: 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 those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it

Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)

 

Groceries filled one bag after another as the customer placed her items into the cart. No one spoke as she and the clerk worked together to finish her shopping trip. She was out of breath as she moved in front of me to pay. 

            “Are you ok?” I asked the obviously stressed lady. 

            “No. My friend just died. Her family came and there is no food for them. I just wanted to do something.”

            My heart broke. Every time I hear of someone losing a loved one, my heart hurts. 

            Another employee pushed the cart to her car. The clerk and I expressed our sadness at the news. 

            When my granddaughter, Molly, joined me, I explained about the lady and said, “I have to give her one of my grief books.”

            I reached into my car and pulled out the bag of books. Only my book Hope in Isolation remained. But I knew the lady needed my book, Ambushed by Glory in My Grief. Molly said that I should give her the Isolation one. 

            I looked across the parking lot but the lady had disappeared. How could she have left so quickly? I searched the parking lot and was ready to give up. 

            Unexpectedly, she appeared from behind her car. I hurried to catch her before she drove away.  However, she turned and headed back into the store. Molly and I dashed to catch her. When we moved through the door, there was no evidence of the elusive woman. 

            I decided we would have to branch out and search the store and hope we didn’t lose her again. Then I looked up and there she stood down a nearby aisle.  I moved as quickly as I could without running through the store. 

            I didn’t want to startle her so I slowed down. “I just saw you in line. I am sorry about your friend. I wrote a book on grief and wanted you to have it.”

            “What is its name?” She pulled out a pen. I showed her a picture of Ambushed by Glory in My Grief.

            “I want to give you this other book I wrote since I don’t have the one on grief.” 

            Tears came. Two strangers hugged surrounded by rows of salad dressings. Molly stood nearby and watched. 

            “Thank you.”

            “I will be praying for you.” 

            “Isn’t it amazing how God works?” I said to Molly as we left the store. 

            She gave me a high five as we both felt the joy of helping a grieving lady.  

            Molly reminded me of the series of events. “If we hadn’t eaten so many strawberries, we wouldn’t have come to buy more. We went to a different store. We didn’t go to the express lane because I didn’t want to walk that far.”

            Then I added. “I don’t always talk to customers but she looked distressed.”

            We pondered the ways God used circumstances for us to minister to the grieving lady. 

            Since that day, we returned to the same store and hoped we would see her. We didn’t but the beautiful memory remains. 

She needed kindness in her pain and the Holy Spirit led us to be like Jesus. 

Loving Father, thank you for arranging our encounter by nudging us to help a stranger. Help us listen and with our actions to be more like Jesus.

Amen

A Spot of Color in the Gloom

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

 

An ashen blanket hovered over the lake which blotted out the sunrise as light eased into the darkness. Somber trees cast their reflections onto the lake like a giant mirror. 

            Naked cypress trees waited to be dressed by shoots of green. Winter’s brown grass bordered the shoreline. Even still green plants dimmed under slate clouds.  Brown and gray birds flew among the trees and rustled leaves. 

            A chorus of bird melodies filled the air from one end of the lake to the other. But a lone sandhill crane’s harsh bellowing interrupted their happy songs. 

            Nothing about my view projected joy or excitement but a sense of peace and calmness engulfed me. 

            A spot of color caught my attention. An azalea’s pink blooms broke the dreariness and made me smile. Despite its dismal surroundings, the flower flourished and produced a blessing. 

            Even when our days bring discouragement and trials, we can find touches of hope and joy. 

            We can also be that special light in someone else’s darkness. An act of love and kindness doesn’t have to be major to be significant. 

            Look for something around you today which lifts you up. Do something for someone else today that is unexpected. 

Lord, give us courage and wisdom to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Also, guide us to notice the blessings around us each day.

Amen

An Abundance of Weeds

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (NIV)

Warmer weather took me out to my weed infested yard. Why do weeks flourish when desirable plants don’t?

            Bags filled as I pruned off dead branches, picked up fallen twigs and yanked stubborn invaders.  The front, back and one side were done first since I see those areas the most. 

            A few days later I decided to tackle the remaining side which I rarely see. With a burst of energy, I pulled on a pair of gloves and pushed my wheelbarrow filled with garbage bags, a selection of shovels and a bucket to the far side of my home.  A carpet of green covered the mulch all along the house.

            I plopped down on the ground and began tugging the unwelcome greenery and placing it into a bucket. Over and over, I dumped the pail’s contents into a black garbage bag. A few fan-shaped plants came up easily. Only a shovel could extract lengthy roots deep in the ground of other aliens. 

            Sweat dripped as I moved inch by inch down the wall. Spiky pineapple blades scratched my arms when I yanked on weeds growing under them. Ten pineapple plants shared a space with innumerable, flourishing pests. 

            When my eyes looked to the remaining leafy trespassers, I wanted to throw my gloves in the wheelbarrow and escape. My back ached, my parched throat longer for water, and dirt clung to my clothes.

            An argument went on in my head. One side said to stop. The other one pleaded to finish. 

            As the squabble continued, I glanced at the portion I had finished. A sense of accomplishment filled me. Compared to what I had done, only a small section remained. 

            A handful of weeds dropped into my container. Since I was already dirty, what was a few more minutes?

            The argument wasn’t completely over. However, the view of my weedless garden inspired me to finish the job. 

In life challenges and obstacles seem crushing. Quitting appears to be the only answer. 

But when we look back at what we have overcome, the future can be less ominous. Encouragement overtakes despair.

When I pray for peace, strength and wisdom, God leads the way. A Bible verse comes to mind. A call or visit brings hope. A sermon teaches. A song calms. 

When my next disappointment or difficulty comes, I need to remember the mass of weeds that I attacked and completed. 

On earth we will face troubles but we have a Helper to get us through. 

Lord, give us peace and strength to face struggles. Help us remember how you have gotten us through tough times in the past.

Amen