Self-sacrificing Friends

Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:18-20 (NIV)

My week at the Young Life camp in Georgia immersed me into the lives of teens. Even as a grandparent figure, they welcomed me. 

            Watching the young people learn about Jesus and help each other touched my heart. 

            During our week, a group of special needs teenagers joined the able-bodied ones as all participated in the activities. One young lady sang the national anthem acapella for over six hundred people before dinner one night. The crowd cheered when she finished. 

            Each day she stood with her buddy in front of me at club. She sang, danced and made adults smile at her enthusiasm. 

            When a young man in a wheelchair entered the clubroom with his friends, they helped him get down steps to be with the other students. At the end of the program, one would retrieve his wheelchair and push him away. Their kindness and service showed the love of Jesus. 

            Those friends made sure he enjoyed all aspects of camp. During western night, he was placed in line for the Virginia reel. Partners swirled around him so he could be part of the dance. 

            The following day his friends accomplished something I didn’t even try. A long, steep climb to the top of the mountain gave trekkers an opportunity to see the incredible view. Even though I would have loved to observe the panorama, my asthma kept me on the less strenuous trail. 

            The hike was known to be challenging but they endured the climb while carrying their friend in a sling over two poles on their shoulders.  They ignored their own obstacles to give him a view from the top. A second group carried a girl with a boot on her leg to the pinnacle. At least eight young men made their journey more difficult because of carrying a heavy load. 

            Their selfless actions reminded me of the men who lowered their friend through the roof to be healed by Jesus. But instead of lowering them, the teen boys carried two friends to experience Jesus. 

            When I see students violently protesting or complaining about insignificant matters, I will remember the young men who sacrificially assisted their friend all week to make his camp experience as meaningful as theirs. They truly showed the love of Jesus as they served with no thought of recognition for themselves. 

Loving Father, show us daily how we can serve sacrificially. Bless the young people who care for others and give us a beautiful example to follow.

Amen

       

Night of Laughter and Dancing

 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Close to six hundred teenagers, leaders, staff and their families, volunteer teens and adult guests formed a long procession down a dirt road to western themed night. Everyone dressed for the occasion at Sharptop Cove, a Young Life camp, in Georgia. 

            The teens had no idea what awaited them at the end of the road. But when they arrived, the fun began. Carnival games were set up for them to win tickets. They shot basketballs into hoops, footballs through hula hoops, set up bottles with a loop on a stick, knocked blocks over with a ball…When they won five tickets, they could throw a pie in their leader’s face. Five more tickets and they could spray the pie off their faces. 

            Popcorn and cotton candy were also available. No cost for anything and there was lots of laughing as music played.       After a while, students were instructed to form two lines-one of boys and one of girls. They circled behind a small barn and out the front. Couples were formed from the two lines and instructed to sit in groups of sixteen. The announcer told them to ask their partner where they were from and get to know each other while they waited for everyone to pair off. 

            Four couples then demonstrated how to do a simple square dance. The dancers stood and began the Virginia Reel. When someone didn’t know where to go, others told them. They laughed and moved down the line. Students came from Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Some were from affluent neighborhoods and others from the inner city. Some were black and others were white. The differences didn’t matter. They grabbed hands and danced. 

            Probably most of them had never done that type of dancing. But they joined in and had a great time with people they had never met. 

            When I watched the group, my heart was full. Unlike the world we had escaped for a while, no one was left out. No one was putting anyone down for being different. Hundreds of young people became kids with no problems delighting in the evening.

            With no phones for a week, the teenagers focused on being present and enjoying activities at camp. I pray that they will remember the joy of camp and learning how to love each other and God.

Loving Father, continue to be with those who attended camp and help them see how much God loves them. Change lives and strengthen the faith of those who accepted Jesus. Work in each life.

Amen

The Man with the Wrinkled Cardboard Sign

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Hebrews 13:1-3 (NIV)

The light turned red. A man holding a folded-up cardboard sign stood between lanes of cars and looked into an open car window. When he shuffled to the median next to me, I remembered there was a bag for such a situation in my car. 

            My hand reached behind my seat to try to find it in the nest of cloth shopping bags. Miraculously, I grabbed it on the first attempt. 

            I kept watching the traffic light to be sure it remained red. My arm held the bag out to the man in weathered clothes as he neared me. 

            “Thank you,” he said. He looked at the bottle of water and granola bar and back to me. 

            “That man… He said… I have to go lie down.” He couldn’t finish.  

            My heart broke as tears glazed his eyes. 

            “I am not a bad person. I don’t steal.”

            We locked eyes. The light changed and we moved apart forever. 

            Why did the driver feel he should berate the guy who hadn’t yelled, been disrespectful or violent? But he voiced upsetting words to an already forlorn fellow. The consequences of his actions would never be known to him but devastated his target. 

            All the way home, the sadness and tears of the anguished soul burdened my heart. No matter what caused him to stand on streets hoping for handouts, he was still a man loved by God. He didn’t deserve the abuse. 

            The homeless aren’t always treated badly but more often ignored. Overlooked as though they are nothing. 

            No matter the circumstances people find themselves in, we can be kind and show the love of Jesus. 

            That man and I will probably never see each other again but I hope our brief interaction gave him a bit of encouragement and hope. 

            At home, I started filling plastic bags because I never know when they will be needed. Of course, a smile and kind word are readily available without a bag. 

Loving God, show us who needs a kind word, smile and encouragement. Guide us to help those who are in difficult circumstances and to not look down on the trampled.

Amen

Seeing Clearly

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature^[ God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature^[of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:1-7 (NIV)

White dotted mounds of green glitter in the sunshine. Gleaming insects flitter above the lake. White spots on slender stems wave in the breeze near the water. Masses of emerald on tall trees quiver with the wind. 

            Nothing in my view toward the lake is clear. Since cataract surgery, my distance eye’s clarity declined. Only glasses bring far away objects into focus. 

Since I remembered my crystal-clear sight after LASIK several years ago, I assumed the outcome would be the same. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Eye drops and glasses help but do not solve the problem. Of course, I long to see better but am learning to adapt.

            As I look out toward my lovely view, I know I am not seeing its actual beauty but only a blurry image. 

            What else have I missed? Do I observe the pain and hurt in eyes around me? Do I discern who could use a hug or word of encouragement? Do I neglect to share with people who are searching for Jesus? Do I pass by someone when I should stop to check on them? None of these would improve with eyeglasses. 

            Perhaps busyness, selfishness or lack of confidence cloud my field of vision and distract me from what God wants me to do. 

            When I pray for God’s direction, the eyes of my heart can see more clearly with love and compassion. 

Father, help me to truly see and care of those I come in contact with including those I know and those I meet briefly. Guide me to follow your will.

Amen

Caring for Plants and People

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NET)

Orchids, spider plants, succulents, peace lilies, basil… fill areas of my patio. Plant stands hold several varieties. Large pots contain foliage reaching towards the ceiling. Smaller ones have a variety of herbs. Christmas cactus wait for winter to sprout blooms from each pointed leaf. Aloe fan out from clay pots. 

            My attempts to provide the right water, sunlight and nutrients often fall short. A few hardy specimens need a small amount of water and aren’t picky about sunlight. 

            Once a week, orchids soak for several minutes in a tub. Then they drip before returning to their containers. 

            Aloe require an occasional drink. Herbs dry quickly so need small but frequent waterings. 

            Ceramic flowerpots with a mixture of foliage pose a problem. Some of the plants wilt while the rest seem fine. Do I water for the wilted ones or would that be too much for the more hardy ones?  

            I enjoy my assortment of greenery but caring for them takes time and discernment of what they need. Sometimes the results are not the best. 

            A wide assortment of friends and family members, require time and discernment for how to nurture and love too.  

            A few independent ones only need occasional encouragement to thrive. Most require a more regular schedule of care. However, a smaller number demand constant affirmation and guidance. 

            Because we interact with others, we need to realize every person is a unique creation.  God designed different temperaments, gifts, and abilities. 

            We can’t expect everyone to be just like us or the way we would like them to be. 

            But we can love, guide and care for them like Jesus. Help them live according to God’s will and not ours. 

Heavenly Father, how amazing that you have created distinctive individuals. Show us how to bring out the best in each person as we use our own gifts and talents.

Amen

Moving the Tassels

Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course.

Proverbs 22:6 (The Voice)

A sea of blue flowed into the sanctuary as graduates processed down the aisle to the stage. Family members and friends searched faces to find their senior. 

            There was an air of excitement tinged with sadness. A time of youthful celebration before stepping into a world of adults. 

            As each graduate’s name was called, the student stepped forward. Parents joined them while a student narrated video of each one played. A progression of pictures showed for every student growth from babes, toddlers, young children and into teens. 

            Hugs and tears accompanied the diploma and a yellow rose given to the parents. 

            Students revealed their love for God and their families in the videos and speeches by three graduates. Obviously, strong relationships united the school and families. 

            Instead of angry protests and hateful speeches, love and a sense of community filled the room. The audience celebrated accomplishments and supported the class as they looked to the future. 

            Many received scholarships to help as they moved to a variety of schools and careers in science, education, missions, business, cosmetology, nursing, engineering, songwriting, theater, psychology, firefighting…

            Opportunities await as they loosen grips on cherished friendships and a tight knit school to spread their wings in new endeavors. 

            All over the country, students are moving tassels to signify moving on. Students at ICS have received their education in a Christian environment. 

But not all students have the blessing of godly support from family and friends. Some reach the age of graduation but never finish. They will probably face more obstacles and uncertainty. 

            All young people in late teens and twenties will be making adult decisions. 

Loving Father, guide the young people here and around the world as they enter adulthood. Provide people to support, pray and love them. Help them know Jesus, pray often and share the Gospel with those around them. Be with parents as they learn to lovingly let go of their precious children.

Amen

 

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