Special Gifts

A gorgeous bouquet of pink roses sat on our table. The gift from Dave and Donita, Alan’s brother and sister-in-law, reminded us of Stephanie and their love and concern. In addition to that lovely tribute, they wanted to purchase a lasting plant for our garden. We decided on a pink rose bush.

We pulled up to a local nursery and immediately went to the area with rows of blooming roses. When a man came to help us, Alan told him we wanted a bush as a memorial to his daughter who had just died. 

“Would you find a good one for us?” he asked.

The man nodded and proceeded to walk through the flowers. He carefully looked at each one and picked up several pots. Finally, he came back and placed a bush down in front of our group.  An array of dark, pink blooms decorated the hearty plant. We all agreed, and the bush was placed into the back of our car.

After Alan closed the trunk, he looked at the man and asked, “How much is it?”

“No charge,” he said as he turned to walk away.

We all looked at each other in amazement. Stunned by his thoughtfulness, we stood in silence.

“Thank you,” we then replied.

When he walked away, he continued, “Money isn’t everything. God bless you.”

What a beautiful gesture for a grieving father. He did not want recognition for what he did but offered his sympathy quietly. We had never met the man but will always remember his compassion during our time of grief. His lovely act of kindness will remind us that seemingly small acts can produce tremendous results. 

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13: 16

Dear Father, thank you for the kindness of strangers. Help me to see and serve my neighbors wherever they may be. Amen

My Neighbor?

As he spoke, my mind traveled from our family room to Israel. But why had our pastor friend, Cliff, chosen Luke 10: 25-37 for Stephanie’s memorial service? 

All eyes were on him, as he captivated those who had assembled for her service.  His telling of the story of the Good Samaritan came from his heart. 

I remembered the lonely, desolate road winding through the desert from Jerusalem to Jericho. Several in the room had been with us on that trip with Cliff. We knew the dangers and isolation of the road. A victim there would definitely need assistance.

Cliff related how the priest and Levite both passed by the injured man. Only the despised Samaritan offered help. He went out of his way to assist someone he didn’t even know. His sacrifice saved a life, but he wasn’t looking for recognition.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  Luke 10: 36-37 (NIV)

Cliff looked at us and asked, “Who is your neighbor?” 

As we pondered the question, he continued, “ We are to serve. Go and do likewise.”

Though Stephanie’s time on earth had ended, we all still have time to reach out. Her untimely death reminded me that no one knows how many days are left. Christians are commanded to reach out to our neighbors wherever they are.

Dear Lord, help me to see and serve my neighbors each day. Amen

A Dad's Legacy

Dada. Daddy. Dad. Father. The name changes over time. Same person but an evolving dad for a changing child. 

Memories tumble around when I think of my dad. Wearing paint splattered overalls and cleaning out smelly brushes, he had painted a house, barn, or schoolroom to supplement his tiny teacher’s salary. He didn’t expect a handout because of his low salary but when I was little, he painted on weekends and summers. 

To obtain his master’s degree, he and his friends drove long distances at night for graduate classes while teaching and coaching. The sacrifices would reap benefits later.

The advanced degree enabled him to become a school principal. A better used car replaced the old paint car. Each new position caused a move to another town. Though hard to leave friends and the familiar, the moves expanded opportunities for all of us. 

Much of our entertainment when I was young was free or very cheap. He played ball with us in the backyard. A tire swing he hung on a big tree kept us occupied for hours and hours. He took us sledding down a farmer’s hill. Movies and eating out were special events, but we didn’t feel deprived by not having lots of expensive toys or trips. 

Fond memories focus on the time spent each summer at our small, rustic family lake cottage. At the time, it was our summer palace. For years there was an outhouse and outside pump which added to its allure. Hour after hour we swam, played cards, fished, boated, and ate with extended family. When motorboats were added, we were thrilled. Then we cruised the lake, rode on homemade boards, and later added skiing. 

As an excited teenager, I took off for college and my new adventure. Homesickness set in when I thought of the family left at home who had cared for and protected me for years. But what I had learned there sustained me.

My life continued happily on with graduation, marriage, moves, and children. Then an unexpected divorce left me devastated and sad but resilient. Christian faith, determination, family values, and compassion that cradled me as a child, youth, and young adult, sustained me as a hurting adult. 

My dad showed up to paint my house, attend to small repairs, fix up my yard, and play with my children. Just being there made a huge difference.

Age has slowed but not stopped his activities even as he still plays softball. His legacy continues with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He makes cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and illnesses. He plays catch with a rising softball player, listens to young readers, and plays silly games with toddlers. 

I am blessed to have my dad. Happy Father’s Day.

Bent but Not Broken

A mass of ominous clouds swirled closer and closer. Within a few minutes, they slammed the door shut on the sun. Almost instantly, a cheerful, bright afternoon vanished.

A piercing alarm sounded. The weather radio blared warnings of severe thunderstorms in our area.

Winds roared. Sheets of water ran across the lake. Trees struggled to stay upright. Their trunks bent back and forth like a boxer pelted by his opponent. Thunder crashed. Lightning cracked nearby. Torrential rains slammed trees, bushes, and flowers relentlessly. Water gushed from downspouts towards the lake. My normally serene sanctuary turned into a horrendous tempest. 

Finally, only gentle rain hit the roof in the darkness. Morning would reveal the damage.

As the sun rose, I returned to my favorite spot on the patio to survey the damage.  Surprisingly, only a few small, dead branches and palm fronds littered the yard. Strong trees stood proudly. Bushes glistened. Flowers sparkled. The horrific storm cleansed the landscape and shook loose limbs free. 

Though bent and plummeted by the intense wind and rain, the trees stood firm. Their flexibility enabled them to bend but not break. Deep roots anchored them securely. Intertwining roots of nearby trees added further support. 

Like my majestic trees, when we are flexible during the storms and rooted with Jesus, we can withstand life’s trials. Difficulties become manageable  when  we are supported by those around us.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. 

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43: 2

Heavenly Father, thank you for holding us up during our storms. Amen

A Time for Everything

Waves tickled the lake. Mallards quacked a greeting to passing white ducks. A double picture of lake, trees, and sky loomed before me. One clear and solid. The other a wavy reflection. My serene sanctuary provided the perfect setting to contemplate the upcoming day. 

Preparations had been made for Stephanie’s memorial service. Only last minute details remained. Family and friends would arrive at our home to celebrate her life. 

As I thought of the upcoming service, I realized, with a start, that today was our seventh anniversary. With all the plans for the memorial, I had temporarily forgotten. 

It would be a day intertwined with happiness and grief.  A day of contrasts. Happy, sad. Joy, sorrow. Anticipation, regret. Hellos, goodbyes. 

My time of serenity by the lake would help me face the trials of the day. 

During the service, Pastor Gus’s message stressed that life is composed of certain periods and seasons which perfectly mirrored my morning devotional time. With God, we can face both the good and the bad knowing it is all part of His plan. 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-9 (NIV)

... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4: 11-13  (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and comfort in all situations. Thank you for the loving arms that surround us-often given by your servants. Amen