Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A Dirty Mess





Sweat dribbled down my face. An old straw hat covered hair plastered to my head. Dirt splattered my worn pants, baggy shirt, and tattered work gloves. 
After pulling mounds of weeds, pruning overgrown bushes, and digging up encroaching plants, the trash bags grew heavy. Bending, lifting, and dragging wearied my aching body. 

In the shade of the welcoming oak tree, I plopped to the grass to rest and observe. Ducks waddled to the bird feeder searching for wayward seeds. Two hawks stared at me from high in the cypress. 

Next to me, a baby lizard scaled a blade of grass. At the top, he strutted as though he’d climbed Mt. Everest. His teeny head and beady eyes swiveled to scan the landscape.

Only a few tufts away, a harried troop of ants scurried up and down the blades of grass. The lizard disappeared into the lawn missing the feast so close to him.

Larger lizards scampered up the oak never venturing into the grass. Overhead birds bellowed and flew away. A snakebird skimmed the lake.

Only when I stopped to rest did I really see the marvelous wildlife around me. When worn out, dirty, and a mess, I met God. 

He was in the wee lizard and the towering trees. His majesty showed in billowing clouds and gentle breezes. His creation was displayed in the hawks and the mounds of debris. 

Dressed in my Sunday best in magnificent churches, I have felt God. But I have also met him in a hospital room and soup kitchen. He has been in a squatters’ camp in Africa and refugee mission in Austria. He showed himself in a child’s hug and a phone call at the right time. 

Jesus doesn’t just welcome me when I am cleaned up and think my life is in perfect order. The Holy Spirit embraces me even when I am a dirty mess. 

When I was down and a rumpled mess, my eyes opened to the miracles around me. No matter what condition I am in, Jesus meets me there. Miracles happen.

Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28: 20

Lord, thank you for being with me even when I am a total mess. Open my eyes to see the miracles around me. Amen

Thursday, August 23, 2012

God's Answer




For years I prayed for the right wife for my son Chris. Bring someone who is a Christian and is good with money. Then I waited.

His life took him from high school, into the US Navy, and back home for college. He began attending Northland and continued his work with Young Life. Along the way, he met a young lady.

I heard about Anne. Finally, I met the mysterious girl. Her name came up more and more in conversation. Then she started coming to our home.

They both went to church, and she had a job while in school. At first, I didn’t think about my two prayer requests, but  Anne did fit.

After dating for a while, one night Chris and Anne came in the door, and he announced, “We’re engaged!!” I was thrilled with his choice.

Her progression from college student, to teacher, wife, and mother has been a beautiful transition. In each role, she shows compassion and love. That also extends to her extended family and friends. 

Chris and Anne are devoted to God and share their faith with others. They strive to spend money wisely and are generous in giving to God too. 

Though my list of requirements was short, God added many more important qualities. Her dedication and devotion to her family and friends is remarkable. She takes care of others and is constantly thinking of ways to help. She has to be reminded to do things for herself.

Even though I was beyond the child bearing years, God gave me a special daughter-in-love. 

Happy birthday, Anne. I pray that you continue to bless others and are blessed by God.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Old Cushions




“Pull me, grandma.”

With her six year old hands clutching the aqua noodle, I dragged Emily through the water. She squealed. We laughed as drips cascaded down our faces.

When I pulled her close to me, her young hand brushed my back near my arm. “You have a cushion,” she said.

It took me a second to realize what she meant. “What?” I asked.

As her hand pushed in and out on what used to be lean muscle, she grinned. “You have a cushion. I don’t.”

“Just wait until you’re older. I didn’t used to have a cushion either.”

We continued playing in the water. I showed her some exercises with the noodle. “We do this in my water zumba class.”

“Who is we? Are there other old ladies in the class?” she inquired with a laugh.

“Emily!” her mom admonished.

Did you say other old ladies?” I asked because I had missed the word other.

My sweet granddaughter nodded. 

“Do you think I’m old?” 

With six year old logic, she replied, “No, old ladies have gray hair. Your hair is brown.”

My young granddaughters keep me smiling and laughing with their innocence, exuberance, and antics. They also help me to not take myself too seriously. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

You Don't Know the End of the Story




 With drapes drawn, Ashlyn, Emily, and I settled down on the couch in their dim living room. Their glowing reports filled me with anticipation. Since their movies are carefully screened, I knew it would be appropriate for grandma too. 

I was prepared to be entertained. Soothing music accompanied opening scenes of Clearwater, Florida. Memories surfaced of beach time there during my college days. 

Snuggled next to me, Emily provided commentary for the show. “This part is funny,” she said over and over while adding details.

“Emily, don’t tell grandma what’s going to happen,” older sister Ashlyn admonished.

 Talking ceased. Three sets of eyes stared at the television. All of us were completely engrossed in the riveting tale.

“Oh, no!” I exclaimed when something bad or troubling happened. Emily would turn and smile at me. 

Unexpected trials. Difficult situations. Heartbreak. One after the other. Some scenarios were too close to home, and some like those of people I knew. Surprisingly, neither of the girls seemed affected by the traumas like I was. 

At one point, tears trickled down my face. Emily gazed into my watery eyes but made no comment. More tears slipped over my cheeks.

Finally, she said, “Grandma, you don’t know the end of the story.”

Later, resolutions came to the characters. Everything wasn’t perfect, but obstacles were overcome. Smiles and laughter returned both on the screen and in the living room.

My anguish and tears didn’t change the outcome but decreased my enjoyment. Ashlyn and Emily knew that things worked out in the end so they didn’t despair.

Like the movie, life is crammed with unforeseen and unsettling circumstances. Desperation, loneliness, and failure appear to determine the ending. It is easy to get depressed with unpleasant situations, but Emily’s words apply not only to a favored movie but also to life.

As Christians we know the director and producer who resolves conflicts and makes all things new. When faith and trust replace fear and worry, the tough spots are easier because He knows the ending even when we don’t. 


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

Heavenly Father, guide me as I struggle through life. Strengthen my faith and trust in you who knows the ending. Amen


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Expanding Gifts



Sweltering heat and intense sun drew customers. As a welcome addition to their parents’ garage sale, Ashlyn, Emily, and Molly opened a lemonade stand. The cool, icy drink soothed parched throats and jingled money in their coin box. Later it would be dropped into open piggybanks. 
Behind the table and elaborate sign, the two older girls sat waiting patiently for more customers. Their mom’s friend arrived with her three elementary aged children who quickly bought lemonade and stood in the shade. 
Down the street, the squealing of brakes and banging of cans announced the garbage truck. 
“Girls, why don’t you see if the garbagemen would like some free lemonade?” their dad asked. 
Immediately, they jumped up and ran to the curb. When the truck stopped in front of their house, outgoing Emily asked, “Would you like some free lemonade?”
With a puzzled expression, the sweating man said, “What?”
“Would you like some free lemonade?” she asked again.
“Yes,” he replied with a smile.
Both girls rushed back to their table. Six year old Emily dumped ice in the cups, and eight year old Ashlyn poured the liquid. Each carried a blue cup to the waiting man. 
After putting their family’s trash in the truck, he gratefully accepted the delicious gift. His smile covered his face as he thanked my granddaughters. He gulped the soothing liquid and took the other cup to his driver. It was a welcome break in their scorching, grueling day.
During the scenario, I watched three stunned children stare at what was going on. Like a line of soldiers, they followed every movement without a word. It was as though they didn’t understand what was happening. Why would two girls give lemonade to strangers passing by? 
Emily and Ashlyn have learned to share and serve others in many ways. For instance, they have served the homeless, made cookies for neighbors and garbagemen, given money to sick children, and worked at the food pantry. Giving has always been a normal part of their lives.
The lemonade gift became larger as it was shared. Not only was thirst quenched, but those two men will remember the kindness of two little girls. Perhaps the children watching will realize they can also serve. The story will spread, the ripples widen, and gifts will increase.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

An Amazing Performance



My yard was like a scene from Hitchcock’s “The Birds” as feathered creatures swooped, shrieked,  and took over the bald cypress. As if on cue, the noisy  assembly rose as one and descended on a stately pine across the lake. Stragglers jammed a neighboring palm, rattled my gutters, and resumed their migratory route.
A flurry of activity at the bird feeder gave me a front seat to more shows. Two red winged blackbirds perched precariously as they contorted their bodies to snatch seeds. Their unexpected appearance reminded me of my childhood in Indiana.
When they left, a yellow-bellied sapsucker ceased drilling the oak tree. He demanded his spot at the feeder from two small sparrows who quickly grabbed some seeds and left. More teeny birds circled the perch of the feeder like a family at the dinner table. Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal played king of the feeder by alternating their positions and scaring away the smaller birds. 
My head swiveled as I tried to watch my three ringed circus of activity. A pair of mallards skimmed the lake while a quartet zoomed overhead. Silhouetted in my lofty cypress more unexpected guests vied for bare branches as they squawked and yelled. 
Toward the lake, I noticed landing gear lowered as a flock of ducks splashed onto the water. A blue heron sauntered in the shallows searching for prey. 
My normal Bible and devotional readings were shortened because of my private, perfectly orchestrated extravaganza. What a blessing to enjoy the creation around me. Each species displayed unique behaviors, colors, and sounds which melded into an intricate, inspiring performance.
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds and every winged bird according to their kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1: 20-21 (NIV)
Creator, thank you for the beauty of your creation. Give me eyes to see it in the midst of the busy world. Amen