How Can I Rejoice?

Life is really hard. So many difficult questions remain unanswered. Why did innocent children and teachers die at school? Why were people killed while watching a movie? Why are people starving? Why does war rage around the world? Scenes of anger, fear, and hopelessness dominate the news. 

Trials have hit my family this year. Alan’s daughter died too young. The pulmonologist somberly told us that Alan’s lung disease was getting worse. Mother continues to deal with complicated health issues after weeks in the hospital and rehab. A cousin just had surgery for cancer. Several friends are in treatment for cancer. Right before Christmas, my dad’s sister died. Soon after Christmas, my mom’s brother entered Hospice care. Family trials can be as distressing at the national news. 

Each situation could consume lives and cause despair. The Bible tells us that in this world there will be troubles. 

For the last two days, God spoke and comforted me with the same Scripture.

But we are citizens of heaven, exiles on earth waiting eagerly for a Liberator, our Lord Jesus the Annointed, to come and transform these humble, earthly bodies into the form of His glorious body by the same power that brings all things under His control. Philippians 3:20-21 (The Voice)

Most of all friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice. Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Annointed One. 

Philippians 4:4-7 (The Voice)

Father, even in trials, you offer comfort. Instead of being worried, help us rely on you for comfort and peace. Remind us that we are merely traveling through but should lead others on the same journey.. Amen

Unexpected Thankfulness

“I admired your dad,” a former classmate wrote on facebook. “It wasn’t any one thing, but the way he lived. He showed he could be trusted and stood up for what he believed.”

As principal of our school, my dad often heard what people didn’t like, but forty-five years later he learned of the positive impact he had on one grateful student. 

When I reconnected with one of my former students on facebook, I also received a message of appreciation. His path of education--now headed to a Ph.D--began in elementary school. His thanks, for my hard work and dedication as his fifth grade teacher, made my day. 

We often think only grand ventures are significant. But people notice small gestures, simple words, and everyday activities when we don’t even know anyone is watching. Each day lives are affected by those around them. What a blessing to know when we have touched a life.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all thanked someone unexpectedly for what they did for us? Everyone loves to be appreciated.

The Almost Forgotten Nativity

Tucked away in a closet, I found a fifth nativity set. Laying in the stable were three plastic figures-Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. In a plastic container mixed with farm animals, I discovered more pudgy characters. A shepherd, two wisemen, a girl holding a jar, and an angel added to the display. A lamb, cow, horse, and chicken joined the group. Since chickens and horses aren’t usually part of a traditional nativity, I put them back in the box with the other animals that were part of a farm set. 

In the toy nativity, every chubby person was smiling. Even the animals were rotund and lovable. They weren’t fragile or carefully crafted by an artist. They enticed tiny hands to clutch and play with them. Little hands could move them into place and rearrange their positions. Eager children could act out the Christmas story as they saw it. 

A child’s nativity might include the chicken and horse along with other farm animals. No one would be excluded. The story would be lively, real, and personal. Joy and humor would fill the stable as everyone joined the celebration. 

Though I love looking at our four more traditional manager scenes, they are rigid and impersonal. The toy one reminds me that Jesus should not be put on a shelf and merely admired. There should be joy at His presence. He is real, accessible and came to save us. That is the real Christmas gift.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3: 16-17 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son. Amen

A Simpler Christmas

No presents beneath the tree. Only a tiny tree on the counter. A few poinsettias, two wreaths on the front doors, and a couple of angels decorated our home this year.

With a full schedule of trips to visit my parents because of my mom’s illnesses, an upcoming move, and other commitments, there was little time or energy for Christmas decorating. Without the sparkle and abundance of holiday adornments, our nativity sets dominated the house. 

In the dining room and family room, simple, olive wood nativities, from trips to Israel, reminded us of Jesus’ humble birth. Each figure faced baby Jesus and focused on him. No distractions turned them away.

On a cabinet in the family room, two more sets proclaimed Christmas. A white stone nativity Alan bought in Kenya contrasted with all the others. The artist produced tall, thin unique figures to create the Christmas story. The unusual forms showed how Jesus accepts all people from around the world. 

The last nativity revealed Peruvian villagers worshiping the King. From a balcony, four villagers looked to the baby at the base of the church. Dressed in native clothing, Mary and Joseph stood beside the manger. Surrounding the holy family, villagers came bringing gifts for the baby. Nothing fancy or expensive but what they had. 

Every nativity displayed the story that Jesus came to be a Light to the world and save the lost. Each one also imparted a special lesson.  My simpler Christmas allowed me more time to focus on Jesus and the true reason for Christmas.

Lord, thank you for sending your son as a baby to save us. Let us not forget. Amen

Early Morning Gift

From my wicker chair on the patio, I stared into the inky blackness before dawn. Occasional water drops trickled from the roof into a bucket. In the quiet solitude, I spent time praying, reading the Bible, and contemplating my daily devotionals.

Little by little, gray replaced the blackness. Dark clouds reflected on the lake. Dim trees and flowers emerged. Huge slate clouds rushed across the lightening sky. 

After two nights of rain and storms, more was predicted. For a few days, elusive sunshine had skipped the Sunshine State. 

Difficult situations had been clouding my life too. Alan’s pulmonary fibrosis. Mother’s long hospitalization. Aunt Evelyn’s journey with Hospice. Uncle Jim’s illnesses and hospitalizations. Downsizing and moving to a new area. At times, the combination of events was overwhelming. 

As the light increased, I looked up to see an amazing sight. A strand of pink colored a patch of sky. Like an artist’s brush, strokes of paint swept across a small portion of sky between the trees. 

The fantastic display said, “There is hope even in the clouds.”

After only a few seconds, dark strokes erased my gift. The memory remains and reminds me of other gifts of hope and encouragement. Alan getting into a research study for his lungs. My mom moving to a rehab center. Access to good medical care for ailing family members. Friends who have reached out to me and many more special gifts.

Life is filled with dark times, but there are tiny breaks in the clouds. I want to be open to them.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 And now dear friends, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (NKJV)

Comforter, thank you for your hope and peace even in difficult circumstances. Amen

Look for the Light

Darkness enfolded me when I stepped onto the patio. High above the trees a slice of moon shone. 

During my mom’s hospitalization with constant detours and setbacks, it’s easy to get worn down. But the glimmer of the moon reminded me of the advent candles which point to Jesus and offer hope. 

When we focus on the darkness filled with seemingly endless problems, the light is ignored and fades. Broken marriages, addictions, job losses, evictions, diseases, accidents... Depression can extinguish the light and make life seem worthless.

Slowly the sunlight replaced the moon, and light revealed a gorgeous, new day. The worries and despair of the night lessened in the morning.  

Even a tiny flicker gives hope. Gradually the darkness flees. Light from the Advent candles remind us to prepare for Jesus, who is the Light of the World. He doesn’t always take away our pain and suffering or change our circumstances, but He goes along side us. 

“All this will flow from the kind of compassionate mercy of our God. A new day is dawning: the Sunrise from the heavens will break through our darkness, and those who huddle in night, those who sit in the shadow of death, will be able to rise and walk in the light guided in the pathway of peace.” Luke 2:78-79 (The Voice)

Yahweh Yireh, the God who sees the situation and provides for our needs, guide us and give us peace. Amen

Serenity in the Midst of Storms

         Like a gigantic painting, the peaceful lake scene held me captive. Dawn revealed dark trees and  a pale mirrored lake. Only a few ripples marred the surface.

After a stressful two weeks of uncertainty, fear, sadness, and decisions, returning to my retreat offered tranquility. 

After two weeks in the hospital, with one week of grave condition in ICU, my mom is improving each day. Though still weak, she is gaining strength and eating on her own. Tomorrow she is to move to a rehab center for more therapy. The plan is for her to be home by Christmas. Last week, that would have been an absurd dream.

Thankfully, my dad doesn’t have pneumonia but bronchitis with a bad cough. The doctor said that could continue for three weeks. His devotion to my mom takes him to the hospital several times each day so he hasn’t had much time to rest. A mask has become part of his outfit when he visits her.

The serenity of the lake this morning reminded me that God provides peace and comfort in the midst of stressful circumstances. I have been held up by family and friends who have acted as His hands and feet. What a blessing.

2 Thessalonians 3: 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (NKJV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for holding me in your arms. Amen