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

            

            

            

            

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