The Team

People waited patiently. Elderly and middle aged couples. Young parents. Teenagers. Single adults. Families. They stopped before me.

“The body of Christ given for you,” I said to each one.

Most looked me in the eyes as I spoke to them. Nods. Smiles. Thank you’s. Then they picked up a piece of bread from my basket.

A few approached with downcast eyes. As they took bread from my basket, I said a special prayer. God knew their trials. 

Dragging his feet and lumbering down the aisle, a young boy struggled to reach the front of the church. His father held on from behind to guide and support his handicapped son. With a trembling hand, the youngster grasped a piece of bread. Together they received communion and as one slowly returned to their seats.

As difficult as it was, the father and son team made the journey together instead of being served at their seats. Tears came to my eyes as I watched the quiet drama. 

Earlier in the week, disappointing news from Alan’s pulmonologist had brought me tears, anxiety, and uncertainty. Like that dad’s earthy support for his child, I knew that my heavenly Father would embrace, comfort, and guide us as we continue along the journey of Alan’s lung disease. When we can’t stand on our own, He holds us up. 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Heavenly Father, thank you for constant reminders of your unfailing love and strength. Amen

There is More to the Story

“Great picture.”

“You both look great.”

“Love the picture.”

Many friends posted comments on facebook after I added a new profile picture of Alan and me. Because I couldn’t find a recent picture of the two of us, I cropped a group shot to get our photo. 

In the picture we smiled, but the occasion was a solemn one. Surrounding us in the picture were two pastor friends and their wives. Gus and Cliff had conducted the memorial service for Stephanie, Alan’s daughter.

Our edited picture implied that everything was wonderful. The real, sad story was hidden on facebook, but not to those who shared our grief in person. Because of the love, prayers and support, we could smile.

Much of what we see in life is edited. Smiles cover inward tears. Persistence masks hopelessness. Giving conceals emptiness. Joking and laugher hides pain and despair. Like a book, the cover shown to the world shelters the story within.

While some instantly open the book, others resist letting anyone inside. My edited picture reminded me that I need to look beyond what I see and gently open books to read the whole story.

Uplifted Arms

Toddlers jumped and danced awkwardly to kiddie music. Tiny hands and feet mimicked the young librarian with hand gestures and dance steps. Happy songs and rhymes delighted eager children while adults sat on the fringes of the carpet. 

Immersed in the story, little eyes focused on the farm animal puppets. Only one curious girl ventured toward the stage. Others sat until the story ended.

“Let’s get up,” the leader requested.

Music began again. Bodies hopped and turned. Molly tumbled. Tears trickled across her crinkled face. I jumped up. She hurried to me with her arms reaching high. I scooped her up. After one hug, she scrambled back to her spot.

Though not hurt, the unexpected fall startled her. She needed to know I was 

there. After a comforting hug, she resumed her play.

Life gets hard. Disappointments. Delays. Rejections. Losses. God is nearby. Reach up and grab a hug. His comfort and encouragement provide courage to go on.

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10

Heavenly Father, thank you for being there with a hug when I stumble and need comfort. Amen

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

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.

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. 

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