The car was designed to get people from point A to point B. Henry Ford brought convenience to the American family by putting a box on four wheels and giving it a motor. The world became smaller. Miles became just a number and no longer constrained the traveling soul. People could move to areas that were once remote. The landscape of our country changed forever.
When Ford came up with this genius idea I doubt he knew what else he was creating: a box with all the elements needed to bring the human patience to its breaking point. It is practically a torture chamber for the short fused. To start with, it is a small space in which you must be seated. Forget pacing, which some nervous Nelly types are prone to. If you are anxious, annoyed or peeved you have to sit there, tapping the foot is as far as nervous energy can take you. Secondly, you are surrounded by other similar boxes, all directed by people who have minds of their own. Uh-oh. People do crazy things and they don't stop when they get behind the wheel of a car. Sometimes other drivers make an honest mistake - pull out in front of another car, forget a turning signal or get confused at a traffic circle. But other drivers are just plain nuts. They race around at speeds that make your head spin, weave in and out of traffic, or, if you are in Florida or northern Pennsylvania, drive at speeds that make a snail look quick.
The third, and sometimes most trying, aspect of driving can be the other passengers. If you put people in a confined area together for extended periods of time chances are someone is going to hit a nerve somewhere along the highway. Maybe it is the husband who won't stop for directions. The mother who keeps making wrong turns. Or it could be the daughter who gets an attitude. Lock people in a metal box and the possibilities are endless.
If those passengers happen to be kids then good luck. Crying is a given. Whining is expected. The words "Are we there yet?" becomes a mantra. Kids don't seem to grasp the concept of miles and time when it comes to car travel. They may ask how much longer and get the response of three hours. Thirty minutes later they come back asking how much longer, only to be surprised when the answer isn't five minutes but is still upwards of two hours. A watched pot never boils and kids asking "are we there yet?" never get their desired response.
I must admit that sometimes I can be child like in the car. I swear to you, time stops. It must. Because there are times when a car trip that should have felt quick and easy feels like an eternity. There have been road trips that have felt like each mile took ten minutes even though it really only lasted sixty seconds. I'm antsy. I want out. I don't want to sit on my butt one minute longer. I confess, my patience can run as thin as a five year old's.
I wish I could say that my patience was better off the road and out of the car but I would be fudging the truth. In line at the grocery store I scan each line for the youngest cashier (they are always faster) and the least number of customers with the fewest items in their cart. I don't want to wait longer than necessary. I'm impatient.
When ordering out at restaurants I want to order the first time the waitress comes to the table. Forget the first stop for drinks and second for food - I want to condense the process. Get on with it! The sooner I tell you what I want, the sooner you punch my order into the little screen and the faster the cooks make it. Then, tada, the quicker it is in front of me at my table. I don't want to waste time. I tend to be impatient.
That brings me to a more serious issue of impatience: my health. Not to sound strong and mighty, but through most of my health ordeal I have remained patient. My faith has kept me pushing forward, searching for an answer to this mystery, trusting that God is in control. As I flew to Seattle I was hopeful that the doctor there would be able to treat me successfully. Even though that didn't work I didn't give up. I went to California with the same hope and the same enthusiasm for answers. That fell flat, too. But I still held onto faith and went to Florida full of assurance that this time, the answers would be found.
Low and behold, I started getting better. During that time it was easy to be patient. In fact, I was thrilled and enjoyed the baby steps of progress. Impatience wasn't on the radar screen. That is until I took a sharp turn for the worse. The few pounds I had gained slipped away (again), my energy took a nose dive and troubling symptoms resurfaced. The doctor assured me that I would see progress AFTER three months of treatment. At this point I'm at a month and a half. I can't expect my health to be back on a steady course yet. I'm only half way there.
I should be hopeful and upbeat. I'm half way to the three month mark! The end of this two year saga is coming to a close! Yet, I'm more impatient than I've ever been. I'm not impatient in a sense of hopelessness or lack of faith. I'm impatient to find out if this will work. I'm impatient to know how God is going to use me. Will he keep me in this ill health and use me to further his kingdom that way? Or is it his will to heal me and use me that way?
My life is stalled out, and I'm waiting for jumper cables. Bottom line is I don't have a clue when they will arrive. For all I know, they may never come. I may have to resort to lacing up my sneakers and continuing on foot.
And this is where my impatience sets in. I want to know if this treatment will work or if this is going to my life forever and ever amen. Am I destined for an existence of health trouble? The doctor says three months, and although I do trust him, I know God doesn't heal everyone. I know there are people that he lets live for him with health struggles and disabilities. That doesn't mean they can't be powerful for the Lord. Some of those people are the strongest voices for his love, grace and mercy. I don't understand why God allows those people to suffer. I remind myself that Paul, the author of 14 books of the Bible, endured a thorn in his flesh. Although I don't know what that thorn was exactly I do know that thorns hurt and I wouldn't want one stuck in my body for the rest of my life just as much as I don't want to be stuck at this weight. Paul had an unpleasant affliction to bear. If he had to deal with such an undesirable circumstance why should believers today be immune?
Answer: we shouldn't be immune. And we aren't.
There are moments when my patience for suffering wears thin. I want to know the future. I don't want to be left in the dark any longer. But God doesn't want me to know the future. He doesn't want me to be out of my health crisis yet. He wants me to grow in patience.
As Mom and I traveled back from Florida I couldn't help but see the patience I needed in the form of Pippy. Once again, her life lessons were being spoken through her calm, peaceful slumber in the back seat. She was being patient. She didn't know how much longer she would be in the car. She can't ask "Are we there yet?" and even if I told her the miles left to travel it wouldn't make a difference to her.
That should be my attitude towards life, too. I shouldn't be concerned about asking God to speed up his time table or reveal to me what he has in store for my future. I should be more concerned with waking up each day and living in obedience to him, worshiping him for the gift of life he has given me each day. He has sustained me through shockingly low weight and troubling symptoms. He has kept me safe through countless miles traveled on the search for answers. I have so much to be thankful for. My focus should be on who God is and what he has done for me. He is a God of love and he is unfailingly faithful. He gave his only Son so that I could experience eternity with him and be saved from my sinful ways.
If I am healed, I don't deserve it. If I am not healed, I don't deserve it. I am a fallen, sinful, inadequate human who is only saved by the unfathomable grace of God. Everything I have is a gift. Each day is a present wrapped in sparkling paper, topped with a massive bow.
I am at the mercy of his timing and his will. No matter how he chooses to use me, I am here for the long haul. I am his for eternity.
I am throwing impatience out the window. I am resting in my Savior's faithfulness, knowing full well that I may never get what looks like a desirable outcome on this side of heaven. But that is only because human vision is so limited. I know that the God's will is best and I am standing firm in that truth.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
What is in a name?
Have you ever wondered how your parents came up with your name? Some of us have probably heard the story of how Mom and Dad finally landed on our unique nom de plume. Maybe it had to do with a loved one who had passed, the name's meaning or even a famous movie star. Who knows, parents have their reasons. I was going to be named Samantha but my parents had already given that name away to the cat. So, on to plan B - Stephanie. My middle name, Ellen, came from my grandmother.
I've always been quite fond of my name. It is easy to pronounce, not too difficult to spell and never leaves people saying, "Whaaaat??" Plus, as an added bonus, I get to write a cursive S every time I have to give a signature and I tend to think that is one of the prettiest letters written in cursive. And last, but not least, is the meaning of my name. I hit the name meaning jackpot: crowned one. I will refrain from elaborating so that I don't appear to be flaunting my good fortune.
I've never asked why the name picking came down to Samantha or Stephanie and why my parents liked those names more than Jessica or Ashley (the top names of 1990). I assume that parents now do some google searching to aid in the name hunt. There is a whole website devoted to unique baby names and pages for the top names of any year you can think up. I looked up the top names of 1920 and sure enough a list of 200 girls and 200 boys names popped up in a split second. Mary was number one, followed by Dorothy for the girls. Toto didn't make it on the list but Robert and John did for the boys. The internet even had popular names for 1899. John and Mary topped the list again. Apparently, in the late 1800's to early 1900's Mom and Dads weren't getting very creative with their name choices. They were devoted to names of Biblical figures. Who could blame them? The Bible provides some solid name choices. Who wouldn't want to have a child like Mary? She had crazy faith by the age most girls are just getting a driver's learning permit these days. And John was the beloved disciple. Those names have good meaning. Cudos to those parents for sticking with solid name choices.
Now, I'm not sure a round of applause is necessarily in order for the names being stamped on baby birth certificates in this country in the 21st century. I blame celebrities. The Hollywood Hills are alive with the sound of crazy names.
Take for example Blanket, son of Michael Jackson. His "formal" name is Prince Michael Jackson II.
So original given that Michael's first son was named Prince Michael Jackson. I guess he liked the name so much he decided to reuse it. But that is a pretty long name to be yelling across the ranch to get the kids back in the house for dinner, hence the need for a second, odder name - Blanket. This name choice is the set up for a very strange superhero. Instead of a cape, he will wear a baby blue bed cloth, saving children from scratching wool quilts. I can hear the theme music now.
And who can forget Apple? Daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. My guess is Gwyneth had some pent up anger about her own name. Parents, don't take out your name rage on an innocent child. They had nothing to do with your parents twisted thinking that went into your namesake. At least Gwyneth picked a good fruit. It could be worse. She could have picked Duku - a fruit found in Asia. A child named Duku would have a lifetime of difficulty ahead. Can you picture the first day of school? The teachers would struggle to pronounce the name at role call, scanning the room for a would a foreign looking student, no doubt. What a shock to see an all-American girl probably sporting $300 hair ties and a diamond encrusted lunch box. The name Duku would create utter confusion, leading to a lifetime of Duku repeating and spelling out her name ad nauseum. For the sake of children everywhere I hope parents stick to more well known fruits.
Although fruit names haven't made a massive sweep in the celebrity world the odd name choices continue to abound. We could be here all day really. Pilot, Rocco, Sunday (last I checked that was the holy day of the week), Winter (thought that was a season, but what do I know), Axel (a part of a car?) or Kal-el (huh??).
But it isn't just celebrities. Your average Mom with a mini-van and grown out roots is in on the action too. Names such as Peria (girl) and Quentin (boy) make it on baby name lists. Parents don't even need to make up crazy names. They already exist. The internet is here to prove it.
Choosing a name for a child is not a matter to be taken lightly. That name will be stuck on them like a tattoo. Removal, if they so choose, won't be easy. Just think of all the things a name is attached to before a child can even read it. A social security card, birth certificate, insurance policy, the family Christmas greeting card, birth announcement and probably a birthday cake. We rely on our names for everything. In a moment a name is assigned. All it takes is the sweep of a pen across paper. Yet that name defines us for a lifetime. Parents, don't take this responsibility lightly.
So, how should parents approach such a colossal decision?
The implications are huge. Parents probably fret about what the name they choose will mean for their child's furutre. I understand it may be too much for some parents to bear. What if they mess up? What if their child hates the name choice? What if it leads to being teased in school?
Fear no more. There is hope.
Have a contest. The Virginia Aquarium is doing it, why not you too? A baby otter that has recently become a new member of the VA Aquarium family showed up without a name. Knowing the importance of a name, we know having an anonymous otter won't do. You can't go around calling your otter, "hey you, the one tail."
So, how to choose the proper name? Hold a contest, of course. The aquarium is asking people to submit their ideas for this little guy's name and then a winner will be chosen.
This is brilliant. It takes away all the need for endless internet searches. I wonder if they will put all the names in a hat and then draw one at random? Let fate decide. This takes the pressure off of the aquarium staff. What a relief. Now the staff won't have to live with the dread of a bad name choice.
So, I'm putting in my recommendation: Elmo. Hey, if a red puppet could pull it off why not an otter?
What would you choose? Get creative. Deadline ends June 15. Don't miss this golden opportunity to get in on some otter naming action.
I've always been quite fond of my name. It is easy to pronounce, not too difficult to spell and never leaves people saying, "Whaaaat??" Plus, as an added bonus, I get to write a cursive S every time I have to give a signature and I tend to think that is one of the prettiest letters written in cursive. And last, but not least, is the meaning of my name. I hit the name meaning jackpot: crowned one. I will refrain from elaborating so that I don't appear to be flaunting my good fortune.
I've never asked why the name picking came down to Samantha or Stephanie and why my parents liked those names more than Jessica or Ashley (the top names of 1990). I assume that parents now do some google searching to aid in the name hunt. There is a whole website devoted to unique baby names and pages for the top names of any year you can think up. I looked up the top names of 1920 and sure enough a list of 200 girls and 200 boys names popped up in a split second. Mary was number one, followed by Dorothy for the girls. Toto didn't make it on the list but Robert and John did for the boys. The internet even had popular names for 1899. John and Mary topped the list again. Apparently, in the late 1800's to early 1900's Mom and Dads weren't getting very creative with their name choices. They were devoted to names of Biblical figures. Who could blame them? The Bible provides some solid name choices. Who wouldn't want to have a child like Mary? She had crazy faith by the age most girls are just getting a driver's learning permit these days. And John was the beloved disciple. Those names have good meaning. Cudos to those parents for sticking with solid name choices.
Now, I'm not sure a round of applause is necessarily in order for the names being stamped on baby birth certificates in this country in the 21st century. I blame celebrities. The Hollywood Hills are alive with the sound of crazy names.
Take for example Blanket, son of Michael Jackson. His "formal" name is Prince Michael Jackson II.
So original given that Michael's first son was named Prince Michael Jackson. I guess he liked the name so much he decided to reuse it. But that is a pretty long name to be yelling across the ranch to get the kids back in the house for dinner, hence the need for a second, odder name - Blanket. This name choice is the set up for a very strange superhero. Instead of a cape, he will wear a baby blue bed cloth, saving children from scratching wool quilts. I can hear the theme music now.
And who can forget Apple? Daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. My guess is Gwyneth had some pent up anger about her own name. Parents, don't take out your name rage on an innocent child. They had nothing to do with your parents twisted thinking that went into your namesake. At least Gwyneth picked a good fruit. It could be worse. She could have picked Duku - a fruit found in Asia. A child named Duku would have a lifetime of difficulty ahead. Can you picture the first day of school? The teachers would struggle to pronounce the name at role call, scanning the room for a would a foreign looking student, no doubt. What a shock to see an all-American girl probably sporting $300 hair ties and a diamond encrusted lunch box. The name Duku would create utter confusion, leading to a lifetime of Duku repeating and spelling out her name ad nauseum. For the sake of children everywhere I hope parents stick to more well known fruits.
Although fruit names haven't made a massive sweep in the celebrity world the odd name choices continue to abound. We could be here all day really. Pilot, Rocco, Sunday (last I checked that was the holy day of the week), Winter (thought that was a season, but what do I know), Axel (a part of a car?) or Kal-el (huh??).
But it isn't just celebrities. Your average Mom with a mini-van and grown out roots is in on the action too. Names such as Peria (girl) and Quentin (boy) make it on baby name lists. Parents don't even need to make up crazy names. They already exist. The internet is here to prove it.
Choosing a name for a child is not a matter to be taken lightly. That name will be stuck on them like a tattoo. Removal, if they so choose, won't be easy. Just think of all the things a name is attached to before a child can even read it. A social security card, birth certificate, insurance policy, the family Christmas greeting card, birth announcement and probably a birthday cake. We rely on our names for everything. In a moment a name is assigned. All it takes is the sweep of a pen across paper. Yet that name defines us for a lifetime. Parents, don't take this responsibility lightly.
So, how should parents approach such a colossal decision?
The implications are huge. Parents probably fret about what the name they choose will mean for their child's furutre. I understand it may be too much for some parents to bear. What if they mess up? What if their child hates the name choice? What if it leads to being teased in school?
Fear no more. There is hope.
Have a contest. The Virginia Aquarium is doing it, why not you too? A baby otter that has recently become a new member of the VA Aquarium family showed up without a name. Knowing the importance of a name, we know having an anonymous otter won't do. You can't go around calling your otter, "hey you, the one tail."
So, how to choose the proper name? Hold a contest, of course. The aquarium is asking people to submit their ideas for this little guy's name and then a winner will be chosen.
This is brilliant. It takes away all the need for endless internet searches. I wonder if they will put all the names in a hat and then draw one at random? Let fate decide. This takes the pressure off of the aquarium staff. What a relief. Now the staff won't have to live with the dread of a bad name choice.
So, I'm putting in my recommendation: Elmo. Hey, if a red puppet could pull it off why not an otter?
What would you choose? Get creative. Deadline ends June 15. Don't miss this golden opportunity to get in on some otter naming action.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Faith in Action
I never bought Pippy a Bible. Maybe that was poor parenting on my part, but I just didn't think it was a proper gift for a dog. I've provided her with an array of soft, plush toys that squeak and crunch. I have purchased countless different types of treats in an attempt to find one that fits my dog's picky taste buds. But a Bible with the name "Pippy" inscribed across the cover never entered my mind. That is a gift more well suited for a human's first birthday, not so much a dog.
I guess I underestimated what Pippy could understand. I assumed that Biblical principles were lost on the canine community. After all, they can't read the words, how could they be expected to live them? But, oh me of little faith.
Pippy has a firm grasp on one of the most fundamental concepts of Christianity: faith. Watching Pippy go about her daily life has given me a front row seat to faith in action. I expected some bathroom accidents in the house when I bought Pippy, but I did not expect a Godly example for living out the words of the Bible.
Pippy never questions what is next in life. Now, I know what you're thinking - the dog can't talk. I am aware of this and aware of the initially absurdity of a statement that turns an animal into a human. Yet, there is reason to follow my line of thinking. Some dogs shake or whimper. I have seen dogs openly displaying fear when they come in contact with a stranger or a new dog. These dogs show that they aren't comfortable with the situation they have been thrust into. They cower behind their owners legs or yank on the leash in the opposite direction. Quite frankly, they are scared.
Pippy never has this problem. She remains ready for anything and takes it all in stride. Sit in the car all day with minimal walking about outside? No problem, she just sleeps. Welcome a few new faces into the home for the evening? Of course she will be the first to greet them at the door with that stellar smile. Go for a walk on a wooded trail? Why not? Just make sure to let her sniff for a minute or two. Sleep in a different hotel each night? She'll make herself at home anywhere.
She has faith that, no matter where she is or what situation she is put into, it is all going to turn out a-o-k. She trusts that I am taking care of her and that I won't let her come into harms way. She isn't afraid of the new experiences, smells and faces she encounters on these adventures. She doesn't show any complaint when she is removed from her normal and thrown into a whole new world.
I wish I could say the same about myself! Unfortunately, I don't always practice what my dog is preaching. I forget to just have faith that my Heavenly Father is taking care of me. If I can take care of Pippy and make sure she is safe and sound, can't God do the same for me?
Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Unless Pippy is a telepathic dog psychic, I don't think she knows what is coming next on our travels. She has no clue that this weekend she'll be staying with my nieces and nephews while I'm out of town for a wedding. She is blissfully unaware that when my parents return from the wedding, I won't be with them. She still has yet to find out that the 22 hour car ride she just endured is going to be repeated in 2 weeks so she can see me again in Florida. All of this is unknown in her little doggie life, but, last I checked, she doesn't seem too concerned.
What good would that do anyhow? I'm going to be gone this weekend and then back to Florida even if she would rather I stay home. She's going to go on another road trip with Mom, Noelle and Isabel in June no matter what tree she'd rather be sniffing outside that day. Her human protectors have certain plans for her and they are for her own good, so she is along for the ride.
That is really the point. We are along for the ride of our life, riding shotgun with a much better driver. We don't need to worry about what curve is coming up next and, ultimately, where our destination lies. He has the trip all planned out. All we need is the faith to sit back and enjoy the journey.
This should be a relief, really. We don't need to worry about going left or right at the next T-intersection. We don't have to concern ourselves with traffic jams and endless red lights.
We just need to chill out in the back seat. We need to enjoy the calm purr of the car's engine while curling up with a comfy blanket and favorite pillow. We get to lay back and enjoy the journey.
When Pippy first came to Florida, after a long road trip, we took her to a dog park for the first time. In Erie, dog parks are the stuff of children's books, not where you go on a sunny morning. But in Florida, aka dog country, dog parks abound. Pippy got her first taste of one when she arrived. We walked through the gates, unhooked her leash and let her run to her hearts content. At home, she doesn't often have this freedom. There isn't a secure fence around our yard and the road is too close and too busy to let her run free. But at the park, she could run, jump and frollic to her hearts content.
Resting in the back of the car driving through the hills of West Virginia she had no idea of the park adventure ahead of her. It was a total surprise and, I would say, totally worth the long wait in the car.
Same goes for you and I. Maybe we are having to lay low today. Maybe we are sick of riding in the back of the car and just want to be out running free. Hang tight. Don't lose the faith. You are on your way to something incredible - it just takes some traveling time to get there. Until then, sit back and enjoy the scenery. God is taking you somewhere incredible. Prepare to be surprised - and to run free!
I guess I underestimated what Pippy could understand. I assumed that Biblical principles were lost on the canine community. After all, they can't read the words, how could they be expected to live them? But, oh me of little faith.
Pippy has a firm grasp on one of the most fundamental concepts of Christianity: faith. Watching Pippy go about her daily life has given me a front row seat to faith in action. I expected some bathroom accidents in the house when I bought Pippy, but I did not expect a Godly example for living out the words of the Bible.
Pippy never questions what is next in life. Now, I know what you're thinking - the dog can't talk. I am aware of this and aware of the initially absurdity of a statement that turns an animal into a human. Yet, there is reason to follow my line of thinking. Some dogs shake or whimper. I have seen dogs openly displaying fear when they come in contact with a stranger or a new dog. These dogs show that they aren't comfortable with the situation they have been thrust into. They cower behind their owners legs or yank on the leash in the opposite direction. Quite frankly, they are scared.
Pippy never has this problem. She remains ready for anything and takes it all in stride. Sit in the car all day with minimal walking about outside? No problem, she just sleeps. Welcome a few new faces into the home for the evening? Of course she will be the first to greet them at the door with that stellar smile. Go for a walk on a wooded trail? Why not? Just make sure to let her sniff for a minute or two. Sleep in a different hotel each night? She'll make herself at home anywhere.
She has faith that, no matter where she is or what situation she is put into, it is all going to turn out a-o-k. She trusts that I am taking care of her and that I won't let her come into harms way. She isn't afraid of the new experiences, smells and faces she encounters on these adventures. She doesn't show any complaint when she is removed from her normal and thrown into a whole new world.
I wish I could say the same about myself! Unfortunately, I don't always practice what my dog is preaching. I forget to just have faith that my Heavenly Father is taking care of me. If I can take care of Pippy and make sure she is safe and sound, can't God do the same for me?
Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Unless Pippy is a telepathic dog psychic, I don't think she knows what is coming next on our travels. She has no clue that this weekend she'll be staying with my nieces and nephews while I'm out of town for a wedding. She is blissfully unaware that when my parents return from the wedding, I won't be with them. She still has yet to find out that the 22 hour car ride she just endured is going to be repeated in 2 weeks so she can see me again in Florida. All of this is unknown in her little doggie life, but, last I checked, she doesn't seem too concerned.
What good would that do anyhow? I'm going to be gone this weekend and then back to Florida even if she would rather I stay home. She's going to go on another road trip with Mom, Noelle and Isabel in June no matter what tree she'd rather be sniffing outside that day. Her human protectors have certain plans for her and they are for her own good, so she is along for the ride.
That is really the point. We are along for the ride of our life, riding shotgun with a much better driver. We don't need to worry about what curve is coming up next and, ultimately, where our destination lies. He has the trip all planned out. All we need is the faith to sit back and enjoy the journey.
This should be a relief, really. We don't need to worry about going left or right at the next T-intersection. We don't have to concern ourselves with traffic jams and endless red lights.
We just need to chill out in the back seat. We need to enjoy the calm purr of the car's engine while curling up with a comfy blanket and favorite pillow. We get to lay back and enjoy the journey.
When Pippy first came to Florida, after a long road trip, we took her to a dog park for the first time. In Erie, dog parks are the stuff of children's books, not where you go on a sunny morning. But in Florida, aka dog country, dog parks abound. Pippy got her first taste of one when she arrived. We walked through the gates, unhooked her leash and let her run to her hearts content. At home, she doesn't often have this freedom. There isn't a secure fence around our yard and the road is too close and too busy to let her run free. But at the park, she could run, jump and frollic to her hearts content.
Resting in the back of the car driving through the hills of West Virginia she had no idea of the park adventure ahead of her. It was a total surprise and, I would say, totally worth the long wait in the car.
Same goes for you and I. Maybe we are having to lay low today. Maybe we are sick of riding in the back of the car and just want to be out running free. Hang tight. Don't lose the faith. You are on your way to something incredible - it just takes some traveling time to get there. Until then, sit back and enjoy the scenery. God is taking you somewhere incredible. Prepare to be surprised - and to run free!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Smile
We stepped off the elevator and walked toward the revolving doors. The crowds in the hotel lobby were massive. Visitors were milling about in swim suits, towels and baseball caps. There was no denying it, summer had arrived. As we parted our way through the sea of people a man started to whistle. It wasn't a "Hot Chick" whistle, it was a "Come here, Fido" whistle. At first I kept walking, assuming the whistle was directed at one of the many kids (or maybe husbands) swarming around me. But the sound continued.
Finally, I turned around and came face to face with a small man wearing a massive grin. He was whistling in my direction, but not at me. He was whistling at Pippy, my companion who was dutifully trotting along side me, maneuvering the crowd with ease. The man immediately bent down, greeting Pippy on her level. He waved his arms about and played with her. They were, of course, fast friends.
The man expressed pure joy while playing with Pip. As for her part, Pippy had ears swaying and tongue hanging down in an expression of happiness. She was wearing her dog smile.
Watching those two meet and interact set off a little spark in me that hasn't stopped growing. I watched the joy spread across their faces and couldn't help but wear a smile, too. Their time spent together only lasted a short minute but the lesson they displayed has stuck with me much longer.
Smile.
Pippy wore a smile. Her new friend wore a smile. They were glowing with enthusiasm for life. You couldn't look at the two of them without breaking into a grin.
I've witnessed Pippy in smiling action before. Even if she doesn't stop to play, she still sports a smile. She shows it off as we go on our daily walks or when I take her out to public places like the farmer's market or a cafe. People don't always stop and pet her (some people actually walk right by - I don't get those folks) but that doesn't stop her from giving them a million dollar smile. Her joyful attitude has nothing to do with the attention she receives or what is happening around her, it is simply who she is.
How often do I walk through life wearing a straight face or even a frown? It seems to be in our human nature to smile in response to something we find positive. But how often do we smile just because we can? How many people do you see who wear a down and out expression? They may not be having a bad day, per-se, but they wear a downcast face because, why? Just because it tends to fall that way?
But think about what you can do with a smile! Think about the room you can brighten and the lives you can touch simply by turning a frown upside down. What did the orphans in Annie say? You're never fully dressed without a smile.
They were onto something.
You can dress up in fancy clothes and pair it with the perfect accessories but that isn't what makes joy shine from within. A smile shines brighter than any piece of jewelry or sparkly top. Yet, it is the last thing we ever think about putting on - and far too often we miss it altogether.
Pippy is teaching me to put a smile on first. Put on the smile before you brush your teeth, make the bed, change tops or even reach for your glasses in the morning. Start off smiling.
The smile that you put on in the morning has the power to influence the entire day, from morning coffee to a goodnight prayer. When we smile even our tone of voice changes. People look at us differently, and occasionally they smile back. The world looks brighter and sweeter when you greet it with upturned lips. Don't wear the smile just because something good is happening, smile because you know that God is good and life is good, no matter what the days agenda or circumstances.
I decided to try out a Pippy way of approaching the world. I've started to smile more. I'm not smiling because my life is going perfectly or because I'm feeling like a million bucks. Actually, I am not feeling all too swell and I'd really like to change a few things in my life at this moment but that has nothing to do with what facial expression I'm wearing. I'm choosing to wear a smile. This smile is changing the way I see my circumstances and the way people are looking at me. They are smiling back. The imperfections in my life are looking more like bumps then they are boulders. This smile is changing the way I'm feeling inside and it is changing the way I'm seeing the world around me. It is shining a bright light in life.
And, most importantly, I'm spreading a little bit of joy. Because when you smile you can't keep happiness and gladness inside. You are pouring it out to the world around you.
I'm sure there will be days when I forget to wear my smile but thank goodness I'll have Pippy to remind me. She is always fully dressed with her million dollar smile.
Finally, I turned around and came face to face with a small man wearing a massive grin. He was whistling in my direction, but not at me. He was whistling at Pippy, my companion who was dutifully trotting along side me, maneuvering the crowd with ease. The man immediately bent down, greeting Pippy on her level. He waved his arms about and played with her. They were, of course, fast friends.
The man expressed pure joy while playing with Pip. As for her part, Pippy had ears swaying and tongue hanging down in an expression of happiness. She was wearing her dog smile.
Watching those two meet and interact set off a little spark in me that hasn't stopped growing. I watched the joy spread across their faces and couldn't help but wear a smile, too. Their time spent together only lasted a short minute but the lesson they displayed has stuck with me much longer.
Smile.
Pippy wore a smile. Her new friend wore a smile. They were glowing with enthusiasm for life. You couldn't look at the two of them without breaking into a grin.
I've witnessed Pippy in smiling action before. Even if she doesn't stop to play, she still sports a smile. She shows it off as we go on our daily walks or when I take her out to public places like the farmer's market or a cafe. People don't always stop and pet her (some people actually walk right by - I don't get those folks) but that doesn't stop her from giving them a million dollar smile. Her joyful attitude has nothing to do with the attention she receives or what is happening around her, it is simply who she is.
How often do I walk through life wearing a straight face or even a frown? It seems to be in our human nature to smile in response to something we find positive. But how often do we smile just because we can? How many people do you see who wear a down and out expression? They may not be having a bad day, per-se, but they wear a downcast face because, why? Just because it tends to fall that way?
But think about what you can do with a smile! Think about the room you can brighten and the lives you can touch simply by turning a frown upside down. What did the orphans in Annie say? You're never fully dressed without a smile.
They were onto something.
You can dress up in fancy clothes and pair it with the perfect accessories but that isn't what makes joy shine from within. A smile shines brighter than any piece of jewelry or sparkly top. Yet, it is the last thing we ever think about putting on - and far too often we miss it altogether.
Pippy is teaching me to put a smile on first. Put on the smile before you brush your teeth, make the bed, change tops or even reach for your glasses in the morning. Start off smiling.
The smile that you put on in the morning has the power to influence the entire day, from morning coffee to a goodnight prayer. When we smile even our tone of voice changes. People look at us differently, and occasionally they smile back. The world looks brighter and sweeter when you greet it with upturned lips. Don't wear the smile just because something good is happening, smile because you know that God is good and life is good, no matter what the days agenda or circumstances.
I decided to try out a Pippy way of approaching the world. I've started to smile more. I'm not smiling because my life is going perfectly or because I'm feeling like a million bucks. Actually, I am not feeling all too swell and I'd really like to change a few things in my life at this moment but that has nothing to do with what facial expression I'm wearing. I'm choosing to wear a smile. This smile is changing the way I see my circumstances and the way people are looking at me. They are smiling back. The imperfections in my life are looking more like bumps then they are boulders. This smile is changing the way I'm feeling inside and it is changing the way I'm seeing the world around me. It is shining a bright light in life.
And, most importantly, I'm spreading a little bit of joy. Because when you smile you can't keep happiness and gladness inside. You are pouring it out to the world around you.
I'm sure there will be days when I forget to wear my smile but thank goodness I'll have Pippy to remind me. She is always fully dressed with her million dollar smile.
Lessons
I am back in Erie. This is the place I have called home since I was 18 months old, yet for the first time in my life, I feel as though I am here as a visitor. My new home in Sarasota has set in and become real to me. It is unbelievable even to me that the transition came so easily and without effort, but it is the truth. My home is in Lakewood Ranch, FL. I am from Erie, PA. The two are separate. And I am at peace with that.
Even though I have a home somewhere else now, I was and am excited to be back here for this week. I'm excited to sit in my old seat at Panera, see my family, sleep in my comfy bed and drive on the streets I know like the palm of my hand. There is an ease to being in this place, like a well worn pair of shoes that you can't bear to throw away. That is Erie. It is the place I will always be able to sink into, even if only for a few days.
The trip to get here wasn't an easy one, though. My health has been in crisis for the better part of a week and 22 hours in the car was a challenge. Thankfully, we made it safely. That is the most important thing. Driving on the interstate you are bound to see an accident, fender bender, or left over debris from a collision earlier in the day. We saw just that on I-75. Two cars, burnt beyond recognition and their contents spewing onto the road. The scene looked more like a junk yard, not a highway. It was a stunning reminder of the risks involved in travel and the thankfulness we should carry with us every mile we drive without incident.
Thank you, God, for getting us here safely.
The trip was filled with more than just a reminder of how quickly life can turn on its head, but it was a new look at Pippy and the lessons she has to teach me.
This was my first time in a hotel with the Pipster. Mom traveled down to Florida with her and raved about "the best traveling dog" ever. I had only seen this marvel in short bursts. The farthest we had ever traveled up until this point was 8 hours in the car and she was just as Mom put it, the best ever. Now I got to see it 3 days in a row, 22 hours in all.
She was perfection. The best doesn't even grasp the amazing puppy I have. There is no other dog like her, I am sure of this. She laid on the back seat the entire trip, never barking, never shaking from fear of the car, never whining because we weren't at our destination yet, never making a peep. She sat up at times and did a little normal dog panting with the tongue hanging and ears flopping. But mostly she just slept. On bathroom breaks and quick walks she pranced with glee. She soaked in each new surrounding and never complained when it was time to get on the road again.
And once again, I started to learn lessons from my traveling companion.
I started learning lessons on the road with Pippy.
I can't get into them all in one blog post. I don't know if a book will ever be able to contain them all, but little by little I am going to share them. Pippy has come into my life not just to enhance it solely, but to enhance the lives of everyone she meets. She is the star of every encounter, the greeting committee at every open door and a comforter in times of need. And I don't want to keep her to myself. I want to share the amazing gift she is with you.
Pippy is teaching me lessons of life, love, and how to live with a joyful spirit. If I can convey even a fraction of who she is in these words then you will get to meet an amazing dog pouring out gifts in the form of lessons. Get ready to receive!
Even though I have a home somewhere else now, I was and am excited to be back here for this week. I'm excited to sit in my old seat at Panera, see my family, sleep in my comfy bed and drive on the streets I know like the palm of my hand. There is an ease to being in this place, like a well worn pair of shoes that you can't bear to throw away. That is Erie. It is the place I will always be able to sink into, even if only for a few days.
The trip to get here wasn't an easy one, though. My health has been in crisis for the better part of a week and 22 hours in the car was a challenge. Thankfully, we made it safely. That is the most important thing. Driving on the interstate you are bound to see an accident, fender bender, or left over debris from a collision earlier in the day. We saw just that on I-75. Two cars, burnt beyond recognition and their contents spewing onto the road. The scene looked more like a junk yard, not a highway. It was a stunning reminder of the risks involved in travel and the thankfulness we should carry with us every mile we drive without incident.
Thank you, God, for getting us here safely.
The trip was filled with more than just a reminder of how quickly life can turn on its head, but it was a new look at Pippy and the lessons she has to teach me.
This was my first time in a hotel with the Pipster. Mom traveled down to Florida with her and raved about "the best traveling dog" ever. I had only seen this marvel in short bursts. The farthest we had ever traveled up until this point was 8 hours in the car and she was just as Mom put it, the best ever. Now I got to see it 3 days in a row, 22 hours in all.
She was perfection. The best doesn't even grasp the amazing puppy I have. There is no other dog like her, I am sure of this. She laid on the back seat the entire trip, never barking, never shaking from fear of the car, never whining because we weren't at our destination yet, never making a peep. She sat up at times and did a little normal dog panting with the tongue hanging and ears flopping. But mostly she just slept. On bathroom breaks and quick walks she pranced with glee. She soaked in each new surrounding and never complained when it was time to get on the road again.
And once again, I started to learn lessons from my traveling companion.
I started learning lessons on the road with Pippy.
I can't get into them all in one blog post. I don't know if a book will ever be able to contain them all, but little by little I am going to share them. Pippy has come into my life not just to enhance it solely, but to enhance the lives of everyone she meets. She is the star of every encounter, the greeting committee at every open door and a comforter in times of need. And I don't want to keep her to myself. I want to share the amazing gift she is with you.
Pippy is teaching me lessons of life, love, and how to live with a joyful spirit. If I can convey even a fraction of who she is in these words then you will get to meet an amazing dog pouring out gifts in the form of lessons. Get ready to receive!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Cows Diet
What happens when a man calls a woman a cow?
He might get slapped. He might cause a river of tears and the use of a box of tissues. Screaming might ensue. If the man and woman in question are married you can be sure someone is sleeping on the couch that night, and it isn't a farm animal.
Bottom line: calling a woman a cow doesn't go over well - and with good reason. Calling someone a cow is an insult. If you ask Urban Dictionary what a "cow" is the very first definition is as follows: Someone who blocks the aisles in a grocery store with their massive girth. This comes before animal, source of milk and dairy products or livestock. Nope, Urban Dictionary jumps right to the juicy stuff, proving my point (thank you, urbandictionary.com) that calling a woman a cow is in no way a compliment.
Given this term, I was surprised to see a woman on Fox News this morning from the company "Skinny Cow". Hmm... I would have expected the spokesperson to be a man. What kind of woman would name their company such a thing? Who wants to be buying products touting this offensive slang?
I wouldn't want to be admitting I was eating something from Skinny Cow. It doesn't seem like the kind of food you'd want to be proud of. Baskin Robbins? Ben and Jerry's? Sure, flaunt your fattening splurge. But Skinny Cow? It seems like the kind of thing you eat in secret after the kids have gone to bed and your husband is too busy watching football to notice.
If you are eating Skinny Cow I assume you are concerned about your weight. Maybe someone has called you a cow and now you believe you must resort to eating products that are, what, made for you? I decided to do a little investigating to see what the appeal is.
Guess who their mascot is. Yep, a cow named Skinny. She is not a fat cow. I assume she is a cow that has been on a diet. Skinny must be eating a lot of skinny ice cream cups and sandwiches. She knows how to keep her figure. She even has a tape measure around her waist just to show that the picture is not just a figure of the imagination, this cow isn't fat. She has been getting her walking in and watching her diet, I suppose. But as the site tells us, she knows how to indulge.
You can eat ice cream and still stay health and lean, so they say. Intriguing! Do tell.
Next stop was the ingredient list. I looked at the Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream cup because I like fruit and I assume cows do, too. The second ingredient had corn syrup in it. High fructose corn syrup wasn't far behind. Hmm... last I checked cows ate grass. I would think that grass would keep them leaner then this "healthy" ice cream cup.
Now I am confused. I have believed that eating "close to the ground" was healthier and would help maintain healthy weight. Now I'm told that fat cows are created off grass and made lean and healthy fighting machines by eating ice cream.
Skinny, the cow, you have utterly confused me. Your eating habits defy my logic.
And so do your eyelashes. Can you tell me which mascara you use? That is a piece of information I would definitely put to good use because for the life of me I can't seem to pick a good one. That can be the next Skinny Cow product - Skinny Mascara. But it will make my lashes fat. I like my lashes to be cow-like in their figure.
If they can make logic defying ice cream then why not eye defying mascara?
He might get slapped. He might cause a river of tears and the use of a box of tissues. Screaming might ensue. If the man and woman in question are married you can be sure someone is sleeping on the couch that night, and it isn't a farm animal.
Bottom line: calling a woman a cow doesn't go over well - and with good reason. Calling someone a cow is an insult. If you ask Urban Dictionary what a "cow" is the very first definition is as follows: Someone who blocks the aisles in a grocery store with their massive girth. This comes before animal, source of milk and dairy products or livestock. Nope, Urban Dictionary jumps right to the juicy stuff, proving my point (thank you, urbandictionary.com) that calling a woman a cow is in no way a compliment.
Given this term, I was surprised to see a woman on Fox News this morning from the company "Skinny Cow". Hmm... I would have expected the spokesperson to be a man. What kind of woman would name their company such a thing? Who wants to be buying products touting this offensive slang?
I wouldn't want to be admitting I was eating something from Skinny Cow. It doesn't seem like the kind of food you'd want to be proud of. Baskin Robbins? Ben and Jerry's? Sure, flaunt your fattening splurge. But Skinny Cow? It seems like the kind of thing you eat in secret after the kids have gone to bed and your husband is too busy watching football to notice.
If you are eating Skinny Cow I assume you are concerned about your weight. Maybe someone has called you a cow and now you believe you must resort to eating products that are, what, made for you? I decided to do a little investigating to see what the appeal is.
Guess who their mascot is. Yep, a cow named Skinny. She is not a fat cow. I assume she is a cow that has been on a diet. Skinny must be eating a lot of skinny ice cream cups and sandwiches. She knows how to keep her figure. She even has a tape measure around her waist just to show that the picture is not just a figure of the imagination, this cow isn't fat. She has been getting her walking in and watching her diet, I suppose. But as the site tells us, she knows how to indulge.
You can eat ice cream and still stay health and lean, so they say. Intriguing! Do tell.
Next stop was the ingredient list. I looked at the Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream cup because I like fruit and I assume cows do, too. The second ingredient had corn syrup in it. High fructose corn syrup wasn't far behind. Hmm... last I checked cows ate grass. I would think that grass would keep them leaner then this "healthy" ice cream cup.
Now I am confused. I have believed that eating "close to the ground" was healthier and would help maintain healthy weight. Now I'm told that fat cows are created off grass and made lean and healthy fighting machines by eating ice cream.
Skinny, the cow, you have utterly confused me. Your eating habits defy my logic.
And so do your eyelashes. Can you tell me which mascara you use? That is a piece of information I would definitely put to good use because for the life of me I can't seem to pick a good one. That can be the next Skinny Cow product - Skinny Mascara. But it will make my lashes fat. I like my lashes to be cow-like in their figure.
If they can make logic defying ice cream then why not eye defying mascara?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Your Trial
1 Peter 4:12
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."
I love this verse. I want to imprint it on my forehead. I want to wear it on a t-shirt. I want it to be my life mantra and motto.
When times get tough, don't be shocked. When the waters rise and the tide starts pulling you in a direction you find fearful, don't be surprised. Don't moan and complain and question why. Expect the unexpected.
But....I love when the Bible says "but". It always means to wait, there is more news to come. Don't stop now, continue to hear from God - he is ready and waiting to speak to you. "But" is the open door for him to enter into further teaching and communing.
Verse 13 says, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Beautiful. Enlightening. Reassuring. Calming. Soothing. Inspiring.
Our suffering is not in vain. Our suffering is not in solitude. Our suffering is divine. We are co-heirs with Christ. We are co-heirs in his suffering here on this earth and then someday in heaven with him for eternity. It is a magnificent truth. It is a sobering promise.
Eternity is so hard to comprehend. When I attempt to understand it my brain feels as if it is turning to mush and all my thought processes come to halt. I can't wrap my mind around forever. I'm human and I look at time in a finite, limited way. I see time in the form of minutes, days, months and years. To imagine living without an attached time frame is incomprehensible. Yet, that is the promise we are given by God - and God is true to his word. We will dwell with him FOREVER in HEAVEN! I no longer try to understand how that will work or what it will look like. I know it will be glorious and that is enough to know while I'm here on this earth.
While I'm here I am given an amazing opportunity. This is my one chance to show my faith and to live it out in difficult circumstances. Someday I will be in heaven where peace is unlimited and suffering is no more, but I'm not there yet. Today, and in this part of my life, I am here on earth where sin abounds and pain is real. It is in this place that I can live out my faith in spite of imperfection and in spite of trials. This is my chance to show God how much I trust him. This is my chance to stand firm in my faith even when my own human will is weak. I only have this one chance. Each moment spent in worry or anxiety is a moment lost - a moment that I will never get back. Each trial that I face resting in the almighty arms of my father is another moment to live my faith. Each trial that I face on human strength is a precious opportunity lost.
The trial that I am facing today is just one of many that will come in this part of my life. We are all given many opportunities to have faith. We are all given many trials. Thank God for the many trials, because we don't always grab hold of faith on the first try. Sometimes it takes many trials before we learn where to rest. But God keeps giving us more chances, more opportunities, more moments to find peace in him in the midst of a storm. As the waves of life beat against us, we have a place to curl up and hunker down. We have a place to seek shelter.
The storm isn't pleasant. Our lives become like a rained out picnic on the fourth of July - the plans we made get washed away by the mother of all thunderstorms. The provisions we bought, the food we prepared and the games we planned all go to waste. We have to change course. Maybe we can move the party inside? Maybe we can reschedule? Maybe the whole thing gets called off. No matter what happens everyone complains about the storm. But we shouldn't lose hope from changed plans or storms in our lives. The party can still go on. Good memories can still be formed. New experiences can be shared. If you get angry and discouraged you might miss out on something special God had planned. The storm might have been his way of getting you to take his route. Don't shy away from experiencing what he has in mind.
God is forming in the lives of his children a beautiful tapestry. Like any great artist, he isn't revealing the final product just yet. Where would the fun be in that? Instead he is giving us a little peak of the back of the tapestry. He is showing us the different threads. Right now it only looks like a bunch of colors and twists and turns. We can't see what it is forming on the other side. The sneak peek might look like an utter mess instead of something beautiful. This is where God is really getting to work. He has something gorgeous being designed on the other side of that cluster of threads. He is pulling the threads taut. He is making sure they are secure. I imagine those threads aren't enjoying it one bit. On the contrary, they are stretched to the breaking point, holding on for dear life. But God knows how hard he can pull before they break. He knows how much slack is left and how much pressure he needs to still apply to complete his picture. The thread thinks it can't take anymore, but it doesn't know its own strength.
As we watch the master do his work we won't always understand why the threads of our own life have to be pulled so tight and why it looks like such an utter disaster on the back of the tapestry. We'll often wonder what he is working on and how he is going to use a particular color, string or fabric.
In the moments of your life that you feel like that string on the verge of breaking take comfort in the peace only God can provide. Take shelter in his goodness and his love. He is the master creator and he is working out a masterpiece in your life. He never promises us that the process of forming your life's tapestry will be pain-free. He warns us of quite the opposite. Remember 1 Peter? He warns us that it is going to be trying. But he knows how much we can take. He knows how much he can pull us and stretch us. He knows the design is he creating.
Rest in him. And get ready, because before you know it the tapestry will be completed and your chance to rest in faith while God performs his handiwork will come to an end. Then you will be in eternal peace, face to face with the one who carried you through each fiery trial and each woven thread. And the tapestry will be glorious.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."
I love this verse. I want to imprint it on my forehead. I want to wear it on a t-shirt. I want it to be my life mantra and motto.
When times get tough, don't be shocked. When the waters rise and the tide starts pulling you in a direction you find fearful, don't be surprised. Don't moan and complain and question why. Expect the unexpected.
But....I love when the Bible says "but". It always means to wait, there is more news to come. Don't stop now, continue to hear from God - he is ready and waiting to speak to you. "But" is the open door for him to enter into further teaching and communing.
Verse 13 says, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Beautiful. Enlightening. Reassuring. Calming. Soothing. Inspiring.
Our suffering is not in vain. Our suffering is not in solitude. Our suffering is divine. We are co-heirs with Christ. We are co-heirs in his suffering here on this earth and then someday in heaven with him for eternity. It is a magnificent truth. It is a sobering promise.
Eternity is so hard to comprehend. When I attempt to understand it my brain feels as if it is turning to mush and all my thought processes come to halt. I can't wrap my mind around forever. I'm human and I look at time in a finite, limited way. I see time in the form of minutes, days, months and years. To imagine living without an attached time frame is incomprehensible. Yet, that is the promise we are given by God - and God is true to his word. We will dwell with him FOREVER in HEAVEN! I no longer try to understand how that will work or what it will look like. I know it will be glorious and that is enough to know while I'm here on this earth.
While I'm here I am given an amazing opportunity. This is my one chance to show my faith and to live it out in difficult circumstances. Someday I will be in heaven where peace is unlimited and suffering is no more, but I'm not there yet. Today, and in this part of my life, I am here on earth where sin abounds and pain is real. It is in this place that I can live out my faith in spite of imperfection and in spite of trials. This is my chance to show God how much I trust him. This is my chance to stand firm in my faith even when my own human will is weak. I only have this one chance. Each moment spent in worry or anxiety is a moment lost - a moment that I will never get back. Each trial that I face resting in the almighty arms of my father is another moment to live my faith. Each trial that I face on human strength is a precious opportunity lost.
The trial that I am facing today is just one of many that will come in this part of my life. We are all given many opportunities to have faith. We are all given many trials. Thank God for the many trials, because we don't always grab hold of faith on the first try. Sometimes it takes many trials before we learn where to rest. But God keeps giving us more chances, more opportunities, more moments to find peace in him in the midst of a storm. As the waves of life beat against us, we have a place to curl up and hunker down. We have a place to seek shelter.
The storm isn't pleasant. Our lives become like a rained out picnic on the fourth of July - the plans we made get washed away by the mother of all thunderstorms. The provisions we bought, the food we prepared and the games we planned all go to waste. We have to change course. Maybe we can move the party inside? Maybe we can reschedule? Maybe the whole thing gets called off. No matter what happens everyone complains about the storm. But we shouldn't lose hope from changed plans or storms in our lives. The party can still go on. Good memories can still be formed. New experiences can be shared. If you get angry and discouraged you might miss out on something special God had planned. The storm might have been his way of getting you to take his route. Don't shy away from experiencing what he has in mind.
God is forming in the lives of his children a beautiful tapestry. Like any great artist, he isn't revealing the final product just yet. Where would the fun be in that? Instead he is giving us a little peak of the back of the tapestry. He is showing us the different threads. Right now it only looks like a bunch of colors and twists and turns. We can't see what it is forming on the other side. The sneak peek might look like an utter mess instead of something beautiful. This is where God is really getting to work. He has something gorgeous being designed on the other side of that cluster of threads. He is pulling the threads taut. He is making sure they are secure. I imagine those threads aren't enjoying it one bit. On the contrary, they are stretched to the breaking point, holding on for dear life. But God knows how hard he can pull before they break. He knows how much slack is left and how much pressure he needs to still apply to complete his picture. The thread thinks it can't take anymore, but it doesn't know its own strength.
As we watch the master do his work we won't always understand why the threads of our own life have to be pulled so tight and why it looks like such an utter disaster on the back of the tapestry. We'll often wonder what he is working on and how he is going to use a particular color, string or fabric.
In the moments of your life that you feel like that string on the verge of breaking take comfort in the peace only God can provide. Take shelter in his goodness and his love. He is the master creator and he is working out a masterpiece in your life. He never promises us that the process of forming your life's tapestry will be pain-free. He warns us of quite the opposite. Remember 1 Peter? He warns us that it is going to be trying. But he knows how much we can take. He knows how much he can pull us and stretch us. He knows the design is he creating.
Rest in him. And get ready, because before you know it the tapestry will be completed and your chance to rest in faith while God performs his handiwork will come to an end. Then you will be in eternal peace, face to face with the one who carried you through each fiery trial and each woven thread. And the tapestry will be glorious.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)