September arrived with a definite chill in the air, bringing with it a sort of electrical excitement. Memories of roasting marshmallows in our outdoor fireplace, going horseback riding in the mountains and enjoying the beautiful palette of autumn colors, makes me look forward to the change of seasons. In October, my family and I relish the idea of heading up to Burt's Pumpkin Farm (www.burtsfarm.com) to take the traditional hay ride before selecting the pumpkins that will decorate our doorstep. Several local corn fields become mind-boggling mazes that test even the wittiest of customers. A couple years ago, when my Mom made her annual fall visit, we thought it would be fun to check out the corn-maze craze that's only recently made its debut in our neck of the woods.
The day was overcast and a bit blustery, the perfect weather for a stroll through a corn field. With our maps to guide us through the maze, my Mom, daughter, and I set off quite confidently. After all, if we just followed our map we should be done in record time. Or so we thought. If I remember correctly, there were ten stations set up throughout the field where we were to stop and punch our map as we navigated the maze. This would prove that we had followed the right path from entrance to exit.
The trouble began when we were unable to find the very first station. Confused, each of us studied the map and tried to account for each twist and turn that we had made up to that point. I remember backtracking to the beginning, only to miss a turn and find ourselves at station number two, rather than one. At some point, we got so frustrated that we decided to skip the map altogether and just follow people who appeared as if they had an innate sense of direction. This proved quite comical as we ended up shadowing some women from England. Here we were in our home state, hoping foreigners would be able to lead us through this corn maze. Maybe it was a result of their travels, but for whatever reason, they did prove themselves to be much more adept at maze navigation than we were. With lots of laughter and sincere 'thank yous' to our 'guides,' we exited the corn maze safely.
So often, life resembles that corn maze. There are several paths to choose from; only one will lead us safely through life. Our Creator has a map for us, His Word, that will guide us along the one path that He knows will be best for us. This 'map' contains clear directions for avoiding wrong turns and navigating life's storms, but we must be willing to study it. King Soloman, the wisest man who ever lived, was very direct in Proverbs 2:1-5, "1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." (KJV)
I get myself into trouble when I stop studying the 'map' and decide to drift aimlessly, following after or seeking others who may be able to point me in the right direction. While navigating this thing called life, my earnest desire is echoed in Joshua 1:8, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (KJV) Before you get frustrated with the twists and turns life throws at you, remember that your Creator is "a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Follow His 'map' for your life, today.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Test
We've all experienced it. Some accept it with a grateful attitude, while others reject it, although it would ultimately help them. The 'it' is correction. Not a very popular topic in today's culture of tolerance, but an invaluable tool in God's hand; used to chip away the rough edges from our lives, so we can be more like Jesus Christ.
When I was in eighth grade, I attended Central Intermediate in my hometown of Midland, Michigan. As I recall, one of my most challenging classes that year, happened to be Science. Our teacher was funny and had a knack for making the dullest topic interesting, nevertheless, the tests were hard. On one of our tests, we were allowed to use a handbook to assist us with some math problems on the test. I remember studying the material the night before the test. It was late and I still had a few formulas to memorize. Hmmm...Since we were permitted to use our handbook for the test, I rationalized that it would be so much easier just to write the last few formulas on the back of one of the handbook sheets, rather than memorizing them. After all, I'd studied the majority of material, and I was tired. No one would ever know. Or so I thought.
I got to class a few minutes early the next day. I even asked my teacher a few last minute questions. With the formulas written on the back of my handbook, I was feeling pretty confident about the test. When the bell rang, the teacher stood up to give some final instructions prior to distributing the tests. Because he was allowing us to use our handbooks, he said he would be coming around to check them to be sure we hadn't written anything else on them. With my heart pounding and my mind racing, I tried to think of a way I could flip to the page I had written on, and erase the incriminating evidence...Whether it was a guilty expression on my face or merely where I was sitting, my teacher came to check my handbook first. He tapped me on the back to indicate that he was aware that I had attempted to cheat. Today, I can look back and see that God was correcting me. At the time, I chose to reject His correction. Instead of admitting my guilt, I lied. I told my teacher that I had copied the formulas onto my handbook after I'd missed a day of school and had forgotten that the information was there. Regardless of whether he believed me or not, there were immediate consequences. I earned a zero on the test, and spent the remainder of the quarter doing extra credit projects to regain the eighty points I had so foolishly forfeited.
Although I didn't appreciate it at the time, I'm so thankful I got caught. It helped me to realize the harsh realities of cheating. It also revealed my stubborn attitude toward correction. The Lord is faithful to remind us in Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (KJV) How wonderful to know that our God's mercies are "new every morning." (Lamentations 3:23a; KJV)
When we're corrected, it's for our own good and is a sign of God's love for us. How will we respond to His correction? Meditate on the words of Job 5:17, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty." Accept His correction with a grateful attitude today.
When I was in eighth grade, I attended Central Intermediate in my hometown of Midland, Michigan. As I recall, one of my most challenging classes that year, happened to be Science. Our teacher was funny and had a knack for making the dullest topic interesting, nevertheless, the tests were hard. On one of our tests, we were allowed to use a handbook to assist us with some math problems on the test. I remember studying the material the night before the test. It was late and I still had a few formulas to memorize. Hmmm...Since we were permitted to use our handbook for the test, I rationalized that it would be so much easier just to write the last few formulas on the back of one of the handbook sheets, rather than memorizing them. After all, I'd studied the majority of material, and I was tired. No one would ever know. Or so I thought.
I got to class a few minutes early the next day. I even asked my teacher a few last minute questions. With the formulas written on the back of my handbook, I was feeling pretty confident about the test. When the bell rang, the teacher stood up to give some final instructions prior to distributing the tests. Because he was allowing us to use our handbooks, he said he would be coming around to check them to be sure we hadn't written anything else on them. With my heart pounding and my mind racing, I tried to think of a way I could flip to the page I had written on, and erase the incriminating evidence...Whether it was a guilty expression on my face or merely where I was sitting, my teacher came to check my handbook first. He tapped me on the back to indicate that he was aware that I had attempted to cheat. Today, I can look back and see that God was correcting me. At the time, I chose to reject His correction. Instead of admitting my guilt, I lied. I told my teacher that I had copied the formulas onto my handbook after I'd missed a day of school and had forgotten that the information was there. Regardless of whether he believed me or not, there were immediate consequences. I earned a zero on the test, and spent the remainder of the quarter doing extra credit projects to regain the eighty points I had so foolishly forfeited.
Although I didn't appreciate it at the time, I'm so thankful I got caught. It helped me to realize the harsh realities of cheating. It also revealed my stubborn attitude toward correction. The Lord is faithful to remind us in Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (KJV) How wonderful to know that our God's mercies are "new every morning." (Lamentations 3:23a; KJV)
When we're corrected, it's for our own good and is a sign of God's love for us. How will we respond to His correction? Meditate on the words of Job 5:17, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty." Accept His correction with a grateful attitude today.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A 'Golden' Opportunity
It all happened so quickly. I certainly didn't see it coming. I was knocked off my feet and hit the pavement, all in the matter of a few seconds. We walk our dogs just about every morning. It was a beautiful day. I had put our Golden Retriever, Precious, on her leash and we headed down toward the end of the driveway to wait for my husband, Steve, and Joe, our Chesepeake Bay Retriever. Joe came charging around the house. He ran at full speed to greet us. Unfortunately, he ran right into Precious' leash and I was catapulted onto the rough cement of the driveway. Thoroughly stunned, I slowly stood to my feet and grabbed my right elbow. Instinctively, I had broken the impact of the fall by putting my hands out in front of me. Even so, my right elbow had managed to take a pretty hard hit.
My husband was afraid I may have broken my elbow, which by now was swelling and bleeding from some minor abrasions. I stumbled into the house to get an ice pack from the freezer. Although it hurt, I was still able to move my arm; so with ice pack in hand, I told my husband to go ahead without me. I was surprised to hear the door open just a few minutes later. Steve told me that he had tried to walk the dogs, but that Precious would only walk a few feet before she'd stop, and turn around to look back toward the house. After trying to coax her forward a few times to no avail, he brought both dogs back home.
I imagine that's one reason they're called, 'man's best friend.' How sweet to think that my puppy was so concerned about me that she was no longer interested in taking a long-awaited walk. It certainly gave me food for thought. How often have I listened to the prayer request of a troubled friend, brought the petition before the Lord once, and then forgotten all about my friend's need? Am I really concerned about what burdens my friend? Or am I more focused on my needs? It's so much easier to rejoice with friends who are rejoicing, than to fulfill the second half of Romans 12:15, to "weep with them that weep." (KJV)
The Bible is replete with countless examples of Christ's prayer life. Since He was so often surrounded by people, He made it a practice to get away by Himself to spend time with His Father in prayer. Matthew 14:23 reveals, "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." (KJV) The book of Mark puts it this way, "And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray." (Mark 6:46, KJV) He was so burdened for mankind, that the book of Luke says, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountin to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12, KJV) What a passion for people! What a model for us to follow. I'm reminded today of the power of prayer and the Almighty God who answers it. Will you be faithful to intercede on the behalf of others until God answers? Be sure to stop and praise Him when He does!
My husband was afraid I may have broken my elbow, which by now was swelling and bleeding from some minor abrasions. I stumbled into the house to get an ice pack from the freezer. Although it hurt, I was still able to move my arm; so with ice pack in hand, I told my husband to go ahead without me. I was surprised to hear the door open just a few minutes later. Steve told me that he had tried to walk the dogs, but that Precious would only walk a few feet before she'd stop, and turn around to look back toward the house. After trying to coax her forward a few times to no avail, he brought both dogs back home.
I imagine that's one reason they're called, 'man's best friend.' How sweet to think that my puppy was so concerned about me that she was no longer interested in taking a long-awaited walk. It certainly gave me food for thought. How often have I listened to the prayer request of a troubled friend, brought the petition before the Lord once, and then forgotten all about my friend's need? Am I really concerned about what burdens my friend? Or am I more focused on my needs? It's so much easier to rejoice with friends who are rejoicing, than to fulfill the second half of Romans 12:15, to "weep with them that weep." (KJV)
The Bible is replete with countless examples of Christ's prayer life. Since He was so often surrounded by people, He made it a practice to get away by Himself to spend time with His Father in prayer. Matthew 14:23 reveals, "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." (KJV) The book of Mark puts it this way, "And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray." (Mark 6:46, KJV) He was so burdened for mankind, that the book of Luke says, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountin to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12, KJV) What a passion for people! What a model for us to follow. I'm reminded today of the power of prayer and the Almighty God who answers it. Will you be faithful to intercede on the behalf of others until God answers? Be sure to stop and praise Him when He does!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Are We There Yet?
It was a long drive. Slightly over 20 hours to be exact. When I was growing up, my family and I would pack our bags and make the long trip from Midland, Michigan to New Port Richey, Florida, to visit both sets of grandparents. We made it a Christmas tradition. It was an adventure beginning in the frigid north, bundled in our winter clothes, and ending in the balmy south, heavy coats and sweaters replaced by t-shirts and windbreakers. Talk about making memories along the way!
Our journey would begin early, long before I would have been out of bed. My Mom would request a pit-stop within the first hour. The coffee was always to blame. My brother and I were encouraged to take advantage of the stop, since my Dad reminded us that we wouldn't be stopping again anytime soon. That meant rousing ourselves from the comfortable beds we'd made, putting our shoes on and bundling up in our winter coats, before dashing from our car to the gas station restroom and back.
As we started off again, my brother and I would amuse ourselves by playing pranks on my parents. One of our favorites, was shredding a tissue and seeing how much of it we could carefully set on my Mom's head before she would notice. "All right, you two!" became familiar words, as we would double over with laughter. Our absolute favorite prank involved a sturdy wire, bent in the shape of a 'C,' two rubber bands and a metal washer. With these items in hand, our male cousins had taught us how to make a gadget that, when wound up and released, produced a similar sound as today's whoopie cushions. Imagine my Dad's dismay as he'd hear a suspicious sound from the back seat. He could only assume the worst, and we'd once again stifle our laughter as he'd roll down the windows in spite of the wintry weather. Needless to say, "Kids, don't try these pranks at home!"
As the hours passed, my brother and I would begin to get on each other's nerves. We'd draw the invisible line down the middle of the back seat and dare each other to cross it. When playing, reading, and sleeping got old, and the scenery looked the same with each passing mile, the questions started. "Are we almost there yet?" No doubt, you can relate.
As an adult, I look back on the entire family trip experience with fond memories. It brought a smile to my face when I realized that I often ask a similar spiritual question of my Heavenly Father: "Am I there yet?" Just when I think I'm living victoriously in one area, He is faithful to remind me that life is a journey and not a destination. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (KJV) Praise the Lord! Until that day, may I patiently run the race that He sets before me, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2, KJV). Find joy in the journey while you keep your eyes on Him.
Our journey would begin early, long before I would have been out of bed. My Mom would request a pit-stop within the first hour. The coffee was always to blame. My brother and I were encouraged to take advantage of the stop, since my Dad reminded us that we wouldn't be stopping again anytime soon. That meant rousing ourselves from the comfortable beds we'd made, putting our shoes on and bundling up in our winter coats, before dashing from our car to the gas station restroom and back.
As we started off again, my brother and I would amuse ourselves by playing pranks on my parents. One of our favorites, was shredding a tissue and seeing how much of it we could carefully set on my Mom's head before she would notice. "All right, you two!" became familiar words, as we would double over with laughter. Our absolute favorite prank involved a sturdy wire, bent in the shape of a 'C,' two rubber bands and a metal washer. With these items in hand, our male cousins had taught us how to make a gadget that, when wound up and released, produced a similar sound as today's whoopie cushions. Imagine my Dad's dismay as he'd hear a suspicious sound from the back seat. He could only assume the worst, and we'd once again stifle our laughter as he'd roll down the windows in spite of the wintry weather. Needless to say, "Kids, don't try these pranks at home!"
As the hours passed, my brother and I would begin to get on each other's nerves. We'd draw the invisible line down the middle of the back seat and dare each other to cross it. When playing, reading, and sleeping got old, and the scenery looked the same with each passing mile, the questions started. "Are we almost there yet?" No doubt, you can relate.
As an adult, I look back on the entire family trip experience with fond memories. It brought a smile to my face when I realized that I often ask a similar spiritual question of my Heavenly Father: "Am I there yet?" Just when I think I'm living victoriously in one area, He is faithful to remind me that life is a journey and not a destination. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (KJV) Praise the Lord! Until that day, may I patiently run the race that He sets before me, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2, KJV). Find joy in the journey while you keep your eyes on Him.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Laundry
At some point on a typical Monday, I usually find myself in the laundry room. After a busy weekend, I often have at least three or four loads of dirty clothes to wash. Since we bought a new washing machine fairly recently, I can't say that I even mind doing laundry. The machine is one of those new-fangled, energy efficient, front loaders that plays a happy little tune when it's finished washing my clothes. My husband and I even joked about setting up a couple of chairs in the laundry room so we could enjoy watching a full cycle.
A friend and I were talking about washing machines today and I got to thinking about her observation. She said that she knew her old machine needed to be replaced because the agitator wasn't working as it should, yet it hadn't completely stopped functioning, so she continued to use it a while longer. It was only after replacing the washing machine, that she discovered the old machine hadn't been doing a thorough job. After washing clothes in the new machine, the clothes were noticeably cleaner. The dinginess disappeared, leaving brightness in its place.
What an amazingly accurate illustration of what often happens in our lives. After salvation, we begin the Christian life with boundless energy. We're grateful for what Christ has done for us, so we want to share our experience with others. We grasp the truth in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (KJV) We're like the new washing machine. We operate as God created us to function.
Time passes. People may not be as receptive to our message about Christ. Others are downright rude. Our feelings get hurt and we are distracted from Christ's calling, spelled out in the book of Mark, "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15, KJV) We become less bold, and like the agitator in the old washing machine, we slow down. We begin missing the opportunities that God puts in front of us. Because we haven't completely stopped witnessing for Christ, we don't notice the coldness that has slowly crept into our heart.
It's only when we allow the Holy Spirit to put His finger on those things that are preventing us from being used to our full potential, that we can once again function like the new washing machine. We agree with God that there is a problem. We confess our sins and ask for His forgiveness. We're restored and able to reach our potential once again. At this point, we can look back and see the difference. The dinginess has disappeared, leaving brightness in its place. The psalmist David, cried out to God, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10, KJV) What will your prayer be today?
A friend and I were talking about washing machines today and I got to thinking about her observation. She said that she knew her old machine needed to be replaced because the agitator wasn't working as it should, yet it hadn't completely stopped functioning, so she continued to use it a while longer. It was only after replacing the washing machine, that she discovered the old machine hadn't been doing a thorough job. After washing clothes in the new machine, the clothes were noticeably cleaner. The dinginess disappeared, leaving brightness in its place.
What an amazingly accurate illustration of what often happens in our lives. After salvation, we begin the Christian life with boundless energy. We're grateful for what Christ has done for us, so we want to share our experience with others. We grasp the truth in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (KJV) We're like the new washing machine. We operate as God created us to function.
Time passes. People may not be as receptive to our message about Christ. Others are downright rude. Our feelings get hurt and we are distracted from Christ's calling, spelled out in the book of Mark, "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15, KJV) We become less bold, and like the agitator in the old washing machine, we slow down. We begin missing the opportunities that God puts in front of us. Because we haven't completely stopped witnessing for Christ, we don't notice the coldness that has slowly crept into our heart.
It's only when we allow the Holy Spirit to put His finger on those things that are preventing us from being used to our full potential, that we can once again function like the new washing machine. We agree with God that there is a problem. We confess our sins and ask for His forgiveness. We're restored and able to reach our potential once again. At this point, we can look back and see the difference. The dinginess has disappeared, leaving brightness in its place. The psalmist David, cried out to God, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10, KJV) What will your prayer be today?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Unprepared
It was an extremely uncomfortable feeling. Having no control over the situation caused me to feel helpless. It was even worse to know that I was totally unprepared to deal with the problem. What could I do?
I wonder if the orphan-girl, Esther, asked the same question? Going from relative obscurity to the king's palace in Shushan was pretty drastic. She hadn't wanted to participate in king Ahasuerus' beauty contest. She was forced to participate. She had no control over who Ahasuerus would choose as his queen. She was chosen. Orphaned at a young age, Esther was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, a Jew.
Not growing up in the palace, I'm sure Esther lacked all the social graces expected of a queen. As she mastered her new responsibilities, another problem arose. Not just any problem, but a decree went forth in the form of a letter sealed with the king's signet ring, that called for the destruction of "all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey." (Esther 3:13, KJV)
Esther found herself in an unenviable position. Having no control over the situation was one thing, this situation would claim her life if unchallenged. Based on her cousin Mordecai's advice, Esther had not revealed her national heritage. She must have been unprepared for what Mordecai would ask her to do on behalf of the Jewish people; go before the king to plead for the lives of she and her people.
Knowing the custom of the day, Esther was faced with a grim decision. Since king Ahasuerus had not called for her, if she dared enter his presence, he had the authority to put her to death. On the other hand, if she didn't enter his presence to plead for her own life and those of her people, she would surely perish on the appointed day.
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, KJV) Mordecai's words must have rung in Esther's ears like an alarm. He was right. Esther made her choice. She would go before the king, but not before she had fasted and prayed.
As I faced my present day problem, not in control of the situation and unprepared to deal with it, I vacilated between trying to fix it and trying to give it to someone else I felt was better equipped to deal with the situation. Like Mordecai's good advice to Esther, my husband's advice was to encourage me to "do the right thing." Like Esther, I knew the one thing I could do was pray.
God has already begun answering prayer. Although my challenges are not one hundred percent resolved, having the opportunity to see God at work has infused me with fresh faith in a mighty Father. Today, my Bible study ended with a phenomenal quote by Oswald Chambers: "Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered...Remain spiritually tenacious." I desire such spiritual tenacity, how about you?
I wonder if the orphan-girl, Esther, asked the same question? Going from relative obscurity to the king's palace in Shushan was pretty drastic. She hadn't wanted to participate in king Ahasuerus' beauty contest. She was forced to participate. She had no control over who Ahasuerus would choose as his queen. She was chosen. Orphaned at a young age, Esther was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, a Jew.
Not growing up in the palace, I'm sure Esther lacked all the social graces expected of a queen. As she mastered her new responsibilities, another problem arose. Not just any problem, but a decree went forth in the form of a letter sealed with the king's signet ring, that called for the destruction of "all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey." (Esther 3:13, KJV)
Esther found herself in an unenviable position. Having no control over the situation was one thing, this situation would claim her life if unchallenged. Based on her cousin Mordecai's advice, Esther had not revealed her national heritage. She must have been unprepared for what Mordecai would ask her to do on behalf of the Jewish people; go before the king to plead for the lives of she and her people.
Knowing the custom of the day, Esther was faced with a grim decision. Since king Ahasuerus had not called for her, if she dared enter his presence, he had the authority to put her to death. On the other hand, if she didn't enter his presence to plead for her own life and those of her people, she would surely perish on the appointed day.
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, KJV) Mordecai's words must have rung in Esther's ears like an alarm. He was right. Esther made her choice. She would go before the king, but not before she had fasted and prayed.
As I faced my present day problem, not in control of the situation and unprepared to deal with it, I vacilated between trying to fix it and trying to give it to someone else I felt was better equipped to deal with the situation. Like Mordecai's good advice to Esther, my husband's advice was to encourage me to "do the right thing." Like Esther, I knew the one thing I could do was pray.
God has already begun answering prayer. Although my challenges are not one hundred percent resolved, having the opportunity to see God at work has infused me with fresh faith in a mighty Father. Today, my Bible study ended with a phenomenal quote by Oswald Chambers: "Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered...Remain spiritually tenacious." I desire such spiritual tenacity, how about you?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Mowing
I've done it before, but it has been awhile. Mowing always gives me a strong sense of accomplishment because I can see a visible difference between the 'before' and 'after.' We had been out of town for a week and with a hectic schedule, my husband, Steve, hadn't had the opportunity to cut the grass. You know that feeling when all the neighbor's yards are freshly manicured and your yard is the exception? Fortunately, by mid-week, Steve was able to get three quarters of the yard mowed. Then the call came.
A photographer friend of ours had some clients who were wondering if they could have some pictures taken on our property. They liked the idea of having some outdoor photos taken by the pond and little bridge in our front yard. I hesitated for a moment, before explaining that our grass had only gotten three-fourths of its 'haircut.' My friend assured me that it wasn't a problem. As I hung up the phone, I had a brilliant idea - why don't I cut the rest of the grass in the morning before the photo shoot?
By 11:00 a.m. the next morning, I had my oldest work clothes on and was ready to tackle the yard. I had just gotten off the phone with Steve, who had patiently given me some 'how to' tips for both lawnmower and lawnmowing. He had me check to see if there was enough gas in the tank to finish the yard. I unscrewed the gas cap, and guessed that there was plenty. I recalled the basics and bravely set off, pushing the lawnmower down the drive. With five-inch tall grass daring me to take a swipe out of it, I reached down to start the mower. After a few tries, the engine engaged and off I went. Because our outer yard is about a third of an acre, Steve told me I may only be able to mow half a strip of grass before emptying the mower bag. As the sun beat down on me, the idea of having to walk several hundred feet to deposit the grass in the woods, didn't sound so good. I continued down the strip of grass I was mowing, turned the mower around, and headed up the next strip. Globs of grass began piling up on either side of the mower. Oops. Must need to empty the bag.
After trudging across the yard into the woods to make my deposit, I reattached the bag and was ready to complete strip number two. The mower refused to start. I hoped my neighbors weren't peering between their blinds watching me, as I acted like I knew what I was doing, checking everything I could possibly think to check. As a last resort, I unscrewed the gas cap and looked to see how much gas was left in the tank. It was almost empty. Another big 'Oops!' After filling up the gas tank, the mower and I were on our way. After my next grass deposit, I encountered another problem. When I tried to start the mower this time, the chord only extended a few inches before it felt like it got hung up on something. Once again, I began reasoning through what could possibly be wrong. As a last resort, I turned the mower on its side and peered at the blade. Because the grass was so long, and I had attempted to mow too much at once, it had formed a 'nest' of sorts, making it impossible for the blade to rotate. I carefully removed the grass, finally realizing that I needed to follow Steve's advice, and empty the bag more often.
As I continued to mow, it dawned on me. Just as I had ignored my husband's advice, I often ignore God's instructions for my life. My husband had told me very clearly to empty the lawnmower bag after short intervals. In my desire to speed up the process, I convinced myself that I could mow more grass and have the same results. Instead, I was left with piles of grass clippings that took more time to clean up, and a lawnmower that wouldn't start because it was clogged with grass. If I had only followed the instructions... I tend to do the same thing in life. How often have I read God's word and clearly understood what it said, only to justify my behavior when I wanted to do things my way.
God is very clear in His word that He desires obedience. We show our love for Him by our obedience. John 14:15 says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Pretty straightforward, right? When I disobey God, I'm saying that I don't love Him as much as I love myself. I would rather do my own thing than submitting to His authority in my life. Just as there were consequences for mowing too much grass at once; unsightly piles of grass clippings, and a blade that wouldn't turn, there are consequences for being disobedient to God. The book of Numbers, in the Old Testament doesn't mince words, "...behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23; KJV)
Today I have a choice to make. Will I follow God's instruction book, the Bible, for my life? Or will I justify going my own way? The visual reminder of the piles of grass clippings in my front yard, serve as encouragement for me to obey God. Will you be obedient today?
A photographer friend of ours had some clients who were wondering if they could have some pictures taken on our property. They liked the idea of having some outdoor photos taken by the pond and little bridge in our front yard. I hesitated for a moment, before explaining that our grass had only gotten three-fourths of its 'haircut.' My friend assured me that it wasn't a problem. As I hung up the phone, I had a brilliant idea - why don't I cut the rest of the grass in the morning before the photo shoot?
By 11:00 a.m. the next morning, I had my oldest work clothes on and was ready to tackle the yard. I had just gotten off the phone with Steve, who had patiently given me some 'how to' tips for both lawnmower and lawnmowing. He had me check to see if there was enough gas in the tank to finish the yard. I unscrewed the gas cap, and guessed that there was plenty. I recalled the basics and bravely set off, pushing the lawnmower down the drive. With five-inch tall grass daring me to take a swipe out of it, I reached down to start the mower. After a few tries, the engine engaged and off I went. Because our outer yard is about a third of an acre, Steve told me I may only be able to mow half a strip of grass before emptying the mower bag. As the sun beat down on me, the idea of having to walk several hundred feet to deposit the grass in the woods, didn't sound so good. I continued down the strip of grass I was mowing, turned the mower around, and headed up the next strip. Globs of grass began piling up on either side of the mower. Oops. Must need to empty the bag.
After trudging across the yard into the woods to make my deposit, I reattached the bag and was ready to complete strip number two. The mower refused to start. I hoped my neighbors weren't peering between their blinds watching me, as I acted like I knew what I was doing, checking everything I could possibly think to check. As a last resort, I unscrewed the gas cap and looked to see how much gas was left in the tank. It was almost empty. Another big 'Oops!' After filling up the gas tank, the mower and I were on our way. After my next grass deposit, I encountered another problem. When I tried to start the mower this time, the chord only extended a few inches before it felt like it got hung up on something. Once again, I began reasoning through what could possibly be wrong. As a last resort, I turned the mower on its side and peered at the blade. Because the grass was so long, and I had attempted to mow too much at once, it had formed a 'nest' of sorts, making it impossible for the blade to rotate. I carefully removed the grass, finally realizing that I needed to follow Steve's advice, and empty the bag more often.
As I continued to mow, it dawned on me. Just as I had ignored my husband's advice, I often ignore God's instructions for my life. My husband had told me very clearly to empty the lawnmower bag after short intervals. In my desire to speed up the process, I convinced myself that I could mow more grass and have the same results. Instead, I was left with piles of grass clippings that took more time to clean up, and a lawnmower that wouldn't start because it was clogged with grass. If I had only followed the instructions... I tend to do the same thing in life. How often have I read God's word and clearly understood what it said, only to justify my behavior when I wanted to do things my way.
God is very clear in His word that He desires obedience. We show our love for Him by our obedience. John 14:15 says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Pretty straightforward, right? When I disobey God, I'm saying that I don't love Him as much as I love myself. I would rather do my own thing than submitting to His authority in my life. Just as there were consequences for mowing too much grass at once; unsightly piles of grass clippings, and a blade that wouldn't turn, there are consequences for being disobedient to God. The book of Numbers, in the Old Testament doesn't mince words, "...behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23; KJV)
Today I have a choice to make. Will I follow God's instruction book, the Bible, for my life? Or will I justify going my own way? The visual reminder of the piles of grass clippings in my front yard, serve as encouragement for me to obey God. Will you be obedient today?
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