jesus – Joy in the Journey

Fare thee well…

photo credit: http://www.postermywall.com

Well, we made it. My husband and I have been back in our home country a week now. Moving from the tropics to a wintry climate, exchanging flip flops and shorts for multiple layers and yet still being cold… it’s an adjustment to be sure! A crackling fire on the TV screen gives the illusion of warmth and coziness. But hey, I’ll do anything I can to fool my body into thinking I’m warm!

The past two months have been a whirlwind of goodbyes, closing out bank and internet and phone accounts, selling our car, rehoming most of our possessions so that we could travel with only four suitcases (three of the four being overweight, but thankfully the airlines were gracious!), scurrying to be all done with packing and moving so that we could have our “boat days….”

When I took time a couple of days ago to reflect on all that has transpired, I realized that our current physical tiredness is partly due to jet lag — after all, there’s a twelve-hour time difference from where we lived to where we now are! But probably more of the exhaustion comes from fatigue. Decision-fatigue. Moving-fatigue. Goodbye-fatigue.

In other words, emotionally draining stuff.

Back in August I wrote about the importance of building a R.A.F.T. (see link below) The acronym refers to key elements to leaving a place well so that one can enter the next place well.

R = Reconciliation: making sure relationships are right.
A = Affirmation: acknowledging what others have said or done to encourage us, to help make our stay here meaningful.
F = Farewells: saying goodbye to people, places, possessions… AND allowing others to “farewell” you.
T = Think destination: thinking about what happens next.

My husband, who is an introvert and behind-the-scenes type of guy, wasn’t so sure about the farewell stuff. I didn’t nag or pressure him — really! He saw that it was important to me, and so acquiesced. Two events in particular ended up being a huge encouragement to both of us… and helped us to see the value of being “farewelled.” Those events provided a sense of closure to a major chapter in our lives. They helped us to say goodbye. To prepare mentally and emotionally for this next chapter. To leave well.

This made me wonder… are there any farewells in the Bible??? What, if any, similarities do they have with what we’ve experienced? What can I learn from their example?

When Moses was nearing the end of his life, his parting words to his protege Joshua were…

Be strong and courageous.

Do not fear or be in dread of [the people of the land he was going to conquer],

for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you.

— Deuteronomy 31: 6

When King David’s time to die drew near, he said to his son Solomon…

Be strong….

keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments. His rules, His testimonies…

— I Kings 2: 2-3

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples before ascending into heaven and said to them…

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

— Matthew 28: 18-20

These farewells included…

encouragement to be strong… to be courageous
encouragement to not be afraid
a reminder that God would be with them… they wouldn’t be alone… He would never leave them or forsake them… He would be with them forever
instructions on how to live life according to God’s plans and ways

Yep. Farewells are important. They’re an integral part of life. They help us as we move from one country to another; from one job situation to another; from one season of life to another. From the familiar to the unknown.

We’re not sure what this new chapter of life will look like for us… but we ARE sure that we are not going it alone. That God is with us and will be guiding us. That He’s rooting for us and encouraging us to be strong, to be courageous, to not be afraid.

We’re ever so grateful that we have His Word — the Bible — to instruct us on how to live life according to His plans and ways. And that, dear friends, is how we’ll have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

It’s time to build a R.A.F.T.

The Oatmeal Crew…

It was the summer before I graduated from university. I was working as a chambermaid in a hotel at the beach. Every morning I would make a small bowl of oatmeal before heading off to work. Plain. Nothing added besides some milk… maybe a smidgen of brown sugar??

I shared the basement kitchen of an old hotel/now boarding house with a bunch of other college students. We didn’t have much money, and so were frugal regarding what groceries we bought.

About the same time each morning I was making my breakfast a bunch of guys were making a BIG pot of — you guessed it, oatmeal! One day they asked if I would like to share from their pot, which only made sense, right?! And so I became a part of the “Oatmeal Crew.”

That group became a very important part of my daily life. It helped me begin to understand the importance of community… of having a group of like-minded people to share life with… a group who was pursuing the same goal.

Fast forward to today… My husband and I have been talking through our upcoming move to our home country later this year. One of the key factors we’re considering regarding where we will relocate is community.

As Christ-followers, it will be important for us to find a body of like-minded people with whom to begin cultivating that sense of community. A church is a good place to start.

In addition, wherever we’ve lived over the years we’ve always been intentional getting to know our neighbors. People older and younger than we. People who believe differently… or don’t believe at all. People from all different walks of life, cultural backgrounds. Our lives have been enriched because of the many people we’ve rubbed shoulders with over the years. And so I’m anticipating that we’ll do this wherever we end up living!

We’ll also be looking for ways to plug in… to be involved in the lives of others. Ways to start building community.

We’re in a different season of life this time around. Our capabilities and limitations are somewhat different from when we first moved overseas 46+ years ago. And yet I’m encouraged by a lesson from the life of Christ.

Jesus and his followers were faced with a bit of a dilemma. A large crowd — at least 5000 — had followed them to the mountains. Everyone was hungry, but a few problems emerged.

First problem: there wasn’t a grocery store out there in the middle of nowhere where they could buy food!

Second problem: even if there were a store, how could they possibly purchase enough food to feed that many people?!

A young boy had five loaves of bread and two fish. Hardly seems like that could make a dent in feeding so many people! But miraculously, after Jesus gave thanks for this meager gift, not only was there enough food but also there were twelve FULL baskets of leftovers!

So… what’s the lesson for me?

Did it matter how many loaves of bread Jesus had? or how many fish? Nope. He took what the boy had and accomplished what needed to be done. All it took was a willingness on the boy’s part to offer to Jesus what he had.

… a willingness to offer to Jesus what he had…

At this season of life I may not have the energy I had in my 20s… but whatever I give to the Lord to use, He can use! What’s important is for me to be willing. To be willing to offer to Jesus whatever I have. To not try to out-think God (perish the thought!) regarding what I can and cannot do. (Yes, I have a tendency to do that. But I’m working on learning to more consistently apply the wisdom of the following…)

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Wherever we end up living, wherever we start building community, my desire is to use whatever gifts and abilities I have, whatever energy or lack-thereof I have, whatever resources (financial, spiritual, mental) I have to help advance God’s Kingdom here on earth. I’m trusting that God will take my loaves and fishes and multiply them according to His plans and purposes.

Sounds exciting, right?! And scary. But the lesson from the Oatmeal Crew continues to impact my life, especially since I ended up marrying one of the guys! Together, he and I are looking forward to whatever our future holds. Together, we’re anticipating that we’ll continue to have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

PS You can read the story of the loaves and fishes in the New Testament book of John, chapter 6.

PS #2 To read more about the summer I was a chambermaid, see this earlier blog:

The danger of assumptions…

Betrayal…

The description pierced my heart. The emotions conveyed so raw, so poignant. The narrator describing his restlessness. Being in anguish. Overtaken by fear and trembling and horror.

But what was even more shocking was the source of all this turmoil. It wasn’t an enemy taunting him, arrogantly insulting him — something he could’ve handled. It wasn’t some other adversary — then he could’ve hidden.

It was his friend.

The narrator lived centuries ago. His name is David, once a shepherd boy and later a king. He goes on to describe this “friend” in Psalm 55 of the Bible.

He was his equal, his companion, his close friend.
They used to do things together, support and encourage each other.
He betrayed his friends.
He broke his promises.
His words were smooth as butter… yet they were drawn swords.

The anguish David expresses literally jumps off the page. It emphasizes how nothing so pierces and destroys our hearts like the stabs of someone we’re close to. Someone we once trusted.

This week is what is referred to in the Christian calendar as Holy Week. It’s the period of time spanning Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Palm Sunday), the Last Supper (when He celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples and then was betrayed by one of them), the Crucifixion (what is referred to as Good Friday), and Easter (the day He was resurrected from the dead).

A gut-wrenching part of Holy Week occurs when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver. Sold Him to those who wanted Him dead.

Judas had been with Jesus for three years. He was part of the group of twelve who followed Christ all over the countryside, learning from Him, observing miracles, seeing lives transformed. Wouldn’t you think that after all that time together Judas would have a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus? A relationship built on trust? A relationship that would mean more than a handful of coins?

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. But when that trust is broken, when one is betrayed the results are devastating.

Sadly, our world is filled with the aftermath of betrayal...

Marriages that end in divorce.
Friendships that dissolve.
Working relationships that disintegrate when one person does all the work but someone else gets the credit/recognition/a bonus.
Even our bodies betray us as we age: forgetfulness, sore/stiff joints, sagging muscles replace our once vibrant selves.
Some would feel the church has also betrayed them, citing hypocrisy and lack of authenticity as reasons to give up on anything related to God.

What a bleak picture!

How then do we cope? What can we learn from David’s words? From Judas’ example?

People let us down. They disappoint. They say and do things that affect us to the very core of our being.
Bad things happen. Heartache happens.
Life isn’t always fair.

The Psalm goes on to offer some advice, even though I must admit it sounds too simplistic:

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you…”

The reason this works is because — ultimately — vengeance isn’t ours to mete out, but rather is in God’s hands. That’s not much comfort when in the midst of betrayal, but the more I get to know God, the more I realize that He truly is Someone I can trust. He knows all that I go through… my hurts, my confusion, my struggles, and yes, my betrayals. He knows and understands because His only Son also went through the unspeakable pain of being betrayed.

Restlessness. Anguish. Fear. Trembling. Horror. Betrayal. Broken promises. Back-stabbing words.

Whatever you may be going through, no matter how deep the hurt, how raw the scars… may you find a glimmer of hope in knowing that you’re not alone. You’re seen. You’re heard. You’re loved by a Father who wants to heal your heartache, your brokenness. And somehow… may that encourage you to not give up.

And together, as we face whatever challenges life throws at us, may we have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

EARTHQUAKE!!!

drawing credit: lizadonnelly.substack.com

I thought I was imagining it … I was sitting at my desk in our fifth floor apartment when I started sensing that my chair was moving. My husband, only a few feet away, didn’t notice anything. But then the rocking chair started swaying, as did the trees outside. The movement intensified, as did my fears. Later, we learned the earthquake only lasted a couple of minutes. Minutes that seemed to last forever.

I frantically tried to call our two kids to tell them how much I love them — in case we were goners. Yes, I was that scared! The call didn’t go through for who knows what reason — internet signals messed up? God’s intervention so that I didn’t freak out our kids?!

We then took the stairway down to the parking area where tenants from our twin eight-story buildings had gathered. One woman was crying. Others were huddled together. All of us in shock. Our good friends from Japan — “pros” living with earthquakes — encouraged and calmed us. Gave us helpful hints on what to do if this ever happens again.

When it was deemed safe to go back in the building, we took the stairs back to our apartment. At least we had remembered when exiting and returning to our home that it would be best to avoid the elevators!

We then discovered that the quake had literally shaken some things up in our apartment. Our dresser drawers had opened. The sliding glass door on our balcony now had a gap of several inches instead of being tightly closed. Our desks had slid apart. A few books had fallen over.

Overall, however, our city fared well — especially compared to those who lived near the 7.7 magnitude epicenter (we’re 525 miles/845 km away). Oh, how we grieve with those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Unimaginable sorrow.

The following day I wrote in my journal:

The reality of our own mortality —
when thrust upon us in such a vivid way —
is sobering.

Intellectually, I know that my death will usher me
into the presence of the Lord —
and what could be more wonderful than that?!?

I also know that life here on earth
is only a small blip on the timeline of eternity.

But yesterday —
standing in our living room
not knowing if the three floors above us
would soon snuff out my life —

I didn’t want to see Jesus then!
I didn’t feel ready!
from my journal Saturday, March 29th

God graciously spared us. But this sobering incident has made me ask myself some questions:

Am I ready to meet God??? Why was I so hesitant???
Am I keeping short accounts regarding any sin in my life — confessing anything that is short-circuiting my relationship with God? Forgiving others? Forgiving myself?
Are there any relational issues I’m not dealing with/avoiding? Misunderstandings that need to be cleared up? Words that need to be spoken?
What about family and friends who aren’t yet believers?

I’ve also been pondering some things God says:

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46: 1-2

“Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet My unfailing love for you
will NOT be shaken
nor My covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord,
who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54: 10

Have no fear of sudden disaster…
for the Lord will be at your side…
Proverbs 3:25-26

“Sudden disasters” aren’t only acts of nature, like our recent earthquake. It can be a telephone call that brings devastating news. Or walking down the street in broad daylight and being mugged. Or returning from vacation and seeing that your home, all your earthly belongings have gone up in smoke — literally. Or having your job terminated from one day to the next. Or … the list goes on and on.

All of these “sudden disasters” shake us to the core of our being. Our stability is rattled — like having the rug pulled out from under our feet. Our confidence is flagging. Our hope often turns to despair. What we believe and what we’re experiencing collide — and make us question God.

Even though we have since been assured that our building was constructed according to a strict, earthquake-withstanding code, I recognize that I need to put my hope, my confidence in something, Someone greater. Something, Someone that will withstand the storms of life.

Anyone who listens to My teaching
and follows it is
wise,
like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
Though the rain comes in torrents
and the flood waters rise
and the winds beat against that house,
it won’t collapse
because it is built on bedrock.

But anyone who hears My teaching
and doesn’t obey it is
foolish,
like a person who builds a house on sand.
When the rains and floods come
and the winds beat against that house,
it will collapse
with a mighty crash.

Jesus speaking, Matthew 7:24-26

Yes, I was scared. Yes, we survived. And yes, as a Christ-follower I’m endeavoring to learn from this experience so that I’m better prepared to face whatever “sudden disasters” may come my way down the road.

My desire is to build upon and cling to the Rock, the One I call my Lord and Savior. May I encourage you to do the same… and together, no matter what surprises come our way in this life, we’ll have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

What’s in a name…

It was a “thing” back in third grade… having autograph books. One of my classmates simply signed her name and “Proverbs 22:1.” I remember not having a clue back then what that was referring to, let alone why she would chose to sign her autograph in such a cryptic way.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

A “good name” is synonymous with having a good reputation. Aha! That helps shed light on what my third-grade classmate wrote. One’s reputation definitely is of the highest value. Definitely worth pursuing above all else!

Daniel was a young man who lived centuries ago. His homeland had been invaded and he, along with three friends, was taken captive by the enemy. These young men were from the royal family and nobility. They were described as “youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and had the ability to serve in the king’s court.” They were the cream of the crop, so to speak.

And yet they found themselves in a foreign country, a country that didn’t honor the God they honored and worshiped. They were given an ultimatum: to be taught the literature and language of their captors, to eat the same food and drink the same wine as the King, to be educated for three years… and THEN to stand before the King.

Only problem… Daniel felt that eating the King’s food and drinking his wine would dishonor, taint himself. And so he asked his captors for permission to NOT eat and drink these unacceptable foods and beverages. He resolved to not defile himself.

He and his three buddies found favor and compassion in the sight of the man assigned to carry out the King’s edict. Disobeying the King’s edict could have serious repercussions: it could endanger this man’s life. And so Daniel suggested a compromise: give him and his friends only water and vegetables for ten days, and then see how they compared to other young men who were also “in training” but who were eating the King’s fare.

Amazingly, at the end of the ten days Daniel and his friends were “better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the King’s food.”

Seems like a minor thing, an insignificant/inconsequential thing. I mean really — how bad could the King’s wine and food be?!? But for these young men, choosing to do the right thing, to not violate their consciences was more important than any unpleasant consequences, regardless of what they may be.

As the story goes on, the value of that initial decision plays out as Daniel and his friends end up having a significant role in representing God in their new environment. Daniel is recognized and appreciated for his leadership. The King himself said the “the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.”

A good name. A good reputation. Of more value than great wealth.

Hmm… how does this relate to me?

What am I doing — or NOT doing — that is enhancing God’s reputation where I am living? or hindering it?
What are the little things that trip me up?
How does what I see in the news, on social media influence my choices? And what role does the opinion of others play?
As a Christ follower, how might those I interact with describe the God I represent and serve?
If I were to write in someone’s autograph book today, what message would I want to communicate?

I’m not in third grade anymore, but I’m still learning, still striving to rightly represent Jesus in this world in which I — in which you and I — live. May God give us the grace and fortitude to be like Daniel… and together to have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

Note: to read more about Daniel and his friends, check out the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Who??? Why???

I had never even met Jonathan. A good friend of mine, a teacher at his school, sent a text message saying

Prayers are appreciated for our GIS [Grace International School] community. A student passed away last night in a motorcycle accident.

17 years old. A high school senior. The previous day, he and some buddies had driven to a nearby mountain to view the sunset. We’ve had LOTS of rain in this part of the world lately, and so being able to finally see a sunset was a big deal. One of those friends later recounted how Jonathan had remarked “how amazing God has made the world for us!” The friend went on to say, “Jonathan finds beauty in everything because he knows the Creator.”

I’m at a loss to be able to explain why I’ve been so drawn to learning about this young man. For who-knows-what-reason I watched the High School Chapel Remembrance a few days after his death. And then the Celebration of Life Service two days later.

Maybe it’s because of being a mom. No parent envisions outliving their child.

Maybe it’s because of feeling the brokenness and confusion of his classmates. No high school student envisions missing graduation because of not being alive.

Maybe it’s because of feeling that it simply wasn’t fair. Why him, God??? Why a young, godly kid who had a whole lifetime ahead of him — a whole lifetime of being able to impact the world for Christ???

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. (NIV)

The Lord cares deeply when His loved ones die. (NLT)

When they arrive at the gates of death,
God welcomes those who love Him. (MSG)
Psalm 116: 15

Yes, those verses are true. And yes, I believe in them… and in the God whose ways are often vastly different than if I were the one in charge. And yet… listening to the Chapel and Celebration of Life services hammered home some important truths — truths that impact all of us.

Life is short.

Death is unavoidable.

We all have a choice to make.
Some have decided… and some have not.

But even indecision is still a choice.

If we choose to sit on the sidelines,
what Jonathan would want you to know
is that you need to get into the game.

Cross over from sitting on the bench
and start participating in the great mission
that God has for your life.

Jonathan loved well
because he knew the God who loves best.
Mr. T, one of the faculty/staff at GIS during the Chapel Service

“We all have a choice to make… even indecision is still a choice… you need to get into the game.“

Death is the one thing in life that everyone can count on. It affects 100% of us… and, as Jonathan’s untimely (to us, anyway) demise highlights, it is no respecter of age. Or income. Or education. Or social status. Or background.

I’m not sure who all reads my blogs… family, friends, others I’ve never met. But regardless of who we are, where we come from, what our past has been like there’s a loving God who wants to have a personal relationship with us. A relationship that can only be had on His terms, which involves His Son.

God knows the pain and anguish Jonathan’s parents have been going through because He gave His Son — His only Son — to die so that you and I can have relationship with Him. We can be forgiven of any and everything in our past. We can look forward to the future because His Son not only died, but then was raised from the dead and now lives forever! He’s not some kind of idol made from silver or gold or wood or crystal… idols that have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot hear; noses, but cannot smell; hands, but cannot feel; feet, but cannot walk; throats that cannot utter a sound.

Dear friends — wherever you may be in your journey of knowing and embracing God through Christ — NOW is the time to “get into the game,” as Mr. T shared. NOW is the time to quit dilly-dallying about your eternal state. We have no guarantees when our lives will end… but we DO have the guarantee that once we put our faith and trust in the finished work of Christ we’ll be able to look forward to an eternity with God.

“Jonathan loved well because he knew the God who loves best.”

May we, like Jonathan, love well because of knowing the God who loves best. And may we encourage one another to seek joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!” For even in deep sorrow there can be great joy when one knows God personally.

Lost in translation

Telemarketers. Nobody’s favorites. But I must admit that the voicemail transcriptions of messages we get here in Thailand are definitely amusing! And, as the above attests, some things definitely get lost in translation!

As I was talking with my husband this morning, his bewildered look made me realize something in our communication had been lost in translation — even though we speak the same language!

More often than I would like to admit, I have a tendency to jump into a conversation sharing details or comments without first saying what I’m referring to. It’s clear in my mind what I’m talking about, but my poor husband — and others — aren’t able to track with me because I’ve forgotten to mention the introductory comments, so to speak. I may be looking at my laptop, commenting on something I’ve just read — without first saying what the article is about. Or looking intently at the GPS on my phone while my husband is driving — without clueing him in to what I’m seeing and why he needs to make a turn. NOW!

A couple of things I’ve been learning over the past years is that NO one is a mind reader. And NO one is able to accurately discern what is going on in someone else’s heart or mind.

That’s why two-way communication is crucial. Otherwise, things get lost in translation… or, said another way, one’s intended meaning often gets misconstrued as we translate what was said through the grid of our own experiences.

Learning that my husband can’t read my mind has been a game-changer for us. We’ve been married a LONG time, and he does a pretty good job of picking up on things, of “reading” me — and I him. And yet there is always the possibility that one of us has misread the situation. That we fill in the blanks from our own experiences. That we draw wrong conclusions from our limited input, not knowing all the facts. We mistranslate what we’re seeing or hearing. Something gets lost in translation. And someone ends up being misunderstood. Confused. Frustrated.

This also happens among friends. One person says something, and the other thinks they know what their friend is talking about and jumps in with their opinion or advice or whatever. Those conclusions may be totally incorrect, and within minutes a misunderstanding is brewing. Sometimes an argument ensues. One person often shuts down and doesn’t say anything else. And usually, both parties leave the conversation feeling they weren’t listened to or understood. Barriers are built, and if not resolved, grudges form. Grudges that, if left unchecked, can last for decades.

All because of a breakdown in communication.

A few years ago this happened to me. A good friend made a comment that caught me totally off guard. A comment that was made on a false assumption. I was stunned. Confused. It was like being stabbed in the back — except it was said to my face. Instead of withdrawing, which would’ve probably killed our friendship, I confronted her. I asked her if what she was saying was in line with what she knew of my character. I asked if she were open to hearing things from my perspective. And I also told her how much what she said hurt.

Thankfully, we talked things through and resolved the misunderstanding. And our friendship remained intact.

This made me wonder, though…

How often do I say or do something without first thinking through what I want to say?
Do I jump to conclusions before hearing all the facts?
Do I listen — really listen — when others are speaking? Or am I so eager to add my two cents that I only halfway hear what they are saying?
Am I willing to ask clarifying questions instead of barging ahead with my preconceived ideas and conclusions?
Do I take the initiative to clear up any misunderstandings before they morph into something that could potentially destroy a relationship?

Ugh. I’ve got to admit that I’m still learning a lot about two-way communication. Things still occasionally get lost in translation. But I’m increasingly aware of the danger of trying to read others’ minds. And I’m also realizing how, try as I might, I usually don’t have the whole picture to be able to accurately discern what is going on in someone else’s heart or mind.

The half-brother of Jesus wrote some wise words regarding communication:

Everyone should be
QUICK to listen,
SLOW to speak, and
SLOW to become angry…

Or… said another way…

Be a careful, thoughtful, listener,
a speaker of carefully chosen words,
patient, reflective, forgiving…
from the New Testament book of James, chapter 1 verse 19

Yep. I still have a LONG way to go in consistently putting this into practice! But hopefully, as we — you and I, dear reader — do this, we can have increasing joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

Confessions of a gardener wannabe…

My grandmother had it. So did my dad. And my sister. But me… well, it seems the “green thumb” gene skipped me.

A “green thumb” means you have an ability to make plants grow. A talent for gardening. It’s not that I haven’t tried over the years. Even as a university student, my interior design project included a room filled with hanging plants and lush, flowering plants. My soul is nurtured by the beauty of growing things: plants, flowers, basically anything green. And yet, as the above picture from our balcony attests, my good intentions have been rather futile. I often joke that anything that manages to grow/survive does so in spite of me… not because of me!

That poor plant. It once was thriving, covered with green leaves. Then the leaves started falling off until the plant was mere sticks — like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree! Undeterred, I kept watering it. Hoping against hope that someday growth would occur.

And it did! Slowly — ever so slowly — leaves started reappearing. But alas, we went out of town for several days and the hot summer sun claimed another victim. Without regular watering, there wasn’t the nourishment the plant needed to survive.

My plant died from neglect: no water, too much sunshine. A lack of being cared for. Looked after. Ugh.

Hmm… makes me think of some parallels to my spiritual life.

The Bible uses the imagery of God being a gardener in a vineyard (the vinedresser) and Jesus the vine. Sometimes the gardener needs to prune some branches to enable the vine to be healthy and to thrive. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a vineyard after it has been pruned, you’d think the vines, with their butchered branches, would never produce fruit again! And yet slowly, in due season, new growth appears. Healthy growth. Abundant growth.

We are the branches. We’re what gets whacked off, so to speak. And believe me, sometimes the process is painful! There are attitudes and habit patterns that need to be dealt with. And other “stuff” that hinders our ability to rightly reflect God to the world in which we live. “Stuff” that simply needs to go!

In addition, in order to continue growing healthily we “branches” need to be nourished. To be fed. To be watered. To get an adequate amount of sunshine. That’s why it’s important to be intentional in reading and studying God’s Word. That’s our food. Our nourishment. It’s how we continue to recognize when we need an attitude adjustment or need to deal with a relationship issue. It’s how we see life from God’s perspective instead of ours. It’s what shows us wrong thinking… and how to replace it with truth.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament, chapter 1

If I want to bear fruit, never wither, prosper in all I do then I need to do some serious gardening in my own life. I may not have a “green thumb,” but I can take advantage of the resources available to me to have a healthy garden. How about joining me? And together, we can have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”

You can read about God the gardener, Jesus the vine, and we the branches in the New Testament book of John, chapter 15.

Doubts

Our family lived in Romania for a number of years. The churches there designated the Sunday after Easter as “Thomas Sunday,” a day to remember the disciple who had doubts about the Resurrection. He wasn’t present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, and so when they told him this good news he was skeptical: “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.” (John 20:25)

A week passes and then, when the disciples are together again, Jesus shows up and tells Thomas, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27) Thomas did what Jesus said… and believed.

Doubts are a normal part of life, not just for Thomas, but for ALL of us. And yet God invites our questioning, seeking, skeptical hearts to honestly share with Him our concerns. And then, like Jesus graciously did with Thomas, He shows up and helps us in our unbelief… helps us to see Him as He really is.

Sometimes it helps to verbalize what we’re grappling with to another person. We may not have all the answers, but often a listening ear, a caring gesture can be “just what the doctor ordered.” In the midst of our doubts, our fears, our confusion there is someone who truly does understand and care… our Savior and our God.

May God encourage your heart… especially if you are feeling like Thomas these days! And together, may we have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life.”

Silent Saturday

Good Friday. Easter Sunday. But Saturday… I’d never thought much about the in-between day until recently…

Saturday, the day after the gruesome crucifixion of Jesus, His followers were nowhere to be seen. They were in hiding, fearful for their own lives due to their association with Christ. They were scared. Struggling. Undoubtedly feeling abandoned, wondering if all they’d seen and heard the past three years was real, was worth dying for.

The following article addresses some of the same thoughts I’ve been mulling over on this Silent Saturday, and so I’m sharing it in its entirety — a guest post, so to speak. As you read, may it cause you to have hope for those inevitable times of silence in our lives, the day “between the struggle and the solution; the question and the answer; the offered prayer and the answer thereof.”

Jesus is silent on Saturday… The cadaver of Christ is as mute as the stone which guards it. He spoke much on Friday. He will liberate the slaves of death on Sunday. But on Saturday, Jesus is silent.

So is God. He made himself heard on Friday. He tore the curtains of the temple, opened the graves of the dead, rocked the earth, blocked the sun of the sky, and sacrificed the Son of Heaven. Earth heard much of God on Friday.

Nothing on Saturday. Jesus is silent. God is silent. Saturday is silent.

Easter weekend discussions tend to skip Saturday. Friday and Sunday get the press. The crucifixion and resurrection command our thoughts. But don’t ignore Saturday. You have them, too.

Silent Saturdays. The day between the struggle and the solution; the question and the answer; the offered prayer and the answer thereof.

Saturday’s silence torments us. Is God angry? Did I disappoint him? God knows Jesus is in the tomb, why doesn’t He do something? Or, in your case God knows your career is in the tank, your finances are in the pit, your marriage is in a mess. Why doesn’t He act? What are you supposed to do until He does?

You do what Jesus did. Lie still. Stay silent. Trust God. Jesus died with this conviction: “You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Acts 2:27 NIV).

Jesus knew God would not leave him alone in the grave. You need to know, God will not leave you alone with your struggles. His silence is not his absence, inactivity is never apathy. Saturdays have their purpose. They let us feel the full force of God’s strength. Had God raised Jesus fifteen minutes after the death of His son, would we have appreciated the act? Were He to solve your problems the second they appear, would you appreciate His strength?

For His reasons, God inserts a Saturday between our Fridays and Sundays. If today is one for you, be patient. As one who endured the silent Saturday wrote: “Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7 NKJV).

© Max Lucado, 2013

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