Faithfulness

Coming Up Hearts…

Over the past few days, gusts of wind have relieved the trees of so many of their leaves. Yet there remains a branch, looking more like a vine, swaying in the wind, holding tight onto its leaves. While the branch seems unremarkable, lacking in the kind of color that captures one’s eye, the leaves are yellow, bringing brightness and light to an otherwise dreary backdrop.

As the wind carries on, and various other leaves fall from the trees, blown every which way, the branch and its yellow leaves remain together. No matter how hard the wind seems to try to strip them away, or apart from each other, through periods of rain and strong winds, it is not happening. They seem determined to stick together as they weather the storm, perhaps just as they did before it arrived. It is as if this branch and its heart-shaped leaves are thoroughly convinced and committed to one another, regardless of all that is, and has been, swirling around them, knowing that, come what may, Love that is true always prevails.

Hanging

Before the Lord the whole universe is as a grain from a balance
or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things;
and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent.
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O Lord and lover of souls,
for your imperishable spirit is in all things!
Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little,
warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing,
that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O Lord!

– Wisdom 11:22-12:2

Blown by the Wind…

As the waves rose to the height of their ascent, each carried a line of mist as the force of the wind surfed across the top. Water and wind driving against each other, competing, wave after wave. Which would win? … As if only one could.

Be driven, not aimless, or as if by wind.
Be driven, not reckless… ruthless, or by tide.
Be driven, not fearful… anxious, or by mind.
Be driven by heart, soul, and Spirit combined.

WindBlown

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man’s table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied,
‘My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'” – Luke 16:19-31

Reserved Seating…

Beginning in the early years of life, one comes to see that seating can be tricky, sometimes even turning contentious. From a very young age, many children are introduced to musical chairs. To be first (often synonymous with best) and beat out others in securing a coveted seat, of which there are too few, is the goal of the game. If you do not get a seat, you’re out of the game—eliminated.

Across the years as well as across various different areas of life, securing a “good” seat seemingly remains a key to many things. Whether one is attending an event related to school, sports, dinner, entertainment, travel, the celebration of milestones, etc., it seems human nature to aim for a seat with a prime view. In the Gospel according to Luke (chapter 14: 7-14), Jesus encourages us to refrain from this way of being and not to take the coveted seat, or hold it for those who are held in esteem or known to us.

Rather than aiming to obtain a particular spot, or slide into a position, we are to trust that what is passed up or given away, if it is truly for us, will come back to us. In addition, Jesus instructs us to be gracious, making room physically, as well as in our hearts and minds, for others. Calling us to look at and examine our reservations. What are the spots being held back or blocked off? What is preventing seating for all?

FerrisWheel

He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then he said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:7-14

Weight or Wait…

Over the past week, childhood memories of not being old enough to do whatever it might have been that older siblings or kids in the neighborhood were doing have surfaced in attempts to be understanding while navigating and responding to the “why?” of age being a determining factor to the negative.  What is it that can make waiting such a chore? What is it that can make the waiting that comes with life feel more like weight bearing down upon or holding one back than like a time that is on the way and simply has not yet arrived?

It can be difficult at times to take the long view or to see “the waiting” as a friend, creating space and readying one for what is to come. Perhaps sometimes, in the waiting, we are being waited upon. Maybe looked to, to open up or to make a move rather than being mostly on one side of the equation or the other. Oftentimes in waiting, one realization or another comes along, lessening the load and shifting the balance back to peace.

Peace

Truly, the Lord is waiting to be gracious to you,
truly, the Lord shall rise to show you mercy;
For the Lord is a God of justice:
happy are all who wait for the Lord! – Isaiah 30:18

Waving…

Sometimes walking or climbing to navigate and continue onward. Sometimes stopping to more fully appreciate the beauty all around, to take a breath or two of fresh air, or simply to rest. Depending on the time and the day, perhaps depending on the air, the path is very clear, or not so much. Yet, even in those moments of uncertainty or when it looks like there is no passageway to be found, before long there is an opening, and the way to proceed is there, revealed.

Sometimes turning back, it may seem to have disappeared, a distant memory, but not lost. Lingering, leaving the sense that somewhere down the road, it will be there once again. For now, carry on, but also, remember… trust… believe.

Teach us to count our days aright, Lord, that we may gain wisdom of heart. – Psalm 90:12

Maneuver

Blow the Horn…

I remember being instructed throughout childhood, “Do not be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.” In addition, I also recall a teacher I had in elementary school who would often encourage students to ask any question they might have, saying, “The only stupid questions are the ones not asked.” She would then go on to explain that typically, for every student that asks a question, there is at least one other student, if not more, who whether or not they have the same question, somehow stand to benefit from hearing the answer.

Chapter 18, verse 23 of the Book of Genesis reads:

Then Abraham drew nearer (to the Lord) and said:
“Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 

Knowing the Lord intends to address the depravity and numerous wrongs being committed in Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham (having in mind his nephew, Lot, who resides in Sodom) asks this question and then follows it up with a couple more.

Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it?

Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” – Genesis 18:24-25

Despite being encouraged in my early years to ask away when questions would arise, Abraham’s questions to the Lord, and the manner in which he asks them, used to seem so bold, and almost out of line or disrespectful to me. Questions were to be asked, but not ones like these, and certainly not of God, or those ordained as chosen to serve God’s people.

Now older, such a notion seems so archaic to me as well as one of detriment. It is especially curious, given the fact that Scripture provides many examples of the faithful asking God similar types of questions, sometimes even telling God, “Here is what (or how) I need You to be in this situation.” Not only that, but God’s response is always one of compassion, love, and mercy, not one that is punitive or that takes offense.

The honesty with which Abraham, and others after him, communicate and relate
to God—their prayer—is answered.

Faithfulness begets faithfulness.

The Answer to Prayer – Luke 11:9-13

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?

Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Horn1

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.

Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.

Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. – Psalm 138:1-3,6-8

Buck…

After a brief wait of silence and darkness, there it was—a buck. It entered into view, sauntered around, and then moved on, disappearing just as it had appeared. I quietly watched, in awe of its tranquil but purposeful movement and noticing its antlers. Perhaps this was the older version of the same buck that passed through a couple of months earlier. If so, my how it had grown in a relatively short period. Beyond its features, especially its antlers that were more pronounced, it seemed more sure-footed and astute in the way it carried itself.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the nighttime movement of a number of animals as captured by a family member’s trail camera. It has been both interesting and fascinating to observe the way these creatures move about, crossover, and pass through the yard and woods behind it. They appear uninhibited, but at the same time quiet, reserved, and respectful.

In the hours of the night and into the dawn, the environment not only holds peace, but also gives it. It is one with room for pensive pauses and calming paces. Sometimes, what the darkness of night offers can be encouraging and uplifting, just as much as that of day.

Strength and wisdom come, inner stillness enlightening each night and every day.

Buck1

Buck3

A psalm of David.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Whoever acts like this
shall never be shaken. – Psalm 15

A Picture’s Worth…

A truck pulled into the parking lot of the conservation area and stopped, blocking the entrance. Then a man hopped out and went over to the middle of the road. He proceeded to walk slowly back in the direction of the parking area, escorting something toward the water. I could not see what it was, but thought it might be some sort of animal. Once several steps into the grass, the man returned to his truck and was on his way, presumably off to where he had originally been going.

As I walked across the gravel to the side where the animal was, while the man was gone, his awareness and show of care and concern stayed with me. Upon arriving, a few steps onto the grass, I could see a painted turtle. It was continuing to slowly make its way toward the water. It was quite small. In fact, it could not have been more than a few inches across its shell, yet the man traveling in his truck, sitting high up, not only spotted the turtle down on the road, but also stopped to ensure its safe passage to the other side. Remarkable, both to do, and to see. A privilege to partake in, whether as a participant or as a witness.

There are many dimensions and circumstances in life over which choice may be limited or perhaps, does not exist. However, there is always the freedom to use—to see and/or to act from—one’s heart.

I bless the Lord who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the Lord ever before me;
With the Lord at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. – Psalm 16:7-8

Turtle

Leftovers…

Whenever one of my children asks, “What’s for dinner?,” if I reply, “We’re having leftovers,” the reaction is likely to be one of great disappointment. Initially, I pretty much always find myself surprised by this response, particularly since it seems like we rarely have leftovers for dinner. While the “Leftover” experience is likely typical especially when dealing with certain age groups, it resonates beyond the dinner table. Oftentimes, what is available can be seen as not being good enough.

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 9 verses 11-17, we learn that Jesus fed the crowd (all 5,000 people) with five loaves of bread and two fish. It is also written that, “They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” What did they do with the leftovers? And did anyone take issue with whatever was done with them? What was the reaction? What kind of effect did the fact that the baskets contained fragments rather than whole pieces have?

There is no sure fire way to know the answers to these questions for back then. However, they are worth considering in terms of every day life. We all have moments where we either do not appreciate what is in front of us or have trouble accepting and making use of it. Moments where perhaps our response is lackluster or less than gracious. Moments where we can see what we want or what we would prefer to the exclusion of seeing value in what is present or available to us.

Throughout life though, it is not so much about what is on the plate, who is serving, and who is being served as it is about the source of all that. The story of the feeding of the 5,000 is in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14). In each passage, Jesus is at the center, providing nourishment for all.

It is important to receive the message that when Jesus is central, not only are the needs of all satisfied, but also there is always more than enough.

Leftovers

50…

The Apostles waited as the Lord had instructed them. Then, at the appointed time, the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. – Acts 2:1-4

The Spirit empowered them to be more than they could be on their own. It propelled them onward in the glory of God, spurring them into action, and moving them toward the work entrusted to them. In order for this to happen though, the Apostles needed to be willing participants. That is, they needed to be open to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. They needed to allow themselves to be filled up. They also needed to remain open in order to allow themselves to be led in a way that the Spirit could flow through them… through their words and their actions.

On Pentecost, the Apostles received the Holy Spirit, a Divine gift that would help them to fulfill their purpose and accomplish their mission in life. For true Spirit, purpose, and mission, like all that is Divine in nature, its end is always communal, always intended to be shared for the good of one as well as the good of many.

Each day, we awake, the image of God, and as we go about the day, we encounter the Divine, whether it is in passing or for a more extended period. Each day, the Divine encounters us, whether we are open to receiving it or not. The opportunities are endless, and usually, in time, all the pieces are together and suddenly, they become aligned.

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. – Psalm 104:30

Fire