Trust

Here…

Sitting in traffic, stuck in place, with many miles to go. Looking ahead, nothing but motionless vehicles, varying in size and height. Looking back, more of the same, but to the right, reassurance.

Here319

Sometimes, when life, or the happenings around us, are less than picturesque, it can be alluring to dream of being anywhere, but “here,” and in any time, but “now.” Similarly, the opposite, nowhere but “here” and no time but “now,” can hold true, when all seems as good as it can possibly be.

After Jesus is transfigured, Peter says, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4). It seems so clear to Peter that the moment is here and the time is now. However, further down the line, when things take a turn and become more and more difficult and challenging… when Jesus is arrested, put on trial, condemned, crucified, and dies, does anyone see the moment and time as being here and now, as well?

Yes. Jesus does, and so can we.

Oftentimes the most significant, meaningful moments, the ones that speak volumes, revealing who we really are, and the depth of our being, are the ones right in front of us. Whether the times are considered to be good or bad matters not. Here and now is the right place and the right time to be motivated by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Here and now is always the right place and time to follow Jesus’ example, and to be led by God.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Matthew 17:1-9

One Letter Makes a Difference…

Sometimes in preparing for milestones, or even just in going through ordinary life experiences, the process, rhythm, and circumstances can start to feel like a millstone around one’s neck. In the Gospel according to Luke, the Presentation in the Temple (chapter 2, verses 22 through 40), Mary is told of her son, by an elderly man… a man whom she probably never met before, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” That seems pretty heavy. It leaves one to wonder what kind of impact the experience may have had on Mary.

Looking back, we know from Scripture that Mary also experienced the words of the Angel Gabriel, prior to Jesus’ birth, during the Annunciation of the Lord (Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 through 38), “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” …, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The Angel Gabriel, also shares news with Mary about her relative, Elizabeth, who is barren… deemed a helpless situation, now expecting a child. Gabriel closes by saying, “for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Jumping ahead to the Presentation of the Lord again, we learn that the Holy Family also encountered an elderly woman in the temple, also likely unknown to them. Like, Simeon, this woman, Anna, a widow, had also been waiting. Unlike, Simeon, though, who was led by the Spirit into the temple at the time of the presentation, Anna, was already in the temple, fasting and praying throughout each day. While there circumstances were different, both Simeon and Anna, were waiting and hanging onto, not only the Word of God, but also God’s presence.

It is written of Simeon’s actions:

“…he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,…’”

We also learn of Anna’s actions:

“she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”

After the presentation in the temple, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth, where, it is written, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

One need not imagine the uncertainty that Mary and Joseph, Simeon, or Anna faced throughout life. While not exactly the same, it is similar to the uncertainty that each of us faces.

To hope… to believe… to trust and persevere, sometimes, one needs to go back and remember the word and works of God. To stay in the presence of them, wrapping them around oneself, holding onto God’s word… God’s presence, before, as well as while, continuing on in faith, and moving forward, regardless of whether it feels like a millstone or a milestone.

From the moment of creation, the favor of God is upon each of us.

milestone

The One I Know…

While running an errand with my son the other day, as we drove along, we were listening to one of his favorite albums, Benefit by Jethro Tull. Despite hearing this album quite often, I am still always struck by the line “I’m going back to the ones that I know, with whom I can be what I want to be,” from the song “With You There to Help Me” sung and written by Ian Anderson. As a parent, I like to think, and I hope and pray, that my children not only know without question, but also will remember that no matter where, or how, they go, they are not alone, and that they can always come back.

In the Gospel according to John, chapter 8, verse 12, it is written, “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus does not say whoever follows me from start to finish… whoever follows me in a particular order… whoever follows me, living in a particular way… whoever follows me without blemish. There are no conditions! Anyone and everyone, whoever or wherever they may be, not only can, but is also welcome, to follow Jesus.

Jesus never said, change who you are, and then you can follow me and have the light of life. On the contrary, everything about Jesus says, come as you are, follow me, and you will live. Jesus trusts in the process and allows God to be God.

Jesus encourages us to be our true selves and to let others do the same, too. Jesus knows, and shows it through his words and actions, that whether or not anyone else knows or sees it, each person, is born with goodness in their hearts and unlimited potential. That’s something to follow!

So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. – John 8:13-15

How do we, as individuals and in organizations, nurture and allow ourselves and each other to tap into that potential—the image of God within each of us? In what ways do we give each other the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to help make the world a better place?

TheOneIKnow

Contrast…

Looking across the yard, the tree branches still snow clad from a recent storm seem livelier than in the weeks preceding. It is interesting what contrast can do, often bringing life to that which seems to be on the way to being mostly lifeless, if not already. Oftentimes, it is in or through differences, when one is able to hold them side by side, that strength is found; not only that, but also a common sense, pointing to the essence, or the heart of any matter.

Trees are made with branches, and leaves that come and go.
We are made, all of us, with body, heart, and soul.
Trees are made to stand, side-by-side, tall, proud, and free.
We are made to stand, side-by-side, tall, proud, and free.
Trees are made to gently bend or lean, but not break.
We are made to gently bend or lean, but not break.
Trees have roots, for bearing fruit, always in due time.
We have roots, for bearing fruit, always in due time.
Only, trees, though, they know how, to open, and let go.

Contrast

Trust in the Lord…

“The maker of heaven and earth,
the seas and all that is in them,
Who keeps faith forever…” – Psalm 146:6

Each Other’s Worth…

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to visit an old friend whom I had not seen in some time. As we spoke and caught up with each other, we also reminisced. Then, at the end of our time together, with a mutual sense of joy and good will, we parted ways, looking forward to the next time.

Thinking back on the occasion, in the course of calling to mind and sharing our experiences of various situations, some similar, some not, more than anything, the Spirit stemming from our common ground, the essence of God within each of us, is what shaped and formed our time, making it special… enflaming peace and joy within.

In Scripture, it is written in more than one verse… in more than one book, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The poet, Robert Southey, wrote, “No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” Each other’s worth…

It is interesting how over time, as we get to know people better and allow ourselves to search for, and strive to reach the place of common ground, it is easier to see and to connect, or re-connect, with the goodness in them, as well as within oneself, and to value each other. It is also interesting how, in some situations, it is much more challenging to connect with or to be open to continuing to look for that goodness when it may not be immediately apparent, or soon after approaching. It can be tempting to choose avoidance or to altogether close the door. However, we are often called to something higher than that. We are often called to keep looking, trusting in the value that God brings to the picture. And… we are called to let God be the judge.

Leaves

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 23:39-43, it is written:

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”        

All in…

“Wherever… thou shalt be, pray secretly within thyself. If thou shalt be far from a house of prayer, give not thyself trouble to seek for one, for thou thyself art a sanctuary designed for prayer. If thou shalt be in bed, or in any other place, pray there; thy temple is there.” – Bernard of Clairvaux

GodOfAll

With the onset of colder temperatures and more leaves on the ground than above, the evergreens across the way, always steady and true, remain. Just the same, living in a world with so much turmoil and strife… in a time and place where heads or tails, or the flip of a coin, seems to hold more weight than what is good, and right, and just, the goodness of God, always steady and true, remains.

For as the coin, tossed high in the air, flips and flops, often turning one end over the other, retains its value and essence, regardless of which side lands face up, so too each life as we live and breathe and move from one thing to another—day to day and year to year. God’s allegiance to all creation is undying.

“and God is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to God all are alive.” – Luke 20:38

Place allegiance with God, first and foremost, remembering there is but one God, one Creator, who inspires all that is good, steady, and true.

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

It’s Still Water…

Although we had come expecting to see a variety of colors, bright and beautiful, as in other spots around the water, what we came upon was much more subtle, but also bright and beautiful.

Standing at the water’s edge, initially, the stillness and clarity of the pond was so peaceful, drawing us closer, putting us in awe. Looking further out, ripples seemed to suddenly appear, although given the gentle, steady breeze, they were likely there all along, only becoming more prominent as one’s glance stretched past the calmness of the water that was closest by. Beyond the trembles, across, to the other side of the pond was more stillness. It was in the trees of mostly green, and further, the sky also steady and calm. Taken altogether, perhaps making a ripple sandwich. Oftentimes, the uneven spots are gently held between, or surrounded by, the ones that carry peace.

Rejoice

Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and the Lord’s strength, constantly seek the Lord’s face. – Psalm 105:3-4

Be the spirit that is willing to be true…

To one side of the landscape there was mostly a wall of green, and then what seemed like a path of orange with some red extending upward and to the right, as if to say, come along this way.

In the second letter to Timothy, Paul writes, “I remind you, stir into flame the gift of God…” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul is in prison, and Timothy, to whom he has been a mentor, must proceed in the work he has been called to do, namely evangelizing. However, rather than just telling Timothy what he needs to do, Paul first calls on him to remember the truth.

“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control…” – v. 7

This is a call to action that encourages Timothy, and encourages us, to carry on with integrity, and in a manner that is befitting one created in the image of God. If Timothy were to look around to see what others were doing, or to focus on the fact that Paul has been imprisoned for his Spirit driven efforts (which go against the grain of the majority and popular opinion) perhaps he would stop and turn the other way. In fact, it would be likely that he would move away from taking an approach that is first and foremost, faithful to God, and instead be lead toward fulfilling earthly ambitions or needs, thus compromising, or at the expense of, the fulfillment of his heavenly call.

This would be sad… tragic and a monumental loss. However, with God there is always more than one chance to do the right thing. More than one chance to make truly life giving choices and to live the life that God dreams for us. The life that we see as having ups and downs through trials and tribulations, but that becomes even keeled when we face them, inspired and moved into action by the Spirit of God, bringing a sense of peace in each and every thing.

For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late. – Habakkuk 2:3

With a willing spirit, and through the grace of God, each leaf turns in time, regardless of its surroundings.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – Psalm 95

StirIntoFlame

Beloved:
I remind you, to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit
that dwells within us. – 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

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