Dropping your spoon eating ice cream on the beach; your first little league baseball game getting rained out; smudging your polish getting in your car at the salon; not getting the green lollipop; your first B; loosing the rivalry game - a never ending list of very very big nothings.
Maybe we should not sweat the small stuff, but I cannot help but notice that even small stuff comes bearing furnace like heat. Whether you are 8 or 80 life is full of unexpected disappointments and disruptions to our day (afternoon, hour, minute, second). “When life hands you lemons make lemonade,” we are told - a useful platitude on days when life also hands us sugar and a spoon, but the lemons of life don’t usually come in a punch bowl. What then?
I cannot help but laugh when I think of what my mom and dad, school teachers and discipleship leaders must have been thinking as I went on and on as a child about a B on a spelling test or the loss of a softball game and other tragedies with no shortage of tears. Now, I know that they were probably fighting back a smile and a joke about how silly I was being, but at the time I received empathy, affection, and the ear of those who loved me. They cared because I cared.
I am so grateful today that God cares about the small stuff and He is aware of how sour lemons can be. His compassion and care will never be separated from perspective and discipline, but He cares about what we care about. Oh the unspeakable benevolence and awesome abundance of our Father’s love!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Unwelcome Guests
"How long is the wait?" "Are we there yet?" "How many green beans do I have to eat?" "How many laps do we have to walk?" "How many days until school is out?" "How many pages does the paper have to be?" - The list could go on.
We all want to know how much? And how far? Regardless, of whether or not we can do anything about the wait at the restaurant, the length of the paper, or the amount of time it takes to drive to the beach, we want to know what is ahead and what we should expect. Knowing gives us perspective. Perspective lends to preparedness. David made a similar request in order to gain perspective, "Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
David needed to be reminded that he was just a "guest" in this world because his hope is in the Eternal God of Heaven.(vv. 11-12) We can endure a lot when we know it is temporary. As seemingly long as this life is, especially in stressful or painful times, the truth is that we are simply unwelcome guests who are on their way home. Forever wonderful home.
"Just a little while longer." "Just a little more." "A bit more effort." One more time."
Worth the wait.
We all want to know how much? And how far? Regardless, of whether or not we can do anything about the wait at the restaurant, the length of the paper, or the amount of time it takes to drive to the beach, we want to know what is ahead and what we should expect. Knowing gives us perspective. Perspective lends to preparedness. David made a similar request in order to gain perspective, "Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
David needed to be reminded that he was just a "guest" in this world because his hope is in the Eternal God of Heaven.(vv. 11-12) We can endure a lot when we know it is temporary. As seemingly long as this life is, especially in stressful or painful times, the truth is that we are simply unwelcome guests who are on their way home. Forever wonderful home.
"Just a little while longer." "Just a little more." "A bit more effort." One more time."
Worth the wait.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Horse the Mule and the Wardrobe
Psalm 32:8-11 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you."
I have a four year old shih tzu named Calli. She is very sweet and is the very picture of a lap dog. She is not much for going on walks, 1.) because she is lazy and 2.) because she absolutely hates wearing a collar and a leash. (I wasn't a good dog parent that got her used to one as a pup.) So when she and I are outside she is free to move around, completely cordless, as long as she listens to me when I call her and give her commands. Her safety and obedience are more important to me than her comfort so if she doesn't listen I will get out the leash and she will be sporting a little puppy bling; but she and I both prefer to go without.
David tells us in Psalm 32 of his free and intimate relationship with God. He is counseled with His eye upon him. We have all been there. I remember being "counseled" by my mom's eye in church many times. When we know someone well and are known by them well it takes little more than a look to give us direction, comfort, even reprimand. This is the preference of our Heavenly Father, not that we would have to be harnessed and forced to obey, but that we would come near to Him and follow. Let's go through the closet of our mind and heart and throw out our bits and bridles and instead follow Him in the delight of relationship.
I have a four year old shih tzu named Calli. She is very sweet and is the very picture of a lap dog. She is not much for going on walks, 1.) because she is lazy and 2.) because she absolutely hates wearing a collar and a leash. (I wasn't a good dog parent that got her used to one as a pup.) So when she and I are outside she is free to move around, completely cordless, as long as she listens to me when I call her and give her commands. Her safety and obedience are more important to me than her comfort so if she doesn't listen I will get out the leash and she will be sporting a little puppy bling; but she and I both prefer to go without.
David tells us in Psalm 32 of his free and intimate relationship with God. He is counseled with His eye upon him. We have all been there. I remember being "counseled" by my mom's eye in church many times. When we know someone well and are known by them well it takes little more than a look to give us direction, comfort, even reprimand. This is the preference of our Heavenly Father, not that we would have to be harnessed and forced to obey, but that we would come near to Him and follow. Let's go through the closet of our mind and heart and throw out our bits and bridles and instead follow Him in the delight of relationship.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Good With the Bleach
Little known Allison facts...I am good with bleach. I like my whites to be white so sometimes I get a bit bleach happy. Apparently not all of my clothes are big fans of the bleach. Just the other day I found a lone sock who had gone a.w.a.l. from his designated laundry basket and had stealthily hidden amongst my jeans. The sock did get clean, but, needless to say, when I refer to that particular sock I have to use air quotes on the word "white". I know you've been there.
That cranky little "white" sock came to mind one day when I thought about the grace full forgiveness of our loving Father. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NASB) "All" unrighteousness, really? I know it has to be true because God's Word says it, but sometimes I feel like the semi-white sock. I know I'm clean, but still stained, dingy, and at least vaguely resembling the world. However, the Scripture is clear that God not only cleanses us, but He makes us righteous. Why? Isaiah tells us it is for God's own sake and for His purpose that we are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25,"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 48:11, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
He desires to be glorified by us more than He desires to be mad at us. Have you ever been in a fuss with a friend or family member that you just wanted over so you could get back to enjoying the relationship? We move more quickly to repentance, apologies, forgiveness, and restoration when the relationship is valuable. He values His children and desires our unhindered worship. He pours out not just forgiveness, but also blessing and mercy and grace not just for cleanness, but for something new, pure, and bright, shiny white. What great love is this.
Praise God! He is good with the bleach.
That cranky little "white" sock came to mind one day when I thought about the grace full forgiveness of our loving Father. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NASB) "All" unrighteousness, really? I know it has to be true because God's Word says it, but sometimes I feel like the semi-white sock. I know I'm clean, but still stained, dingy, and at least vaguely resembling the world. However, the Scripture is clear that God not only cleanses us, but He makes us righteous. Why? Isaiah tells us it is for God's own sake and for His purpose that we are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25,"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 48:11, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
He desires to be glorified by us more than He desires to be mad at us. Have you ever been in a fuss with a friend or family member that you just wanted over so you could get back to enjoying the relationship? We move more quickly to repentance, apologies, forgiveness, and restoration when the relationship is valuable. He values His children and desires our unhindered worship. He pours out not just forgiveness, but also blessing and mercy and grace not just for cleanness, but for something new, pure, and bright, shiny white. What great love is this.
Praise God! He is good with the bleach.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Singers Sang Loud
I have never been in a place so loud. About a month ago, I traveled with my family to Glendale, AZ for the BCS Championship held in the University of Phoenix Stadium. I have never seen or heard anything like it. The energy and excitement was electrifying. IT WAS LOUD. On one of my trips to get food (yes there was more than one), my ears actually hurt. Don't misunderstand, I am not saying, "you should have seen all the loud crazies;" I was one of the loud crazies. Why shouldn't I be? My team had made it, after a long time of not making it, we were there and we had reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Shepherd's Voice
"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2-5)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Your Dash
Today I attended a second funeral in three days. The first was that of a husband and father who laid down for a nap and never woke up. The second was that of a 26 year old single girl killed in a car accident. One cannot help but think of the brevity and fragility of life at times like these, and if you are like me, and grief is never more than a memory away then your empathy bone hurts so much for these families. In today's service I kept thinking of a question posed to me in a college Bible study; "What are you going to do with your dash?"
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
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