Picture Perfect

“Let the earth tremble and the oceans roar.  God is our mighty fortress, always helpful in times of trouble.  And so, we need not be afraid! -- Psalm 43: 3, 1-2

The King loved fine art.  Once he decided to offer a gold coin to the artist who would paint the finest example of ‘peace.’  Great works arrived from far and wide, each artiste hoping to please the King and collect the generous prize. The King studied all the paintings carefully.  There were only two that honestly moved him, so he considered each thoughtfully before announcing his decision.

One picture was of a quiet lake; it’s water as clear as fine crystal.  A perfect mirror surface reflected bright blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and towering mountains that rose from lush forests.  It being fall, autumn leaves shone brilliant hues.  No people, no animals, nothing to clutter the landscape or distract one’s attention from this image of artful serenity.  Everyone who viewed this piece thought it was the ideal picture of peace. 

The other picture had mountains, too.  But they were absent vegetation, barren and unforgiving.  A violent sky belched heavy rain.  One could almost feel the roar of thunder from lightening which illuminated an otherwise black sky.  Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall.  

This didn’t look peaceful at all.  A closer look however, revealed clever insight.  Behind the turbulent waterfall, a single, tiny bush grew from a crack in the rock.  A mother bird had built her nest in the bush.  There, among the rush of angry water, she perched herself upon her nest in perfect peace.

Do you know why the wise King chose the second picture?  

“Because,” explained the King, “peace does not mean to live in a place where there is no noise, chaos, or hard times.  Peace means to be in the midst of all those things . . . and still trust in the Lord, faithfully calm.  That’s real peace!”

What does God promise us?  Relief from all suffering in the next world; relief from some troubles in this life.  Faithful people throughout history have overcome incurable illnesses, regained financial stability after catastrophic failures; spoken languages they never learned, and conquered painful addictions.  Miracles DO happen . . . but not always!  

Sometimes God doesn’t intervene (or so we think) and we’re forced to carry on.  Not such a bad thing – we’re never closer to God than when we are troubled.  In times of peace, we tend to place Him on the proverbial ‘back burner.’

Panicked, we suddenly remember, "What if I asked God for help?"  Sometimes the answer is the help we pray for.  Sometimes the answer is "Lean on me, and you will survive and thrive."

Almighty God, You never promised that life would be of perfectly peaceful.  I need You more than anything on earth.  My heart may fail, my spirit may weaken – but You are the ultimate Picture of Peace.  I trust You.  Amen.

What's Really Important

“The Father is a merciful God, who always provides comfort when we’re in trouble, so that we can share the same with others in need.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Callie watched intently as her father entered the room.   Humble innocent blue eyes were frozen in fear; a ghostly sallow consumed her tiny face.  Nervous twitches provided the only sign of movement in the now completely-silent room.   Her size, her age, her terror - left her completely vulnerable.  Something bad was about to happen and she wondered if her young heart would actually stop beating.

Kyler sensed it too.  He saw from a distance what his little sister had done.  His fear was equally debilitating.  A surprise rush of adrenaline left him stunned.  The air got thin; breathing became more difficult compressing his chest and preventing any intelligible words to break free.

Callie had really done it – the toddler had opened her father’s brand new Bible and scribbled all over the first page with a bright blue Sharpie.

Their eyes never left his as the children waited for Callie’s punishment.  Their Dad picked up his prized Bible, looked at it carefully and then sat down without uttering a sound.  Books were precious to him; one of the few places remaining where a man’s mind can find both exercise and relaxation.  He cherished the notion that books allowed you to examine delicate thoughts without breaking them; where impulsive concepts could be explored without consequences.   Decorating, to him, meant simply adding more book shelves.

What he did next was remarkable.  Instead of scolding or yelling or punishing Callie, their father took the Sharpie from the little girl’s hand, and then wrote in the Good Book himself.  Alongside the scribbles that she had made, this is what their Daddy wrote: 

“Callie’s work, 2012, age 3.  So many times I’ve gazed into your warm, beautiful eyes looking up at me and thanked God for the one who scribbled in my new Bible.  You’ve made this book sacred as is my love for you and your adoring brother.”

The Bible became a treasured family possession - tangible proof of a parent’s love for his children.  By his own example, he taught his children a powerful lesson: to use things, not people (and never vice versa); to be patient not judgmental; to show love rather than anger.

We’ve all seen too many You-tube examples of out-of-control coaches, fans, parents and the like. We adults have a profound responsibility to show children how to manage their anger.  Kids who live in peaceful homes and shown by adults how to deal effectively with problems grow up happier and better adjusted.  Young people will hear what you say . . . but believe what you do!

Lord, speak to me!  My anger will not achieve Your work.  Help me become still when my emotions feel out of control.  Channel my energy instead to work through problems in a constructive way.  In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

The Spice of Death

“Friends, don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want, but as an opportunity to lovingly serve each other."  ~ Galatians 5:13

Justin lived life large.  Just last week, he sauntered across the stage to accept his diploma; a symbol of thrilling success and poignant memories.   A popular kid and excellent student, Justin was voted “class comedian” by his peers and completed many AP courses during high school.  Whether playing his baritone in the marching band, playing guitar at church, attending concerts, or just jamming with friends, Justin loved music.  His talent captivated those gripped by his passion.

He rarely sat still except in a deer stand hunting with friends.  Justin often talked about nature’s quiet time - moments he enjoyed alone with God, dreaming of a future filled with hope and joy.

Like any recent high school grad, he felt life’s stress at times and occasionally disagreed with his family.  Life wasn’t always perfect: the future wasn’t crystal clear.  But he had plans – for college, with a girl he adored, to study farming - a steward of God’s green earth.

Euphoria surrounded Justin’s graduation party.  Elated parents couldn’t stop smiling - proud of who he’d become.   

Later, he and his closet friends attended another graduation party.  Some college students, home for the summer had purchased a legal substance called Spice.  Produced in the Far East, Spice or "fake pot," can be found in smoke shops and convenience stores under names like K2, Spirit, Supernova, Genie, Blond, and Citron.

It’s basically incense - a blend of herbs and spices sprayed with a synthetic compound similar to the substance (THC) found in marijuana.  Stores that sell the pricey bags of fragrant herbs can't keep it on their shelves.

Teens roll Spice in papers to make joints, or they smoke it in pipes.  It delivers a high similar to that of marijuana; users claim it's almost impossible to tell the difference.  Traditional drug screens can’t yet detect its presence in the body.  But it’s stronger and far more dangerous than weed.  The drug moves quickly from the lungs into the bloodstream where agitation, convulsions, vomiting and life-threatening hyper-tension can extinguish life – like Justin’s.

He never planned to die that night.  Justin wasn’t suicidal.  One week before his death he shopped for a computer for college.  A few days before his death, Justin placed a bow on hold at Cabela’s for fall deer hunting season.  Just a few hours before he died, he played video games with his little brother.  After his death, his parents discovered a half-finished letter to his girlfriend pledging to spend the rest of his life with her.

His plans were snuffed out by naivety; no do-overs.  Know the dangers . . . save a life!

Mighty God, keep our kids safe and free from chemical substances that may affect their decisions, harm their bodies, and destroy key relationships.  Let those tempted with drug use know we care and that they may find freedom in You.  Amen

Imperfect Strangers

“Blessed are the peacemakers." ~ Matthew 5:9

Stopping his car a short distance from the house, Dave waited.  It was the perfect place for reflection as noonday shadows played in the breeze.  Peaceful now, but that could change quickly.  He had some unfinished business with the father abandoned 25 years ago.

He chuckled that the silly tire swing was still there.   The old man had hung the tire to teach him how to throw a football.  Dave was so young that at first he had to heave the ball like a shot put.  They spent hours out there, his father encouraging every attempt.  More than time alienated those memories now.

That was before Mom’s funeral, before the emptiness, before his father began drinking heavily.  Happier days: before malicious ridicule and brutal arguments.  Dave had left this now peaceful place at sixteen; as angry and bitter as the drunk who’d beat him.

Somehow last year changed things.  Dave experienced the freedom that forgiveness reveals, invigorating a marriage destined for failure.  He’d never dreamed that relationships with his children and their spouses could bring so much joy.  Eventually even the mistrust about his partner faded.  Unfinished business with his father remained an open sore.

The old place looked great; its yard immaculate.  How could an old drunk keep it looking so good Dave wondered?  Why even bother.

It had taken courage to come this far, but unsettling hesitancy remained.  He was terrified.  What would he say?  What if long-buried hostility suddenly awoke when they met? 

Dave said a quick prayer as he approached the house.  Reaching for the door handle, he swallowed hard . . .  turned, and retreated in panic.

Glancing back for one last look, he saw someone rounding the house, a broad sunhat blocking the face.  Dave stopped.  A skinny little man dragging a hose watered plants next to the house and then those closer to the tree with the tire swing.  The old man limped over to the swing, running knobby fingers over the worn tread.   

As he looked up to check the fraying rope, Dave saw his face.  The face that cursed him and put him down, that face that mocked him and called him stupid, that face . . . had soulful tears in its eyes.

As a father now himself, Dave knew what the old man was thinking.  Seconds later he found himself calling out, “Dad!  It’s me, it’s Dave, I’m home Dad!”

Dad looked startled at first, then overjoyed.  He dropped the hose and rushed toward Dave as fast as his wobbly legs would carry him.  “My son!” he rejoiced, tears pouring down his face.

Years of heartache erased with a single embrace.  Tears flowed freely offering unspoken confessions and refusing to spare forgiveness.  Dave was home . . . Dad was whole again!

Lord Jesus, please forgive EVERYONE in my life today.  Only through You do I have the strength to forgive.  Thank You for loving me more than I love myself at times and for wanting my happiness even more than I do.  Amen

Chains That Bind

“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” - - Philippians 4:13

Elephants can easily weigh more than 10 tons and stand as high as 13 feet tall.  Their trunks are agile enough to pick up a single blade of grass, yet strong enough to rip branches off a tree.  These lumbering giants typically care very little about obstacles in their paths since few are any match for their gigantic size.  Keeping an animal like this in captivity could be a challenge, especially for a poor farmer on the plains of Africa.  But in reality, it’s pretty easy.

When an elephant is born, the owner ties the animal to a tree or post with a strong chain.  During those first few weeks, he continually attempts to free himself.  But as a baby, his efforts are just no match for the chain.  As the elephant matures, his attempts to break free become less frequent.  He learns that his brawn is no match for the durable restraint. 

 

He eventually gives up!  Having been conditioned by his past experience, the adult elephant can now easily be tethered by the puniest of ropes.  The rope now serves to confine the animal’s mind; it accepts the limit imposed by the rope is permanent.

There’s an elephant inside each of us – a brilliant person of enormous power and capability.  Like elephants however, we sometimes hang onto a belief that we can’t do something, because we failed at it once before? 

If you don’t believe you can achieve something - you’re right.  ‘Winners’ don’t believe they’ll fail.  If they do fall short, they try again without fear.  But if you believe you can, you're well on your way to success.

We can’t rip branches off trees with our noses, but we’ve learned to overcome those deficiencies with dozens of other neat tricks – like language, planning, and God’s grace.

There’s a magic word that can break those chains.  One little word is really all it takes.  The magic word is “yet!”   Adding it to the end of any statement that limits us will break the chain.

Try it: “I can’t make the volleyball team . . . yet!”  “I can’t swim a mile . . . yet!”  “I haven’t made any new friends  . . . yet!”

By adding “yet” to the end of these statements, you can then explore what’s needed to change it. Think about what actions you’ll need to take in order for this constraint to no longer exist.  It isn’t enough to just know that you could change your circumstances – you need to actually take action to do it!

Okay, over to you – have you ever busted through a constraint that you realized was only binding you because you believed it was?

Lord, help me not to just metaphorically “break” the weak chains of false belief – but help me forget it was ever there.  I’m smart, talented, and capable of doing anything I set my heart to.  Plus, I have You who gives me courage!  Amen

Cookie Monster

“The Lord blesses you with a future not of suffering, but of hope and success.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Becca loved travel; she enjoyed the raw expectancy of each new adventure.   But today didn’t start off quite the way she’d hoped.

After a relaxing shower, she sat on the carpet in her towel and took some deep breaths.  Her heart raced; she thought she might hurl.  Anxiety - reared its ugly, seldom-experienced-but never-welcome head. 

Face void of makeup and a gazillion ends left untied – her day got worse when the taxi arrived 20 minutes late.  As she closed the door and settled into a filthy, torn backseat, the acrid smell of stale cigarettes and sour onions bombarded her senses.  The weather was gloom - too wet to have fun, too lonely to be alone. 

Once inside the airport she fell up the escalator.  Stupid flip flops!  She raced through the airport on bloodied knees only to be pulled aside by an unfriendly TSA officer; she’d accidently left sunscreen in her backpack.  $25 down the drain!

Gate 73 brought more irritation – lots of hyper kids, a totally obnoxious businesswoman talking too loud on her cell phone, and 90% of people staring at electronic devices.  A snippy gate agent told them their flight was delayed indefinitely.  This day got worse by the minute.

Craving caffeine, Becca bought a bag of Famous Amos cookies and plopped down next to a man reading a newspaper.  Finally a little down time!  With one hand holding the book she was eager to finish, she reached into the cookie bag between her and the stranger.  

When she reached for her second cookie, she sensed another hand doing the same.  Through the corner of her eye, she saw the man remove a cookie from the bag.  She was flabbergasted!  This guy was stealing her cookies.  Furiously, she grabbed as many of the remaining treats as she could and devoured them.   

The man smiled before taking the last cookie.  She was appalled – how could anyone be so rude?  What else could possible go wrong today?  Finally the agent requested passengers on her flight to board.  Becca grabbed her belongings, gave him a nasty look, and marched indignantly through Gate 73.

Inside the plane, she hoisted her carry-on into the overhead compartment and settled down.  When she opened her handbag to retrieve her book, something else caught her eye - a bag of cookies . . . unopened!

It often seems like the moment an awful day begins, there’s no way out!  We're doomed to failure until it ends.  The key to beating a bad day is to quickly convince yourself that what just happened is no big deal.  Thank God for those little annoyances and save your energy for those truly horrific days.

Dear God, I’ve done alright today.  So far I’ve not been grumpy, ungrateful or selfish.  But in a few minutes, I'm gonna get out of bed and from then on, I'm really gonna really need Your help.  Thanks!