Yin - Yang

“There’s a time to cry and laugh; a time to be sad and a time to dance with joy." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:4

Jessica, a Pastor and five months pregnant, came to know God’s indivisible nature in a most unusual way.  Not from seminary, not from counseling; not from her life’s 31 years of experience.

She’d become a regular at the birthing center partly for spiritually reassuring new mothers, but also due to some complications with her own pregnancy.  She was present that fateful morning, one that she’d come to believe was no coincidence, when a young, single woman named Aubrey went into labor.  She would deliver a pre-term baby alive, but it wouldn’t be able to live for more than a few minutes (babies are not considered 'viable' until 23 weeks). 

The nurses asked if Jessica would stay with Aubrey as she went through this tragic labor.  She reluctantly agreed, sensing some divine intervention calling her to serve.

Jessica sat and calmly held her hand, whispering, praying, and crying.  After she delivered her tiny little baby girl alive, Pastor Jess quickly baptized her “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Distraught with grief, Aubrey held her newborn daughter briefly, admiring her eyelashes and counting every precious finger and toe.  But at a mere one pound and battling each breath, she couldn’t bear watching death come.

Jessica whispered, “Do you want me to hold her until she passes?”

“Please,“ Aubrey replied though desperate tears.

Jessica carried the little child into the next room, rocking her prayerfully in the dark.  “Jesus, take this little one, so pure and perfect.  Let her know love.  Hold her and tend her just as her mother would if she could.”

As Jessica held the tiny child on top of her growing stomach, her own baby began to gently kick for the entire 15 minutes that they sat there together.  It seemed as though she was communicating to this dying sweetie deep truths in little breaths and kicks.  Maybe she was telegraphing to her sister in Christ that she too would be OK, reminding her that she was returning to a place that they had both come from.

Two babies, one now dead, one with promise of new life.  This all resides together in the hands and the heart of God, the Creator.  The line between life and death, which had seemed so rock solid, was in fact very thin, very porous.  Life and death are twins, enriching each other, bearing truth, exposing the structure of the universe as a natural expression of God’s existence.

It all fits in God’s tender embrace - all of our terror and sorrow and all of our joy and delight.  Like Yin-Yang - where opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary.

Holy Father, who collects broken pieces, knits them together and declares us whole.  Help us fear a little less, rest a little more, and live a little louder.  Remind us that death is but a chapter of the great whole.  Amen

Coffee Affection

“God will bless us with showers of rain when we need it." ~ Ezekiel 34:26

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, coaxing patrons in with its freshly ground scents and irresistible charm.  Such was the Coffee Oasis, a place teeming with a rich assortment of life.

Brandon parked at his usual table near the window, watching the world streak past, writing each customer’s life story in his mind as he sipped a dark blend.  He longed for someone to share this joint’s coziness with.

Outside, the sky let loose torrents of water as raindrops raced each other down the windowpane.   Brandon fumbled with an old, rusty window catch, forcing it open just enough to inhale the rich earthly aroma of fresh precipitation.

For most, the day stung with disappointment.  Showers like these spoil outside activities, cause sickness, and aggravate moodiness.

Brandon however, saw it as a life-giving blessing that cools the earth and flushes the ground of toxins.  Listening to the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops can be therapeutic.  It also means you don’t have to make excuses not to go out if all you feel like doing is puttering about indoors. 

Just then something in the corner of my eye made Brandon squint for more clarity.  A flash of bright pink, gone for a moment, then reappearing.  As it got closer, Brandon eyed a woman, in a pink rain jacket, moving at a snail’s pace in a wheelchair. 

He grabbed his umbrella and ran outside into the pouring rain.  “Do you need any help . . . or a dry resting spot?” he asked nervously.

She gave him an odd look, then a warm smile.  “I appreciate it, but the rain feels great against my skin.  I’m out here and going slow on purpose.” 

As Brandon watched her wheel on down the pathway, he realized with a jolt that she was the only one taking advantage of the weather and having fun.  As much as he appreciated the rain, he wasn’t doing anything to enjoy it.  Brandon loved her sentiment – talk about the epitome of appreciating life.

“Wait, wait!” he shouted.  “Can I buy you a cup of coffee or something?”

She turned and giggled flirtatiously.  “Only if you’ll join me at a table outside,” she teased.  And so they did – 11 years and two babies ago.

Life’s about dancing in the rain and taking the opportunities as they come.  It seemed that Brandon and the girl that eventually became his wife were the only two people who realized it that day.  Not everything that we see around us is going to last forever.  So we have to pause long enough to enjoy it all. 

“May God give you . . . for every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial.  For every problem God sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.” ~ Irish Prayer

Double Take

“Don’t judge others by appearance, but rather by what’s in their hearts." ~ 1 Samuel 16:7

Paige and Paris were fraternal twins.  Genetically, they shared half their DNA in common, about the same as siblings born at different times.  They shared two parents, a suburban home and the same ride to school.  That’s where any similarities ended.  Paris was popular – Paige was not.

Paris has over 2,500 Facebook friends; more that some small colleges.  She talks to college boys on her smart phone for several hours each night.  A fake ID allows free ice-cream drinks (pretty girl discount) at a local nightclub.  Sometimes she amps up her cool quotient by smoking flavored cigarettes.  If the Principal catches her, she flirts with him until he lets Paris goes with just a warning.  Popular girls walk in the formation of migrating geese.  Paris leads the wedge with that “I’m way out of your league!” kind of attitude.

Paige doesn’t scale the dizzying heights of “popularity.”  She’s more “likeable” – the kind of girl preferred by a tight knit group of peers who enjoy simply “hangin’ out.”  She’s well-adjusted on many levels, including enjoying good relationships with her parents and other adults, as well as being able to handle diverse social situations.  She’s less a trend “setter” than a trend “spotter.”

On the road to school this morning, few words were spoken.  Paris slept; the victim of too many late nights texting, tweeting, and posting.  As they neared the high school entrance, Paige spotted a car up ahead speeding way too fast around the tight curve.  

Before she had time to react, the car slid on the snow-packed road slamming into their car.  Air bags popped, metal crunched, windows shattered. 

While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, Paris immediately posted a comment on Facebook about the crash.  Within seconds, she scored dozens of ‘Likes’ and comments.

And while Paris’ friends tweeted, Paige’s two best friends showed up independently before the paramedics arrived. 

Young people - friendship isn’t measured by the number you have, but rather by those who’re there when you need them most.

Many of you go to dangerous lengths to be accepted by as many kids as possible.   Being high on the school pecking order brings more: security, envy, connections, and favors.

But not all popular kids go on to be successful adults.  People who reach their "popularity peak" in high school, sometimes fall sharply when high school ends.  Being popular doesn’t guarantee good grades, honest friendships, or people who care about your needs.

Realize that by being happy with yourself, your looks, your grades, your compassion and your sense of humor, makes you a better person and will help you make a better life for yourself in the future. Above all, stick to friends that you completely trust.

“Make each day a masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books (especially the Bible), build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day!” ~ Coach John Wooden

 

The Last Dance

“Where there’s His will . . .  there’s a way.” ~ Romans 8: 26-27

Karl didn’t mind the cold.  He’d take a cold sunny day in January over some of the bone chilling damp, gray days last fall.  He pulled up the covers and buried his face into the pillow only to be roused by a voice he knew too well.

“Come on Dad, it’s time to get ready!” Kelli declared.  She leaned in to kiss him.  His once-impish grin had long since vanished; replaced by the bloodshot eyes of a chemo-weary face.

“Am I dying today?” he countered.  After battling lung cancer for years, things had become critical.  Anemic and short of breath, his treatment options had expired.  Karl’s oncologist wasn’t sure he’d survive the weekend.

“No Dad,” she replied.  “I’ve got a surprise for you.  Get dressed!”

After everyone left his hospital room, Karl dressed and was escorted by wheelchair to the Chapel.

As a nurse wheeled him into the small Sanctuary, a recorded version of “The Wedding March” announced Kelli’s arrival . . . wearing a broad smile . . . in her wedding gown.  About 20 relatives, nurses, and friends applauded.

For a moment Karl wondered if he was in the throes of a chemo-induced fantasy.  He knew that he wouldn’t live to see the wedding they had planned for his daughter next summer.  After a beautifully choreographed wedding in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Karl’s brother would drive the newly-married couple to an elegant banquet hall in his 1929 Model A Ford.  There would be a five-course meal, a disc jockey and over 200 guests.

“Daddy, we couldn’t possibly make the most important commitment of our lives without you,” she said beaming with the radiance of the sun itself. 

After exchanging vows and sharing her first kiss as a married woman, the new bride clutched her father’s hand. “Will you dance with me, Dad?” Kelli pleaded.

“I can’t dance,” Karl protested.  He wasn’t strong enough to get out of his wheelchair.

“You don’t have to,” Kelli replied.  “We’ll improvise.”  As the song “I Will Always Love You” played in the background, Karl wept openly as Kelli swayed from side to side and helped him spin.  Though she didn’t have the ceremony she’d envisioned as a little girl, she did fulfill her dream of dancing with her Dad at her wedding.   

Karl died three days later.  Of all his 63 years of great memories, he lived his final days savoring his favorite – Kelli’s wedding.  Next were reflections about their family vacations on Pelican Lake.  That, he said, was where he wanted them to spread his ashes.

And so they will, next summer after a grand wedding reception as originally planned.  Bigger – but never more intimate; better but not more significant.

“Though we miss Dad and wish he were still here, we know that he’s with You now. Thank you Lord, for his gentle spirit, his unwavering courage, his rock-solid integrity.  Thank you for giving him the strength to share our special day.” ~ Kelli and Nick

Drop by Drop

“God helps those who help themselves.” ~ Ben Franklin, 1757

Sufia approached the feeble old woman squatting on the busy sidewalk.  She appeared to be one of India’s many street beggars.  She wanted to donate a few rupees but couldn’t find the woman’s collection box.

Noting Sufia’s confused look, the old woman spoke in a curious voice; a gravel-and-silken mix of whiskey gruffness and educated prose.  “Hello!  My friends call me Shila Mashi.  Would you like to buy some home-made chips?” she asked.  

She wasn’t a beggar – but an entrepreneur!

An intense discussion followed, one that not only ended in a successful sale, but a lesson that Sufia would never forget.  She bought a packet of chips from Shila and later posted her experience on Facebook, writing:

“For two hours each way, she navigates by bus and by foot to reach that pavement in Kolkata where she squats every evening.  When asked if she has a problem travelling, she replies in a surprising voice   “No, the bus gets me here and my health isn’t too bad.” 

Behind 85 years of sun-baked wrinkles, her angelic smile paints a picture of determination to live an honorable life.  Her clothing never appears shabby; always clean and fresh. 

At an age when she would love to enjoy grandchildren, quiet retirement and all life’s happiness, she works to support three grandchildren orphaned by the death of their father.  Day in and day out, Shila Mashi’s been taking risks to ensure the financial security of her family, earning only about 400 rupees per day ($6.50) selling homemade chips. Dignity means everything to her; she’ll work till her last breath rather than accept charity.”

Sufia had an idea, one that would preserve the woman’s self-respect and increase her business, but from way behind the scenes.  She launched the “Our World, Our Initiative” Facebook page urging people to buy Shila’s chips.  It worked – her sales exploded. 

Our World, Our Initiative (check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/OurWorldOurInitiative ) is a student initiative which highlights the problems of all elderly citizens of Kolkata, India.  It’s expanded to include children’s issues.  Said Sufia, “We can’t solve all problems, but drop by drop we’ll fill the ocean with hope.”

Most of us have never really had to struggle for survival.  We enjoy life’s boundless opportunities, waiting for the ball to bounce to us, and then complain when trouble follows. 

How many times a day do we complain about what we do or don’t have?  About life that’s not in synch with our dreams, about a face that’s not beautiful or handsome enough, or about the wealth, success or prestige that we ‘deserve.’ 

God helps those who help themselves - with boundless grace today, yesterday, forever.  He asks only in return that we walk in His ways.

Lord, please don’t let me waste this day!  Help me spend today loving You, serving You and praising You for the goodness and blessings of life You’ve given me.  I don’t have time for fear of death or hardship, as you are my refuge.  Amen