Sleeping Beauty

“Always set a good example for others.  Be sincere and serious when you teach." ~ Titus 1:7

How could she have ever complained about being tired before having kids!  Now after returning to work, Jodie wondered how she had the audacity to whine about being tired with a newborn when she could relax, rest, or even sleep during the day on maternity leave. 

Saturday afternoons brought welcome relief from the exhaustion that consumed her mushy brain.  Today as she drifted ever closer to dreamland, her thoughts turned to Grace – her sleeping beauty.

There are few things as gratifying and heart-warming as watching her little one sleeping; a picture of sweet tranquility.  Safely secure within a cocoon of warmth and love, Gracie has no cares, no worries.  It’s one of the rewards of motherhood - the sign of a job well done.

Feisty while awake, the toddler is full of sass and attitude.  She has her moments of quiet reverie and artistic endeavors, but for the most part, she’s a blur of kinetic energy.  

She’s the Energizer Bunny to the n^th degree.  Grace sings, dances, jumps rope, jumps on the bed, cartwheels across any open space, sprints everywhere, and barely stops to catch a breath.

And then, she sleeps.  Ahhhhh, she sleeps.  All traces of the hard edges melt away.  Her eyes become gentler, her mouth relaxed.  Her angelic expression holds no fear, no worry, no anxiety, no concern at all.  Sometimes, she smiles.  

At night, Jodie often sneaks into Grace’s room and watches her sleep for a few moments, marveling at the almost supernatural transformation.  She’s so sweet and peaceful, vulnerable and unfettered, and usually in some heartwarming sleep position.  If only she could hold onto those moments forever.

Sometimes, if the day has been excessively tough, she apologizes.  "I'm sorry, baby, for losing my cool, for not being a more patient mother, for being so frustrated.  I'm so sorry, and I'm trying to be better.  Please forgive me."  She vows that tomorrow will be better. 

Just as sleep begins taking over her body and brain, consciousness crept back in unexpectedly, startling Jodie awake.  

Gracie, her 20-month-old daughter, was covering her with a blanket.  She patted Jodie’s back, then kissed her gently on the cheek - exactly what she does when tucking Grace in at night.

How closely our children watch us, and what they learn from our actions.  They watch what we do and how we act.  Our behaviors are reflected in their behaviors.

This means that as parents, we need to not just quote Scripture, but to live Scripture before our children.  Never forget that the way you live your life is the primary “message” your child receives. Your convictions are caught more than taught.

Father, help me understand them, listen patiently to what’s on their minds and answer all their questions.  Keep me from interrupting and contradicting them.  Give me the courage to ask their forgiveness, when I’m wrong.  Amen  ~ Highlights for Children excerpt

Dream Date

“Forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." ~ Colossians 3:13

Young Adelae sat anxiously on a cheap plastic chair, her sparkly shoes swinging back and forth in the dingy, windowless room.  “I hope he recognizes me,” she muttered nervously snapping and unsnapping the clasp on her hot pink purse.

At the other end of the building, men traded various accessories between the tight rows of steel bunk beds.  An equally jittery DeShawn stared in the reflective steel mirror.  ”Does anybody know how to tie one of these things?” 

Having traded their shackles and jumpsuits for sport coats and ties, Sheriff Parker led the inmates down a long hallway.  He’d approved the jailhouse Daddy-Daughter dance in hopes it would be a sobering reminder to them that they were loved, that they were needed, and that they should change their lives.  Just because they were locked in – didn’t mean that they should be locked out of their daughter’s lives.

DeShawn’s head buzzed with a combination of fear and excitement.  He’d been incarcerated since just after Adelae’s third birthday.  Though only six, she was growing up; starting to make some of her own decisions . . . and resolve them without her Daddy’s help. 

From the letters he’d received, her life seemed to be heading down the right path. For now, the closest thing she had to a father was a Heavenly one.

“I hope she remembers me,” he wondered, unconsciously clasping and unclasping his hands as if in constant need of reassurance.

Down the hall and past several gates, DeShawn stood on tiptoe, trying to get a glimpse of his daughter. 

There, as if cast in the shadow of an angel, she looked right at him, dark brown eyes melting his heart with a warm inviting smile.

"Daddy!” she squealed.

It was the most incredible moment of his life.  He never felt so much love for one person ever.  In that moment, when their eyes locked, they bonded in a way that’ll never be broken.    

They hugged; then he bowed gracefully and extended his hand for a dance.  The atmosphere was electric; uncommonly loud and lively.  They shared a catered meal of chicken and fish.  They laughed together, experiencing a rare opportunity for a physical connection that many of them hadn’t felt for too long.  Even the guards cried.

The night ended too quickly. 

As he sat alone on his steel bunk, DeShawn sobbed, rocked to the core with guilt.  He’d made such a mess of his life, but from God’s kindergarten messenger, he felt the power of forgiveness. 

And he’d now do anything in the world for her.  He would be her hero, her keeper, a father that she would be proud of.  His daughter had given him another chance.  He picked up his Bible and prayed the prayer below.

God, there are times when I cannot imagine that You forgive me for what I’ve done.  I pray that You will strengthen me in the assurance that You forgive long before I forgive myself.  Amen

fOreVER

“God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you." ~ Bobby Boyd

Madeline knew it was coming, but there was no way to avoid it.  She was about to be dumped again though, given their current relationship, it was probably for the best.

She caught only the first few words that escaped his throat.  In an instant, she felt something crack inside and the infamous question leaked out: “Wasn’t I good enough?”

She’d heard it all during 15 years of dating.  Her first breakup was via a note passed to her in seventh grade.  By comparison, it was kinda cute. 

There were boyfriends who loved their mothers more, those that needed more “space,” and of course - serial cheaters.  One guy even broke up with her to join the circus.  Really?

January 1^st is probably a significant date for most people.  For Madeline, that was the day one beau made a resolution to change his life - without her in it.  One suggested that he didn’t have time for a relationship right then; that she should call him back after deer season.  Another even proposed with the same ring he’d given his ex-fiancée . . . without even resizing it.   

Everything had just collapsed in a blink of an eye.  Maddie had lost a battle she’d never agreed to fight.

Now comes that awkward time - the moment between being together and fully being apart, where everything gives reason for pathetic hope.  It’s a raw, ugly time.

Then comes the realization that, “They found someone else,” or, “They’re much better off without me.”  Even though it’s worse than life in limbo, it’s akin to plunging into icy-cold water instead of adjusting to it, inch by inch.

It’s having to act totally calm when you spend entire days at work staring right through your computer screen, trying not to cry; having to keep living a life suddenly stripped of meaning, and pretending you’re not as crushed as you feel.

Tears left a damp trail on Maddie’s pillow as she cried that night.  Each teardrop engraved yet another scar, leaving her alone and afraid. 

Only one man could console her during these meltdowns.  So after work, she stopped by for some relationship advice. 

“Honey,” he began, “the day I stopped looking for the right woman and started trying to become the right man, your Mom stepped into my life.  The only thing you should have to do to “keep him interested” is to be you.  The right person will love the real you!”

Everyone will experience the relationship breakup at some point - most will face several.  They’re hard - even that stupid song says so.   But there’s always an upside - break-ups offer the chance to grow stronger, tougher and wiser.  Being beautiful means being yourself!

Thank you, Lord, for being more than just my God right now.  Thank you for being my Father.  Comfort me knowing that You have plans for me and that one day I will find the person that fits with those plans.  Amen

 

 

 

Nurse Angel

“God sends angels to bring His messages to guide us in our ministry.” ~ Acts 8:26

She didn’t remember the impact; that part of the car accident was a blank.  Now she wished that this part was too; wondering when things would ever change.

In bits and pieces through the haze of Andie’s returning consciousness, the doctors explained that she was lucky to be alive.  She’d been in a medically-induced coma for nearly a month, recovering from multiple head and assorted orthopedic injuries.

So much had gone wrong.  Pain burned like red-hot coals throughout her body.  Physical therapy was only supposed to last a couple weeks.  Weeks had stretched to months, and although she could walk now, she still fought for balance.

A throbbing headache still robbed her of sleep most nights.  Andie’s stomach growled and she grimaced at the thought of food.  All the medications were ruining her appetite, too.  

She was so tired of pain.  So tired of being tired.  Lost in thought, Andie switched off the TV and wept quietly as light rain pelted the window pane.

"You Ok dear?" asked a stranger’s voice appearing as if from thin air.  Andie struggled to compose herself but without warning, she burst into tears. 

“It’s Ok,” the unfamiliar nurse said tenderly, “Cry as much as you want." 

As if she’d been given the "permission" she needed, Andie began sobbing even before the nurse finished speaking.  The nurse drew Andie's head to her chest, holding her as she moaned the jumbled words that come when pain is too deep for expression. 

The moment passed.  Andie straightened up; apologizing through halting tears.

"Andie," she began."  He knew you needed to be held in His arms today, just for a moment to hear His heartbeat.  He sent me to wrap you in His peace.  The sun will come out again for you soon."  She squeezed Andie's hand gently.  “Place your life in His hands!” she said before walking away.

Sunbeams immediately broke the afternoon gloom.  A new day was born; the bitter months of despair had been replaced with a sense of joy, hope, and the warmth of God’s embrace.

Angels sent from God - to protect, strengthen, and encourage.  It happens all the time, more often than we realize.  He knows when we're drowning, and need His touch.

We all have days when we can’t push any harder, can’t hold back self-doubt, can’t stop focusing on fear.  We don't always have to be strong.  Sometimes our strength is expressed when we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared, weak, and vulnerable.  Sometimes we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track.  

But He’s got this!  Relief from physical and mental anguish starts with letting God be God.

“Father, I place my life in Your hands!” (Luke 23:46)  Help me to know that it’s okay to allow myself to be human.  Help me not to feel guilty or punish myself when I need to "fall apart" and rely on the angels You place in my path.  Amen

A Time for Love

“You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes." ~ Song of Solomon 4:9

Unlike more spacious restaurants, diners and chain buffets, the Apple Farm was a family-owned business run by an elderly couple with warm smiles.  It had been a preferred dining spot since their earliest dates.   

Jack led Marcy to a small table adorned with white linens and a bouquet of wild daisies.  Despite the late hour, the place was packed - a testament to the cozy atmosphere and friendly service.  A few well-placed candles offered the only light.  There was no background music.  Atmosphere came from patrons’ conversations and the clinking of crystal and cutlery.

Jack pulled out her chair.  She sat gracefully.  Without a word, the waiter approached and poured them wine.  No menus tonight; Jack had ordered for them in advance.  There would be no further interruptions from the wait staff.

“You look amazing,” he told her and meant it.  Marcy swept her hands over her dress, which looped around the back of her neck, showing off bare shoulders.  Other guests watched them admiringly – they made such a cute couple.

Jack watched her sip the wine.  He loved watching her.  She enjoyed his gaze; feeling his eyes drift from her lips to her cheeks and nose.  She blushed.

They lock eyes across the table.  Everything around them fades away, lost in the depths of each other’s souls.  It’s not lustful, but a longing to escape forever into a universe all their own.  She senses his devotion, he hers. 

Time stood still stopping just for them; an eternity to enjoy each other’s company.   Anyone could see the energy between them.  Something surreal was happening at their table, something natural, expressive, and affectionate.

Jack leaned over and kissed Marcy lightly on the cheek.  She couldn’t help but smile with pleasure at the sweetness.  Her innocent pleasure made its way across the eloquent table, straight into his heart.  Everything around them faded away.

Marcy asked modestly, “What was that for?” 

Jack didn’t hesitate: “I want everyone to know you’re my girl.”

They held hands, laughed and talked throughout dinner.  After the main course, the waiter complimented their “sweet” demeanor with a complimentary piece of chocolate cake.  “Happy Anniversary,” he said.  “May I ask what the secret to your long marriage is?

It was then that Marcy realized he thought they were there for their umpteenth wedding anniversary!  She couldn’t bring herself to correct him because for a moment, it felt so beautiful to be permanently tied to this man she loved so much.

The couple looked at each other and laughed.  Jack squeezed Marcy’s hand across the table.  Both in their mid-70’s, they had each lost spouses to cancer nearly a decade ago.   Marcy smiled before speaking. “I only wish I’d met him sooner.”

Father, in Your name we pray: imperfect, anxious, struggling, lonely, confused, weary, human.  Let my past serve as prologue.  I’m ready to face my future.  Thank you for another chance at love.  Amen

The Ministry of Presence

“Suffering exposes us to the mystery of God—not an explanation from Him.” ~ I Cor. 2:16

For Joshua, the fire drill offered a welcomed break from his daily high school routine.  The surprise of the shrill, unexpected noise made classmates gasp, jump out of their seats, and giggle.  They all shuffled down the hall and out the exit doors to an assigned location on the tennis courts.

When most people think of Joshua, they think of his fiery side.  The Northwestern-bound defensive lineman earned his stripes as one of the school’s greatest football players of all time.  His 6-foot-4, 240-plus-pound frame put the fear of God in opponent quarterbacks.

But behind his face mask of defiance and strength, he had a softer side: caring and sweet with an engaging sense of humor.  The fact that Josh wasn’t affected by his talent or his good looks added to his popularity.

For most students, the high-pitched intermittent blast of the fire alarm is simply a minor, temporary irritant.   Josh relished the freedom of being outside and breathing the crisp, fresh air while waiting for the "all clear" bell to sound. 

But, fire drills can be extremely challenging for some students; the loud noise, the sudden transition, the crowded hallways often cause fear and anxiety.  Such was the case for Laurie, a classmate with Down’s syndrome.  For her, this routine safety procedure became a complicated, painful ordeal.

Spotting Josh, she moved toward him deliberately.  They’d become friends in Art class last semester.  She always walks slowly, probably because of her physical limitations, but mostly because she could.  Laurie had an uncanny ability to be completely present, in whatever situation, with no thought to "what next?"

She stopped directly in front of him, catching Josh slightly off-guard.  Sandy brown hair and cherub cheeks failed to hide the fear that colored her chocolate brown eyes. 

He edged his hand toward hers ever so slightly, until he felt his fingertips brush her hand.  She unfurled her fingers and let his slip around hers until she felt the warmth of his palm press against her own. 

Laurie shifted her stance uncomfortable.  But the more he squeezed her soft hand, the more she felt the tension melt away.  Laurie smiled.  Josh breathed out a soft prayer meant only for her ears and God above. (below)

He held her hand all the way back to her classroom.

Everyone in the body of Christ qualifies to be an expert assistant to the suffering.  You don’t have to be brilliant, persuasive, articulate, or experienced.  You can be involved in what’s called, "The Ministry of Presence."

Through the ministry of presence, you can bring comfort to the hurting - without ever being ordained or certified.  You don’t have to be anything but available to be a wonderful tool in the hand of God.

Heavenly Father, I don’t the trials that Laurie has been through, but whatever anxiety is still in her heart and mind, please grant her peace and acceptance.  Help her find comfort in You through me.  Amen

Easter's Lilly

“See how the wildflowers grow?  They don’t worry about their appearance.” ~ Matthew 6: 28

In the hollers of eastern Kentucky lived an elderly woman famous to the locals as ‘Lilly.’  She got that title decades ago when she began raising Easter Lilies and giving them out in church on Easter Sundays.  

Children always received their flowers first, which partly explained why kids adored her.  That, and the fact that she was great listener.  Piercing eyes and a bird-like habit of tilting her head to the side when she listened, quickly disarmed even the most reticent child.

A few days before Easter, a 9 year old girl named Brook came to see Lilly.  Long beautiful lashes struggled to hide the sadness welling behind them.

“Some boys at school told me I’m ugly,” Brook began choking back tears.  “Lilly, why didn’t God make me pretty like my sister?

The old woman passed Brook a tissue before speaking in a slow, measured voice; one that revealed more wisdom than age. “That’s an easy one dear child. I remember when your sister was your age.  You look just like she did then.” 

Her eyes twinkled whimsically before continuing.  “Boys can’t see very well until they get their new eyes.  That happens about age 16.  Then those boys will like how you look so much, they’ll all want “selfies” with you to brag to their friends that you like them the most.

Brook was not convinced!  So Lilly said: “Right now while you’re little, your grown up face is squeezed into a small package like a seed.  As you mature, your face stretches and it will grow like a flower and become a beautiful face.  Brook’s confused expression prompted Lilly to demonstrate with one of her Easter Lilies.

“For many,” Lilly digressed, “these beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers symbolize purity, goodness, hope and life - the essence of Easter.  It’s been said that they sprang from the places on the ground where Jesus’ sweat fell from the cross.  

But its beauty takes time.”

“It starts as a small, baby bulblet growing underground on the stem of its mother plant.  When the mother plant is harvested, the bulblet is carefully removed and planted in another field.  One year later, the bulblet, now called a yearling, is dug up again.  The yearling is planted in a new field for another full year of special care to allow it to grow into its full potential as a majestic white lily.”

“Someday a man looking for a beautiful flower will find you.  Why, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you grew up to be the prettiest flower in the whole field.  So don’t listen to what people with poor vision say about you anymore.”

Brook blushed.  “I love you Lilly, and lily,” she giggled.  “Happy Easter!”

Lord Jesus, Your lilies serve as a beautiful reminder that Easter is a time for rejoicing and celebrating.  “Sweetest lilies pure and white, Flooding darkness with their light, Bloom and sorrow drifts away, On this Holy hallow’d day.  ~ Louise Lewin