I Am the New Year

“The old has gone, the new is here!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

We’re about to jump into the month named after the Roman god Janus, a fitting image of the start of a New Year.  Janus had two faces so that he could look ahead toward the future and back at the past concurrently.  Hence, he was worshipped at both planting and harvest times, as well as births, marriages, and other beginnings.

So it is that, like Janus, we approach January 1^st as a transition from one situation to another, from one vision to another, from one goal to another.

But before we rid ourselves of the old year, there should be time for deep reflection and celebration of all that’s taken place in our lives.  We should remember each experience for the good that’s come of it and for the knowledge we gained; the efforts made and the targets met; the laughter, the joy, the hard work; even the tears.  We know through experience what we did wrong and what we did right, hoping to do better in the coming 52 weeks.

Such is the New Year - an unspoiled page in our book of time, a new shot at the art of living, our chance to improve on what we learned from living the last twelve months.

All that we sought and didn’t find lies perhaps within reach, waiting for us to search it but with more determination.  All the good that we attempted yet didn’t achieve is still attainable with fewer conflicting desires.  All that we dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that we hoped but didn’t drive, all the faith we claimed but didn’t practice lies dormant, waiting to be lit by the torch of a strong purpose.

Most notably is our opportunity to renew our allegiance to the One who said; "Behold, I make all things new." Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life even though we’ve done little to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it.  All from God.

Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are anxious to see this one finally end, one truth still rings clear amidst it all.  You’re not alone.  Not ever.  Hope can be found in Jesus, not Janus.

The best way to have that new beginning is with God’s help.  Ours is a “with us" God.  On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start.  He is Immanuel (meaning ‘God with us’).  Though people and things shift and change around us, God never does.  His unwavering assurance promises everlasting security.

Almighty Father, shine Your light in us, through us, over us.  May we make a difference in this world, for Your glory and purpose.  Reflect Your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs Your presence and healing.  Amen

A True Gift

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another." ~ Romans 13:8

Gina took a sip of her fresh peppermint latte and stared out at the sea of faces flowing like water to their destinations in the busy airport terminal.  Leaving late for the Christmas holiday could jolt even a cheerful person into despair.

A young child, dressed as Superman, wailed as he said goodbye to his military father.  An older man appears hopeless when told he ‘just’ missed his flight.  A befuddled guide dog attempts cutting through the human traffic with limited success.

Gina was determined to make the best of her journey homeward despite the persistent clamor, overpriced food and rude travelers.  Finding a quiet spot at LaGuardia can be difficult.  Yet after searching for 27 minutes, she found a quiet hallway at the far end of the concourse.

The only other person in the area was a twenty-something young woman curled into a corner.  She was quietly weeping to herself, looking at her phone and obviously distraught.

Gina thought for a moment and reached into her travel bag and pulled out a milk chocolate bar that she kept for ‘chocolate emergencies.’  She approached the crying woman and placed the tasty treat atop her backpack.

“Chocolate makes everything better,” she said with a slight grin.

Through her tears the young woman said, “Thanks, that’s really sweet of you!” before packing it into her bag.

Gina buried herself in the book she’d purchased to pass the time.  When she looked up an hour or so later, the young woman had left.   Gathering her belongings, she headed toward the gate and merrily boarded her flight to Omaha.  Almost home.

After settling into her seat, Gina watched as the (previously-sobbing) young woman found the last available seat on the plane – directly in front of her.  The young woman had no idea that Gina was sitting right behind her.

Just before takeoff, Gina overheard the young woman telling the passenger next to her, “I was traveling standby.  The airline was jerking me around; giving me no helpful information.  This was the last Christmas Eve flight out.”

“In the midst of my meltdown, the sweetest thing happened.  A wonderful lady approached me, handed me a chocolate bar and told me that everything was going to be all right.  It was so nice!”

Gina smiled yet continued her anonymity.  She hadn’t needed to find out what was wrong or why the girl was crying.  She just wanted to connect with her during a tough time.

This Christmas, give the gift of kindness.  Acknowledge, honor and connect with someone not because of what it does for you but because of what it can do for others.  That’s a true gift.

Dear Lord, during this Advent season, teach me to love like Jesus.  Don’t let me settle for a love that’s safe and bordered.  Open my arms wide to others.  Help me to love in a way that’s unrestricted, unbounded, and unrelenting.  Amen

Love Like Winter

“He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes." ~ Psalms 147:16

Andrea had always considered herself a one-season gal.  She only enjoyed summer with its hot sun, warm breezes, and cold popsicles.  Summer is for swimming and vacationing, it’s for listening to the cicadas, sipping wine coolers, and smelling lilac blossoms.

But then came the other seasons; fall and spring with their winds and rain and, winter, where everything is frozen and ostensibly dead.  Sure, winter in the Rockies is magnificent, but winter in the Midwest, where Andrea lived, was a brutal battle against the forces of nature: shoveling snow, treacherous roads, and cancelled flights.

Today however, she gazed out the window and gave thanks to God for this day; grateful that while it was winter outside … it was no longer winter inside her heart.  For too long she’d felt like winter languished there.  For too many years the world had seemed cold and harsh.  For – ever, she’d foolishly avoided the warmth of God's love.

After breakfast Andrea pulled on a favorite sweater and slowly sipped a mug of coffee.  She heard the gentle thumping noise as the furnace kicked on and warm air flowed from the heat vents.  She chuckled as her youngest stood on one of the vents to warm his feet.  In spite of the bitter cold on this frozen winter’s day, she felt the fire of His love heating her heart and soul from within.

Outside the grass lay frosted; the ground crunched beneath her feet as she walked the dogs.  The sun was rising but did little to ease the cold.  The snow had a purity that raised her spirit, the world made pristine as a new book full of adventures.  Even the chill on her face felt refreshing.

Andrea saw her breath noting how we don't see it in other seasons.  She caught a snowflake – so whimsical yet geometrically perfect … and watched it disappear.

“God’s a genius,” she thought to herself.  He carefully ordained every ray of sunshine, drop of rain, bolt of lightning, and falling snowflake.  There’s a warmth that tumbles out in the winter time; when all else is so cold.  It radiates from those who love and nurture as easily as they breathe.  In truth, the sparks of kindness are always present no matter the season.

Andrea returned to the house and prepared for the day.  She wondered how much complaining would be eliminated from our lives if we could truly be thankful for the weather we experience each day - the rainy days as much as the sunny ones, and the cold days as much as the warm ones.

Friends - let those perfect plans go.  Slide over that patch of ice, relish the cool breeze, fashion a snow angel.  Soon enough the weather will change.  Maybe you will too.

Almighty Father, don’t let my heart stall in Winter.  Shine Your love and light into my heart and soul, then let me share my Spring with the world.  Amen

Bebop's Final Gift

“Be kind and compassionate to one another." ~ Ephesians 4:32

Today marks five years since the Hanson family lost their infant daughter, Bianca.

Bianca, or Bebop, was born with a serious heart condition and had basically become a citizen of the pediatric intensive care unit of the hospital.  She’d already had a half dozen open heart surgeries in her short 11 month life.

Jenna and Marcus snuggled their precious baby as her health began to fail.  Marcus pressed the call button and paced the room, then pressed it again.  The nurse took one look at little Bianca and paged the doctor.  They were not prepared for what came next.

While waiting for the doctor, several musicians appeared at the doorway and asked if they could play a few tunes.  The performers were part of a group called Pickleberry Pie that provides free concerts for seriously ill kids in various hospitals and special facilities nationwide.

The Hanson’s agreed and soon they were all singing “Jesus Loves You.”  As they sang, something magical happened.  The hospital sights and sound faded into the background, along with all their fears and anxieties.  Joyful notes filled the air and the lively tempo transported them into an entirely different mental state; a transcendent quality that calmed and soothed aching spirits.

The tiniest hint of a smile slowly spread across Bianca’s face and reached into her doe-eyed innocence.  Chubby little hands went straight into her mouth as she giggled with pleasure at the sight of her parent’s glowing faces.

Bebop’s happiness was infectious as it slowly crept into the hearts of everyone present.  She was the epitome of God’s creation and had captured the hearts of everyone around her, just by a single smile!  Her expression spoke volumes as if to say “I love you and I loved being loved by you!”

They sang the last of several more songs when it occurred to Jenna that she’d not heard Bebop breathe for a few minutes.  She leaned back to look at her and saw that their beautiful child was gone.  She’d left this world hearing joyful music while sensing her mother’s heartbeat.

It took but a moment, but the memory of Bebop’s smile would comfort them forever.  She didn’t suffer, she wasn’t in pain, and she most certainly wasn’t alone.  Painful at first, the Hanson’s were eventually able to appreciate loving her through this life and the next as God's gift.

Every small thing in life is a moment able to nourish the soul if we let joy in.  Live with awe, humbleness, present in each moment and the gifts of life will fill you to the brim, so much that your joy will overflow and make better the lives of all around you.

Sweet Jesus, help me to smile with the radiance of a child and love with a pure heart devoid of selfishness or jealousy.  Teach me to be happy and appreciate even the littlest things in life, and especially from these angels of God!  Amen

Yes You Can

“When I prayed to God, He freed me from all my fears." ~ Psalm 34:4

Deja shared a common fear: the fear of heights.  She’d even been terrified of looking down from tall buildings.  Hoping to overcome that crippling fear, she decided to join the parachute school.

Vigorous training helped her prepare for the big moment.  But at the signal to jump, Deja froze; terrified in fear.  Jake, the instructor, led her back safely into the plane.

She was the only one that day who’d left the runway and landed without jumping.  When her companions met her back at the base they smirked.  Even Deja’s close friends were uncomfortable in her presence.  She failed.

Jake took her aside, explaining that it wasn’t unusual to be afraid.  “Real courage comes from facing and overcoming fear,” he said.  “You can do this!”

They returned to the sky that same afternoon.

Placing his thick forearm on her shoulder, Jake reassured Deja that she could do this.  She nodded, then swallowed hard.

When it was her turn, she positioned herself on the wing strut. Without hesitation this time, she plunged from 13,500 feet.  Her freefall lasted about 30 seconds before pulling the ripcord.

It became instantly clear that something was wrong … terribly wrong.  The parachute had become inoperably tangled.  Her training required that she cut the parachute free.  (Imagine falling at terminal velocity wondering if your reserve chute might also fail).

“Lord,” she thundered.  “I can’t do this!”

“Yes you can,” her sweet Savior whispered.  “I’m going to help you.”

Deja cut the twisted chute loose.  She went back into free fall and seconds later pulled her reserve parachute.  Luckily, it opened without any problems.  She floated effortlessly; gazing at the stunning landscape below.  There was nothing more to do than trust the wind and the silk above.  Tears of pure joy filled her eyes.

It was a perfect landing.  She’d conquered the greatest of human enemies: fear … with God’s grace.

I can’t imagine how many times God’s had to do that with me.  I’ve memorized the conversation: “Lord, what You’ve asked me to do is too big.  I can’t do this.”

Then He speaks directly to my soul, “Yes, you can!”

Time and time again He’s patiently cheered me on my journey.  I might still feel afraid, but I believe God is with me.  I may not be in control, but I trust the One who is.  I may not know the future, but I know the God who does.

He’s with us in whatever we face, in the turmoil and struggles, amidst the anxious thoughts and the worries of life.  He gives us the power to live courageously when many things that surround us would tell us to be afraid.  He’s got your back!

Father, I’m so grateful for a God who travels with me every day of my life.  Oh, and I’ve discovered one more thing that makes a big difference: Life goes much smoother when I give up my control and let You pack my parachute.  Amen

Unrivaled Kindness

“Obey our Lord’s command by sharing each other’s troubles and problems." ~ Galatians 6:2

Raymond’s job was never easy; working in a funeral home was akin to being a wedding planner with only a few days to plan the entire event.  Almost every day a new family, a new story, a new tragedy unfolded.  Raymond understood that – but it was his calling.

An economical coffin was placed at the front of the room, chairs were aligned in perfect rows, soft music played in the background.  He’d prepared the parlor not for the deceased older woman but to soothe the living.

He escorted Betsy, the deceased’s sister, into the quiet room to pay her respects where she lovingly stroked her hair and marveled at how peaceful she looked.  Raymond’s work was done; he remained available yet inconspicuous.

Normally the room would begin filling with grieving friends and relatives.  But today – no one came.  Not a single visitor reached out to mourn the passing of her sister’s life.

Raymond’s heart sank.  “No one should ever grieve alone,” he thought as he approached Betsy.  She looked so small; alone in such a cavernous room.

“Tell me about your sister Emily,” he asked in a genuinely kind voice before sitting beside her.  That one question led to an hours-long outpouring of emotions as varied as the seasons.

He learned that Emily had always been a bit of a loner, but that her isolation deepened as she aged.  Betsy believed it came down to embarrassment.

Emily was increasingly embarrassed that at a party, she wouldn't remember the names of friends that, just a few years ago, she would have remembered.  She'd frequently forget that she told that same story the last time they talked.

By the time Emily was 70, she had, without having made a conscious decision to become a recluse, ostensibly become one.  Her friends stopped inviting her to get together.  A sad tale, but one he’d heard all too often.

But he listened attentively … compassionately … tolerantly.

Finally he said, “Betsy, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss.  Emily died alone with no family to comfort her.  But today, we are her family.  It’s been my honor to sit with you, to memorialize her life, and to remember Emily in death as we commend her soul to eternity.”

Betsy would live the rest of her days never experiencing a greater act of kindness than she experienced in Raymond’s company that day.  If we all lived that kind of life, people like him would never have to sit with a lonely, grieving loved one again.

It’s not good for us to be alone.  God desires that we live in community with friends, family, and other believers.  Whether one or 1,000 people come to your funeral really isn’t the point.  The point is God made us to live our happiest most fulfilled lives with others people.

Almighty Father, thank You for opening our hearts and minds to this corporal work of mercy.  May the perpetual light shine upon Emily, and bring her peace.  Amen

Caustic Compassion

“Supporting laziness or destructive behavior is irresponsible; not a loving act." ~ Rev. Ron Sider

For the 12^th year in a row, Pastor Fowler celebrated Christmas Eve by participating in his church’s Adopt-a-Family gift giving program.

They arrived on time at the chosen inner-city home.  Bare floors had been swept clean, and clutter organized.  A small artificial tree on a corner table blinked with a single strand of colored lights.  Excited children on tiptoes, eyes wide with anticipation, stared over the window’s edge for their first glimpses of Santa’s helpers.

Upon their arrival, Mom greeted the Pastor Fowler and his volunteers, inviting them to come inside.  Her stomach shifted uneasily as she politely accepted armfuls of neatly wrapped gifts.  No one noticed that Dad had quietly slipped out the back door … no one but Mom.

Not until the children had slashed through the wrappings to the treats inside did any of them ask where their Dad was. Mom explained that he’d gone to the store.

The clergyman suspected something he’d never noticed before.  Dad had been emasculated in his own home in front of his wife and children for not being able to provide presents for his own family.  His wife was forced to shield her babies from their father’s shame.  And the children got the message that the “good stuff” comes from rich people.  And it’s free!

Even something as innocent as giving Christmas toys to needy children, can extract an unintended toll on a parent’s dignity.  The Pastor realized that what was supposed to be a joyous process, had an unintended darker side.  The emotional price tag clung to him for weeks.

Everywhere he looked, he began to notice the same charitable patterns - from overseas mission trips to inner-city service projects.  Wherever there was sustained one-way giving, unwholesome dynamics and caustic pathologies festered under the cover of compassion.

There had to be a better way.

The following Christmas, Pastor Fowler terminated the church’s Adopt-a-Family gift giving.  Instead, congregants were asked to give an ‘extra’ gift that year – the gift of dignity to low income parents.

Instead of delivering toys directly to the homes of poor families, donors were encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts to an abandoned warehouse in the city.  There volunteers had decorated a section as “Santa’s (special) Toy Shop.”  Bargain prices were attached to each gift.

Parents from the neighborhood were invited to come shopping for gifts sure to excite their kids.  Those who had no money were able to work in the store, earning what they needed for their purchases.  In that way, parents experienced the same joy as parents across the world – seeing their kids open gifts on Christmas that they’d purchased through the efforts of their own hands.

Parents stated that they’d much rather work to purchase gifts for their children than stand in free-toy lines with their “Proof of Poverty” documents.

Jesus, You embody truth and love.  Help us to transform this world.  Help us to direct our generosity towards effective, uplifting and longer term solutions that liberate, energize, and empower for generations.  Amen

Missing Grandma

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." ~ Matthew 5:4

Holidays are tough when there’s an empty chair … and even emptier hearts.  This will be my first Thanksgiving without my Grandma; she died just weeks before my high school graduation.

It's never about the turkey for me, or the stuffing, or even the fresh-baked pies.  Don't get me wrong, I love all that stuff; Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without it.  But a day that's all about thanking God for what we have (each other, our health and the food we eat), that’s magic!

Grandma's entire family grew up on a small farm in Iowa.  None of her 13 siblings (including her) were able to attend college, yet she lived a blessed life because “as long as you never stop learning, you’ll never stop growing."

When I walked in the house after our 10-hour trip from Michigan, she would enthusiastically greet me at the door with a hug that smelled of cinnamon and confirmed years of humility and sacrifice.  Memories flooded in faster than I could process.

I’ll not forget the gentle way she used to carry me when I wasn’t yet able to walk; the whiff of warm sugar cookies perfectly timed for my arrival; endless games of Old Maid played with time-worn cards; the sweet taste of her homemade strawberry preserves on buttered toast.

She always sat closest to the kitchen for Thanksgiving dinner, but only after every dish was carefully placed on the table.  This year, Mom rearranged where everyone sat hoping to make her absence less noticeable.  The prayer wasn’t even sad, but we all cried anyway.

If only I had one more day with Grandma, I’d start by thanking her for being born.  She started this crazy family and her legacy lives on.

I’d thank her for her ‘mastery’ in the kitchen.  We spent some memorable times together there.  Her cooking was the best.

I’d thank her for the examples she set.  The love she and Grandpa shared provided the perfect model of how a marriage should work.  The love she had for her three boys set a prime example of how to be a great Mom.  And finally, the love that she had for her grandkids showed us all why loving someone is so important.

If you're fortunate enough to have your grandmother in your life, you’re one of the lucky ones.  I've never in my life met a woman as special as mine.  I'm not sure if it's the way she gracefully handled any situation, or if it was her ability to love every family member regardless of their failings.  But there's something about that woman that makes me strive to be just like her.

Father, fill the empty space in our hearts and at our table.  Teach us to savor the moments we have with one another, to rightly remember what we’ve lost, but also to look forward in hope to what You’ve promised for the future.  Amen

Blind Faith

“Faith is the conviction of things not seen." ~ Hebrews 11:1

It’s a familiar story; a child who simply skipped adolescence.  She’d been dealt a crappy hand in a country of slaves - not to humans but to a life of poverty and hunger to which escape was nearly impossible.  Barely a teenager, she married a man more than 30 years older who forced her into prostitution to support their six children.

Adding to an already-desperate situation, her third child, a ‘preemie’ whose eyes had not yet fully matured, was born sightless.   She believed his blindness was God's payback for the things she’d done wrong in her life.

The child, who eventually changed his name to Eivets, grew up undeterred by the “3 strikes against him (black, blind and poor).”

He was a normal kid who occasionally got into trouble.  Normal except that he mastered every instrument he tried (from kitchen spoons, to the harmonica and later the piano).

His mother eventually fled to Detroit, divorced and found work.  They joined the Whitestone Baptist Church where young Eivets developed a personal relationship with God while expanding his musical talents.

God spoke to me, ‘I will make you rich in the spirit of inspiration, to inspire others as well as create music to encourage the world to a place of oneness, hope and positivity.’  “I believed Him and not them!” Eivets recounted.

There he blossomed into a genuine prodigy, learning piano, drums, and harmonica all by the age of nine.  Two years later, while performing for some of his friends, Eivets was discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles who helped arrange an audition with Motown’s Berry Gordy.  Gordy signed the kid immediately under the new name Little Stevie Wonder.  (E-i-v-e-t-s backward).

The rest is history!

A near fatal accident in his early twenties strengthened Wonder’s Christian faith at a crucial time.  A log rolled off a truck and through the window of his tour bus, leaving him in a four-day coma and a permanent loss of smell.  “I was really just a walking pair of ears,” he joked.  “God kept me alive to use His musical gifts to help and encourage more people.”

For over 5 decades, Stevie Wonder remains at the top, with more than 30 Top 10 singles, over 150 million albums sold, 26 Grammys, one Academy Award, and sold-out shows around the world.  Sometimes though, the numbers don't tell the whole story.  He still works tirelessly to promote peace, love and understanding for all.  And gives all the credit where it’s due.

“We have a great relationship.  If He didn’t want me to sing, He wouldn’t have given me the talent to do it.  He’s always been like a Father to me.  For everything I’ve received [in life] I give all praise to God.”

Father God, I’ve achieved nothing compared to what You’ve done for me. I truly believe that You do miracles through people of faith expressing practical love for others rather than people of faith living lives which cause division and pain.” ~ Stevie Wonder

Guarding the Unknowns

“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."

They can’t be returned home to friends or loved ones.  No one knows for certain how, when or even ‘if’ they actually died.  Their remains are memorialized by a cube-shaped sarcophagus on a grassy hillside overlooking Arlington Cemetery; a solemn tribute to the soldiers who died in combat but whose remains aren’t identifiable.  They remain, perpetually, soldiers who not only gave up their lives for this country, but theie identities as well.

There’s perhaps no greater honor than to be selected as a Tomb Guard.  They’re the best of the army’s most elite 3^rd Infantry Regiment – superbly conditioned with unblemished military records.

If recommended, applicants complete an intense training period covering weapons, ceremonial procedures, cemetery entombments, uniform preparation, and military orders.

Tomb sentinels uphold a lofty standard.  They must commit two years of life guarding the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.  They cannot swear in public and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.

The ‘Honor Guard’ is the Army’s least-awarded badge.  It’s the only one that can be revoked (even after they’ve retired) for any act that “disrespects” the Badge.   Only 400 are presently worn (4 by females).

For the first 6 months of duty, Guards can’t talk to anyone or watch TV.  They spend 5 hours daily preparing their uniforms (polishing brass buttons and hand-shining shoes; wrinkles, folds or lint are absolutely unacceptable.).  That’s followed by 3 hours of “mirror time” during which they spin their rifles, check their posture and stumble in private so they’re ‘perfect’ in public.

Guards “walk the mat” in front of the Tomb regardless of weather, sporadic taunts from the crowd, or occasional insect attacks.  They’re only allowed to break ceremonial position to tell unruly visitors to “remain silent while at the national shrine.”  The tomb’s been continually guarded since July 2, 1937.

Sentinels walk exactly 21 steps, then turn and face the Tomb for 21 seconds.  They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder (always between the Tomb and the audience), then step off for another 21 steps down the mat.  Twenty-one represents a 21-gun salute, the nation’s highest military honor.

Their shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.  “I walk my tour in humble reverence … with dignity and perseverance!”

At no other place in America does the sound of click-clacking steps mean so much to so many!

“It’s he who commands the respect I protect, her bravery that made us proud.  Surrounded by well-meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.” ~ Sentinel’s Creed