What a cost!

 Pulling weeds this warm humid morning; what a grimy job! After a while I looked down at my calves  and feet, finding them covered in sweat, soil and a few mosquito bites. Even wearing work gloves, I had to dig out dirt from underneath my nails. First thought: I really like to be clean, dry and cool. 

Then I thought of Jesus. He stepped out of Heaven and spent most of his earthly life dirty and uncomfortable from the elements….for me. From smelly, scratchy hay to long dusty roads, blistered feet, days on days in the same soiled garments and rarely a roof over his head. He definitely was not spoiled with the comforts we so take for granted. 

I usually find myself moved by his miracles and healings and of course, his agony on the cross, but recently the ordinary has struck me in a fresh, personal way. I’m amazed by his willingness to lay down Heaven to rescue us. I certainly don’t think he used superpowers to deal with somatic discomforts; He felt every pang of hunger, every sore muscle, deep exhaustion and head to toe filth at times. The spotless Lamb probably desired a deep long soak and not necessarily in the Galilean waters.

Which makes me wonder how often did he think about the purity and extravagance of home, his Heaven?  When He departed to pray, did Jesus long for perfect shalom with His Father; how far back did His memories reach? 

I’m unraveled by a God who exchanges everything for broken children like us? Wallow in what Jesus endured and see if gratitude and love springs forth!

Last Week

It’s here! The last week in the last year of my 6th decade. I’m grateful I have made it thus far; my dear Rob and Ellen did not see 70.  Looks like  I will celebrate this upcoming jubilee. 

Three thoughts: look up, look forward, look within. 

Keep looking up! God has never forsaken me, always forgiven me, and remains near to me. Great (past, present and future) is His faithfulness.

I’m looking forward! Yes, the time left on earth is a lot shorter, but eternally it’s, well, eternal. I’m laser-focused on the real future!  I’m looking forward to pouring over the scriptures in a fresh way, intimately reacquainting myself with the biblical giants. Who knows, I might even have a list of questions for them if I ever take my gaze off Jesus. And while I’m waiting for that fellowship, I don’t want to miss anything about my Redeemer as I study and pray. 

And thirdly, I need to search within. My morning prayer ends with “Less of me; more of You, Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill me!” No, not just to be more like Him, but to become so empty of myself that Jesus has the  space to show up and dwell big in me. He’s the Invitation, the Prize, The Way; if I make room for Him to shine, just think of the party who joins me at His Wedding Feast. God willing, the seventies will be dedicated to examination, listening and a lot of shedding. Max Lucado coins it well; Traveling Lightly. My backpack is still full and my weary soul feels it. What am I willing to hand off to and for Him?

Decade Seven, here I come, trusting  and obeying!

Withdrawal

 The withdrawal is real! Backstory: Facebook now wants me to give a photo identification to authentic my new account. The red flag? The message uses British English terms (i.e. driving licence.) Could it be associated with the Australian hacker? I can’t even investigate it, because I can’t reach a human at Meta! I can’t risk it, but it’s tempting; I’m addicted to connection. 

That’s not a truly bad thing; Scripture and even neuroscience tells us we were made for relationship. I just wonder if I’ve replaced real live connection with a phone screen. It is safer, more convenient, but probably not how God designed us. Social media is a lot like a virtual travel documentary or zoom class. One can learn a lot about the region or subject, it’s convenient, inexpensive and pajama pants are allowed, but where are the smells, the touch? No gentle breezes, smell of fresh pine, no hugs! Social media definitely has a place; I have friends who use it so wonderfully, encouraging others and bringing beauty to our broken world. Face to face is just a better connection for me and now a total necessity!

So I’m accepting the challenge of creative connection. Today, I’m making a surprise porch visit to drop off birthday goodies, I’m exploring a ESOL ministry, but most importantly, I’m trading in the scrolling for mindful listening for God’s voice. I’m not even sure what that will look like, but I’m excited about a deeper connection with Him.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians3:14-ESV

Welcome Back

 

It’s been a year since I’ve added to this platform. This blog has always been for an audience of ONE. I’ve used the usual social media to scratch some ordinary thoughts, but after some nefarious activity on my accounts, I no longer trust that avenue. A few friends have asked me to share my writing, so if that is you, I will do my best to keep it short and real.

This was the last photo I posted before my fore-mentioned account was stolen. I saw the long arduous road ahead, but was trusting God to guide me down it. Within hours of posting, life  changed, and I was completely dependent on Him, clinging for dear life!

The nefarious actors tried to change my identity to a money-hungry woman, peddling prosperity gospel. This post signals they were unsuccessful, so let’s get back to Truth. 

Some random thoughts to begin. I’m learning a lot about my real identity after being badly shaken.  The removal of social media  and my utilities cut off for a week due to Hurricane Beryl left me alone and lonely. A few questioned my motives after reading some of the posts added by my impostor; I felt broken and misunderstood.  To whom do you turn when your identity is being questioned? To the Maker who formed you, of course!

During the silent hours, God reminded me of exactly who I am in Him.

I am seen.  

I am deeply loved.  

I am chosen.

I am pursued.

I am fully known by an all-knowing Father.

I am a new creation.

I am His.

I am redeemed. 

I am forgiven. 

I am secured. 

I will never be forsaken!

The only scarlet I wear is the blood of my Jesus.

And there’s still a lifetime of identity to discover; what would you add?