Mondays with Jesus

 If I could tell my younger self just one thing, it would be to look toward the perimeter, not the center. Think back to middle school parties, everyone looked to the middle of the dance floor where popularity took center stage. No one seemed to be scanning those holding up the wall. Adult life is often the same, even at church. 

Months ago, out of obedience, I intentionally refocused my gaze. Who was sitting alone at a social function or standing in the background at church week after week?  At times, it was awkward and it often took a few approaches before a person began sharing their story, but it’s been worth it. One woman now shines a beautiful smile when she sees me coming down Heslip Hall. 

Jesus most often looked past the inner sanctum to focus on the dismissed; of course, we would expect Him to do so, but doesn’t He expect us to intentionally shift our gaze?

I am reminded that Jesus longed to gather all of his chicks; He knew everyone had a need to be seen, healed and forgiven. Jesus  positioned himself in a manner which made Him approachable, even if it made for some late night visits. Right, Nicodemus? (Hmm…imagine me skipping the usual lunch plans to visit with someone waiting for the late Metrolift.)

So, young self who emerges all too often, there’s little to gain in desiring entrance to the “In Crowd.”  Extend your sightline; your life is about to become so much richer and most importantly, a real blessing to others. 

Mondays with Jesus

It’s etched in my planner, fellowship intentionally set aside. Even though it frequently requires rising very early, it’s alway worth it. And this Monday after Easter is my favorite, the New Year’s Day of my faith journey. 

I refuse to let go of the joy felt on Resurrection Sunday; I need to carry it forward. Not as a party as is the tradition of the Eastern Church, but as a day of quiet reflection and gratitude. 

A Psalm 126:3 day…The LORD has done great things for [me], and [I am] filled with joy.

Things I ponder this day after:

The cost, yes, always the great cost of tetelestai, the life-changing “paid in full” work of the Cross. 

The Victory of the empty tomb, full of hope, assurance, future. 

What does it look like to be an Easter people? 

And where is Jesus calling this Easter Person to go?

Lord, help us remember all You have done for us for more than a mere 24 hour period and mold us into a beautiful reflection of your Light. Make us 365 Easter People!

Slow Down

 Recently, a 6 year old entered my classroom full of well-planned activities.  I bent down, asking him which center would he like to explore first. He softly answered, “I would like to look out the window for a while.”  “Okay, buddy, go for it” and I whispered to myself, “ Oh, how I wish I could join you.”

At a very young age, he’d learned the skill of ‘slow down; you move too fast,’  the very one I can’t seem to remember. 

The rest of the day, I followed in his footsteps and you know, that intentional rhythm made space for an important conversation, full of life-changing potential, with an old friend. 

This morning, I, too, am staring out the window. There’s a long to-do list,  but enjoying my cardinals play in my Crepe Myrtle may just be the better plan. 

…but only one thing is needed.   Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42

Lent

 I’ve been thinking a lot about the original garden sin this first week of Lent…the spiraling separation, the unraveling that one act of disobedience caused and continues to do so. “Where are you?” states Creator God. Of course, He knew their hiding place; His question surely had a purpose. I think He was pursuing them, drawing them out, fear, shame and all. He has always pursued us! 

This next week, I’m contemplating this same question: Where are you, Robin? Is there anything I’m not bringing before Him; what pulls me away from the intimacy He so desires; do I stop long enough for my Abba to gather me up in his love, his grace, his plan for my life?

 I suppose there will always be these little things that trigger grief. This week it was pulling out Rob’s worn calculator to prepare tax information. Every spring our dining room table was piled with forms and receipts; I would warn that the mess had to be gone before Easter dinner! It was…most years. 

I think I’ve grown a little wiser. If I had a do-over, I’d skip the dinner, suggest we flee to the Hill Country, and file an extension!

Modah Ani

 I sat in bed covered in warmth this cold morning. I sipped on fresh organic coffee as I read Scripture from a Bible I did not need to hide. In contrast, a good portion of the world returned to refugee camps, searched for clean water and held worship in secret. Some still huddled in pitch-black tunnels!  

Modah ani l’fanecha /Thanks I give You.  

For You lavish me with an easy life; I am not blind to that, Abba Father.     

I had no idea that accepting a weekly teaching assignment would radically change the way I perceive the world.  I’m learning Hebrew in order to better understand how difficult it is for my lovely students  to speak English. I’m also immersing in the culture and history of my new “other language” as well as those of my new friends’ homelands.  It is a dangerous undertaking!  Blinders are off and my heart has been ripped wide open  You see my “people” have endured unimaginable struggles; I have not. 

They are teaching me to be thankful in all circumstances, even the most evil ones, to look at every moment as a God-given gift and to “pray my knees raw,” sharing their burdens.  Our conversations are not empty or frivolous and my heart collects the burdens each new friend carries. 

This morning, John again reminds me to remain in the One who is Light. This world is filled with darkness; I have a front row seat to it every week, but the Light always  overcomes it. 

Modah ani 

Mondays with Jesus

This morning, I awoke to a Father who pursues me with a crazy love, to a Savior who calls me friend, and a Comforter who fills me with love for both.   

I could live out my Mondays, only reflecting on the honor of knowing them and never needing any other truth or focus. 

I finished my second course in the Gospel of John last Thursday; I  love this conversation between Jesus and his Abba: 

 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

  “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.  I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17: 24-25 NIV

Knowing and believing, what a wonderful privilege and one day we will see Jesus in all his glory in Heaven. Who could ask more?