Almost a year and a half ago now I spent my first Thursday with Wayne. Wayne and I were two very different people, yet we had one thing in common – time. My kids were both in school, so I had spare time during the day. Wayne had ALS and had just stopped working, which also freed up his daily schedule. When I found out that Wayne needed help a few hours a week, I decided to volunteer for the job.
At first I thought it might be awkward – a stay-at-home mom fixing lunch for a middle-aged man. I also thought conversation could be strained. Would we talk about his illness or would there be an elephant in the room? I soon found there was no cause for worry because Wayne made me feel right at home the minute I walked in his door. His surprising candor about his illness and imminent death stomped out any elephant I could’ve imagined.
When I first volunteered to spend time at Wayne’s, we had decided to read books together. We did end up reading through a couple of Christian books, but we usually did more talking than reading! It was hard to get much reading in when I asked a lot of questions and Wayne told a lot of stories!
As Wayne’s illness progressed, our time together stretched from a few hours to a full day. We would drink coffee, eat breakfast and lunch, and then Wayne would rest and I would go home. When we weren’t eating a meal or drinking coffee, we would discuss. I loved to listen to Wayne share his unique perspective on life. I admired how he lived life to the fullest and always had a positive attitude, even though he had every right to be negative about the cruel disease that was ravaging his body.
During our time together God allowed both good and bad things into his life. I watched him closely, and saw that he never blamed God or wished that his life was different. I hope if I was ever in a situation like that, I would be as faithful to God as Wayne was.
You’ve probably noticed that I’ve written this entry in the past tense. That’s because Wayne went to “meet Jesus,” as my daughter says, a few days ago. Today is the first Thursday after his death. My calendar for today still reads “Wayne.” It was my day to visit – and thankfully I’ll be spending one last Thursday with Wayne. Today is his “Celebration of Life.” There will be a visitation, a service and a praise team singing songs that Wayne chose himself.
Today we will celebrate a life well-lived. We will celebrate a man who stared a horrible disease in the face and fought back with all of his might. Personally, I will celebrate my friend and brother in Christ. Wayne, today I will remember the precious gift you gave me – the gift of Thursdays - the gift of your time.
Scripture: James 1:2-5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of time. Please help us to remember that our time can be given as a gift to others. Help us to leave time in our schedules to be there for others. Thank you for the example Wayne set as he was faithful to you during both the good and bad times he experienced. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Don’t Skip a Step!
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but sometimes I try to run up the stairs and I miss a step. You can imagine what happens next! I trip and fall in the most awkward way. I should have watched where I was going so I didn’t miss a step.
It’s the same with our Christian walk. There are steps to follow. If we miss a step, we may find ourselves sprawled out on the stairs, so to speak! For example would you want someone who completed a CPR class to perform heart surgery on you? Probably not! First you’d want them to go through years of proper medical training and then you might feel more comfortable letting them crack your chest open.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 spells out the steps we should take as a follower of Christ. First we must study the Bible and get to know God in a personal way. We need to carve out time for Him in our daily lives through Scripture reading and prayer. Verse 18 says, “Fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds; tie them on your hands and bind them on your foreheads!” Isn’t that a great word picture of the importance of personally learning God’s word?
The next step is to teach what we’ve learned to our children – in other words – bring what you’re learning spiritually into your family life. Verse 19 says, “Teach these words (Scripture) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and get up.” That’s pretty much all of the time! Basically, you should be putting God’s word into practice throughout the day.
When you have started a habit of studying God’s word on your own and you are bringing it to your family, then you are ready to go into the world. Verse 20 says, “Write (Scripture) on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.” This can mean that you serve in your community and throughout the world.
Sometimes in our Christian walk it’s tempting to run too fast and skip a step. Take it from me – it’s no fun to lie on the stairs in pain. It’s so worth it to take the Christian life one step at a time.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-25
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we might have a personal relationship with You. We want to get to know You better through searching Your word daily. Please give us knowledge and insight to share in our homes with our family so that they may also grow in You. When we are ready, please show us how we can reach our community and world for You. We love you! Amen
It’s the same with our Christian walk. There are steps to follow. If we miss a step, we may find ourselves sprawled out on the stairs, so to speak! For example would you want someone who completed a CPR class to perform heart surgery on you? Probably not! First you’d want them to go through years of proper medical training and then you might feel more comfortable letting them crack your chest open.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 spells out the steps we should take as a follower of Christ. First we must study the Bible and get to know God in a personal way. We need to carve out time for Him in our daily lives through Scripture reading and prayer. Verse 18 says, “Fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds; tie them on your hands and bind them on your foreheads!” Isn’t that a great word picture of the importance of personally learning God’s word?
The next step is to teach what we’ve learned to our children – in other words – bring what you’re learning spiritually into your family life. Verse 19 says, “Teach these words (Scripture) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and get up.” That’s pretty much all of the time! Basically, you should be putting God’s word into practice throughout the day.
When you have started a habit of studying God’s word on your own and you are bringing it to your family, then you are ready to go into the world. Verse 20 says, “Write (Scripture) on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.” This can mean that you serve in your community and throughout the world.
Sometimes in our Christian walk it’s tempting to run too fast and skip a step. Take it from me – it’s no fun to lie on the stairs in pain. It’s so worth it to take the Christian life one step at a time.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-25
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we might have a personal relationship with You. We want to get to know You better through searching Your word daily. Please give us knowledge and insight to share in our homes with our family so that they may also grow in You. When we are ready, please show us how we can reach our community and world for You. We love you! Amen
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sit in the Dirt
The other day I was talking to my friend who is part of a small group at church. She told me that their last small group meeting was spent at a wake for one of their member’s dad. Usually small group meetings include snacks, games, dinner and Bible studies, so I was a little taken back when she told me they went to a wake!
She told me that the fact that their group attended the wake meant a lot to the person whose dad passed away. Their attendance had shown support and love to their friend who had just experienced a tough loss.
Through this situation, I was reminded that we don’t always have to say exactly the right words to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes it’s enough just for us to be a listening ear. It’s enough just to be there for them.
As I was reading in Job today, I was reminded that Job was a man who had lost everything. He lost everything he owned and everyone who was dear to him. He also suffered physically with terrible boils from head to toe. This man was about as low as anyone could go.
Job’s wife suggested he curse God and die! Now there’s a good example of a time when someone should’ve just kept their mouth shut! Job’s response was to say that it’s not right just to accept only good things from God and nothing bad.
While Job is in the midst of his grieving and suffering, three of his friends decided to come to him to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (just thought you’d want to know in case you’re looking for baby names). When these three men saw Job from a distance, Scripture says they hardly recognized him.
The next part of the story is very poignant. Job 2:12 says they wailed loudly, tore their robes and threw dust over their heads. Then it says they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights! Can you imagine sitting with someone and grieving with them for seven days? I love what the next verse says, “No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
Don’t you just get a kick out of that picture? Imagine four grown men sitting on the dirty ground in torn clothing, probably smelly after not showering for seven days. Now that’s sympathy! I especially love the part where Scripture says that they didn’t say a word. Of course if they were women, they might have only lasted a day or so without talking!
This story is a good example for us. When people around us are hurting, we don’t have to know exactly what to say, but we can listen. It’s actually a freeing concept for me, since I’ve been known to say the wrong thing once or twice! Our presence can be enough. However, try not to go seven days without a shower, or they may ask you to leave!
Scripture: Job 1-2:13
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to watch people we care about suffer. We want to fix their situation so they don’t have to hurt anymore. However, You have shown us through the example of Job and his friends that sometimes we just need to be available to listen. We just need to listen and let You do the rest. Help us to rest in You for our needs and for the needs of others around us.
She told me that the fact that their group attended the wake meant a lot to the person whose dad passed away. Their attendance had shown support and love to their friend who had just experienced a tough loss.
Through this situation, I was reminded that we don’t always have to say exactly the right words to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes it’s enough just for us to be a listening ear. It’s enough just to be there for them.
As I was reading in Job today, I was reminded that Job was a man who had lost everything. He lost everything he owned and everyone who was dear to him. He also suffered physically with terrible boils from head to toe. This man was about as low as anyone could go.
Job’s wife suggested he curse God and die! Now there’s a good example of a time when someone should’ve just kept their mouth shut! Job’s response was to say that it’s not right just to accept only good things from God and nothing bad.
While Job is in the midst of his grieving and suffering, three of his friends decided to come to him to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (just thought you’d want to know in case you’re looking for baby names). When these three men saw Job from a distance, Scripture says they hardly recognized him.
The next part of the story is very poignant. Job 2:12 says they wailed loudly, tore their robes and threw dust over their heads. Then it says they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights! Can you imagine sitting with someone and grieving with them for seven days? I love what the next verse says, “No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
Don’t you just get a kick out of that picture? Imagine four grown men sitting on the dirty ground in torn clothing, probably smelly after not showering for seven days. Now that’s sympathy! I especially love the part where Scripture says that they didn’t say a word. Of course if they were women, they might have only lasted a day or so without talking!
This story is a good example for us. When people around us are hurting, we don’t have to know exactly what to say, but we can listen. It’s actually a freeing concept for me, since I’ve been known to say the wrong thing once or twice! Our presence can be enough. However, try not to go seven days without a shower, or they may ask you to leave!
Scripture: Job 1-2:13
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to watch people we care about suffer. We want to fix their situation so they don’t have to hurt anymore. However, You have shown us through the example of Job and his friends that sometimes we just need to be available to listen. We just need to listen and let You do the rest. Help us to rest in You for our needs and for the needs of others around us.
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Special Gift
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. My family took me out for lunch and then shopping. I used the day to my advantage – even making them shop at a home store with me. As I was browsing, my daughter and husband mysteriously disappeared. When we left the store, my daughter presented me with a pink-jeweled-butterfly hanging decoration that she purchased with her own money.
It’s not the gift itself that I love so much as the fact that she spent her own money on me. This little jewel butterfly is hanging above my computer so that I can remember the manner in which it was purchased out of love.
Our final stop for the day was Target. My daughter said she had $16 and some change to spend, so we stood in the toy isle picking out what she could afford. She chose three small toys and we headed to check out. Her total came to $16.34, but as she counted her money, she found she only had $13. I told her she needed to choose a toy to put back. To my surprise, she quickly chose one of the toys and payed for the other two.
On the way home, I figured out why she didn’t have enough money to buy her toys. It was because she had spent some of her money on me. Suddenly the gift meant even more to me because I realized she had to sacrifice a new toy to give me my decoration.
I was reminded of the widow in Luke 21 who gave all she had. She was very poor, yet she gave sacrificially. When we give out of our poverty, we display the truest form of sacrificial giving. This widow gave all of her money and in doing so, she chose to live by faith, expecting that God would meet her daily needs.
This story made me think about my own life. Am I giving out of my excess or am I giving sacrificially? When I set aside myself and my needs and wants to help others, then I am giving sacrificially. God wants all of our lives, not just the surplus. He wants us to give so that we have to trust Him to meet our needs. How is God prompting you to give sacrificially – your time, finances, possessions, reaching out to someone? Pray that He will show you where and how He wants you to give.
Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
Prayer: Even thought the widow in Luke only gave a small amount of money, You say that she gave more than those who were wealthy. We want to surrender to Your will and give out of a heart of sacrifice; not out of our surplus. Thank you for giving us the example of this widow. Please show us where we can give sacrificially to our family, our community and our world.
It’s not the gift itself that I love so much as the fact that she spent her own money on me. This little jewel butterfly is hanging above my computer so that I can remember the manner in which it was purchased out of love.
Our final stop for the day was Target. My daughter said she had $16 and some change to spend, so we stood in the toy isle picking out what she could afford. She chose three small toys and we headed to check out. Her total came to $16.34, but as she counted her money, she found she only had $13. I told her she needed to choose a toy to put back. To my surprise, she quickly chose one of the toys and payed for the other two.
On the way home, I figured out why she didn’t have enough money to buy her toys. It was because she had spent some of her money on me. Suddenly the gift meant even more to me because I realized she had to sacrifice a new toy to give me my decoration.
I was reminded of the widow in Luke 21 who gave all she had. She was very poor, yet she gave sacrificially. When we give out of our poverty, we display the truest form of sacrificial giving. This widow gave all of her money and in doing so, she chose to live by faith, expecting that God would meet her daily needs.
This story made me think about my own life. Am I giving out of my excess or am I giving sacrificially? When I set aside myself and my needs and wants to help others, then I am giving sacrificially. God wants all of our lives, not just the surplus. He wants us to give so that we have to trust Him to meet our needs. How is God prompting you to give sacrificially – your time, finances, possessions, reaching out to someone? Pray that He will show you where and how He wants you to give.
Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
Prayer: Even thought the widow in Luke only gave a small amount of money, You say that she gave more than those who were wealthy. We want to surrender to Your will and give out of a heart of sacrifice; not out of our surplus. Thank you for giving us the example of this widow. Please show us where we can give sacrificially to our family, our community and our world.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Like to be Liked
I like being liked. Do you know what I mean? I wish I didn’t care what other people think of me, but I do. I am a firstborn, people-pleaser person. I don’t especially love this about myself, but it’s true.
The older I get, the more I realize that I can’t and won’t please everyone. But, that doesn’t stop me from trying! Ok, just a little humor there (very little?). Seriously, I am realizing that not everyone is going to like me all of the time, and I’m dealing with that fact.
This morning I was struggling in this area and feeling discouraged. Then I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, quietly asking me, “Who are you trying to please?” I had to stop and think about that. Whose love and acceptance do I want?
When I try to please other people, my intentions are misguided. When I try to please God, I am heading in the right direction.
If I am following God’s will, then it really doesn’t matter if other people like me all of the time. This is easier said than done – especially if you’re a people pleaser person like me. God’s acceptance is what should be important to me. My security and sense of worth should come from Him, not others.
Sometimes when we follow God’s will for our lives, it is not easy. People may not agree with our choices. Following God’s plan is not always popular. We may disappoint people who do not understand our decisions.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” His is the only opinion that matters.
I don’t like that I like to be liked. But, if I like to be liked by the One who first loved me, that is the key.
Scripture: Romans 8:28-39
Prayer: Lord, You know that as humans we struggle with acceptance. We want other people to think highly of us when the only One we should care about is You. We want to seek You daily and spend time with You so that our focus will be on You and not people. We know that when we seek You with all of our hearts, You will find us and meet us. Thank you for that promise.
The older I get, the more I realize that I can’t and won’t please everyone. But, that doesn’t stop me from trying! Ok, just a little humor there (very little?). Seriously, I am realizing that not everyone is going to like me all of the time, and I’m dealing with that fact.
This morning I was struggling in this area and feeling discouraged. Then I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, quietly asking me, “Who are you trying to please?” I had to stop and think about that. Whose love and acceptance do I want?
When I try to please other people, my intentions are misguided. When I try to please God, I am heading in the right direction.
If I am following God’s will, then it really doesn’t matter if other people like me all of the time. This is easier said than done – especially if you’re a people pleaser person like me. God’s acceptance is what should be important to me. My security and sense of worth should come from Him, not others.
Sometimes when we follow God’s will for our lives, it is not easy. People may not agree with our choices. Following God’s plan is not always popular. We may disappoint people who do not understand our decisions.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” His is the only opinion that matters.
I don’t like that I like to be liked. But, if I like to be liked by the One who first loved me, that is the key.
Scripture: Romans 8:28-39
Prayer: Lord, You know that as humans we struggle with acceptance. We want other people to think highly of us when the only One we should care about is You. We want to seek You daily and spend time with You so that our focus will be on You and not people. We know that when we seek You with all of our hearts, You will find us and meet us. Thank you for that promise.
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