Nothing Surprises Me Much These Days

When I arrived at work on Monday afternoon, a co-worker informed me of the bombings that had taken place in Boston a few hours prior. She and others were huddled around their monitors watching the latest news breaks on the story.

While I am always saddened to hear of another incidence of violence perpetrated against the public, I am not terribly shocked by these occurences, anymore. And, its not because I no longer care or find these things to be reprehensible, its rather that unlike ancient philosophers, I don't believe in the concept of tabula rasa ( the purity of man at birth) nor do I believe that mankind is innately "good". Both of those philosophies fly in the face of the Word of God which plainly states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Wrong-doing is the default setting of mankind apart from relationship with God.

The other reason that I am not easily shocked by these news stories is that, while incidents such as a bombing or a school shooting gain news coverage, widespread outcry, and the support of citizens nationwide, the disregard and destruction of life is part of the fabric our our daily culture. In courtrooms, boardrooms, and meetings across the country decisions are made on a daily basis (usually because profit is involved) that destroy individual's health and well-being. These stories seldom make the news, but the impact of those explosive decisions is equally devastating for those hit by the shrapnel.

This IS What I Signed Up For

I signed up to take up my cross and follow Christ into a painful death of self.
I signed up to stand through trials and hardships, overcoming by the blood of The Lamb.

I signed up for more of God and less of me- to plumb the depths of who He is and to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

I signed up to be salt and light; to share the truth of Christ with those in darkness.
I signed up to know God and the fellowship of his suffering.

Why?

"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Hebrews 13:14

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things that are seen, but at things which are not seen: for the things that are seen are temporal; but the things that aren't seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

This is not a cruise. It's a voyage to a destination. I am not here to sight-see, to be entertained, or to gorge myself with decadent buffet food amidst luxury accommodations. Rather, I am bracing my dinghy against the wind, bailing out the water, when needed, with great anticipation for what lies at the end of the journey. That's what I signed up for and that's what keeps me rowing when my arms get tired.

Life at Sea

My life over the last few years has included an interesting chain of events that I could never have imagined. These years have been saturated with job loss, sickness, death, and financial distress. I have attended an unprecedented number of funerals, visited and prayed for countless loved ones with critical health situations, and am currently experiencing some wonky issues in my own body. Being one for neatness and order, I am astounded by the realization that despite the unceasing turbulence of late, I am more content than I have ever been. God's peace has constantly sustained me and I have discovered life at sea--

Away for terra firma, in the unfamiliar, with the uncertainty of the stormy sea dashing at will against my little boat, I have found that even there my saviour's love extends to me. I am at peace, resting in Him who has never failed me and continues to meet my every need.

" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

Sabbath

It is January and I am having a sabbath. I am resting amidst the hustle. I am delighting in quiet moments. I am devouring beautiful frosted mornings and still quiet nights. And I am giddy from the pleasure of doing so. I don't feel like rushing. I am savoring this season too much.

Why?

the answer is simple:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12-13

Apart from God, we are useless in this battle.

ThanksLiving

While the national day of thanksgiving has passed and many of my fellow Americans have run off to shop. I am still focusing on the abundant blessings that I am able to enjoy. We celebrated the holiday this year with family and the usual accoutrements (turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and the like) but, here is the menu I am most craving right now:

The "gravy" of God's anointing in my life and in the life of His entire body, flowing like oil down Aaron's beard. (Psalm 133:1) and the sweet fruits of the spirit: love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

As God continues to breathe the breath of life into my nostrils, I want to live a life of gratitude and not just on the third Thursday of November.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Labor

I remember the nights that I went into labor with both of my children. With my first, it started slowly with what felt like the Braxton-Hicks contractions that had become routine at the end of my pregnancy so I was a bit reserved in declaring it labor until I had exhausted most of the wee hours of the night enduring recurring intervals of intensifying pain. By the second baby, I knew the difference between those mild Braxtons and the serious business that would soon usher my newborn into the world. I was thus able to declare go-time much earlier.

As I examine the landscape of our time with the unrest in the Middle East and the sea surging in unusual places, while people misplace their hope in elected officials, and refuse to hear sound teaching, I can't help but think that it is time to make sure that I have my bag packed and ready by the door.

"Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." Luke 21:29-33