Thanksgiving

I was lying in bed the other morning thinking about the year so far which has been wrought with set backs and unexpected losses. We seem to get mere moments to catch our breath before the next contraction begins. Having been through labor twice, I recognize that as a good thing. Transition, though the worst part, is also the last hurdle before birth. It's the homestretch.

My husband is again, looking for work. The direction that he took at the crossroad a few weeks ago, though certainly not an Ishmael in that no irreparable damage occurred, was also not the Isaac that we have awaited. So, once again, we find ourselves waiting.

Still, in spite of the difficult terrain that life has dealt us this year, the overwhelming peace of God remains. In the midst of chaos, the joy of the Lord is our strength. And we are so thankful for the blessings of family, friendship, love, laughter, and the true riches of fellowship with The Master. As we gather at our table a few Thursdays from now, we still have an enormity of things to be grateful for.

I know that we are not unique in enduring tough circumstances. We have many loved ones who are also navigating through choppy waters. Please know that you are remembered in our prayers. During this season, I hope that you will also seize upon the opportunity to offer heartfelt thanks to our father, no matter what kind of obstacles have beset your journey. For even if all of the pleasures that this world has to offer are stripped away bit by bit, Christ remains. And he is more than enough.

"Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." Psalm 73:25

Broken

The greatest lie ever perpetrated against mankind ( aside from the original whopper in the garden that resulted in the breach in our relationship with God) is the notion that we are the result of some random molecular changes in the environment rather than created beings. If we exist for no particular reason, except that cells aligned in a magnificent way to bring about our complex physical and mental compositions, then we are beholden to nothing. We are free to blaze our own trail. There is no right or wrong action aside from what society deems as such. This paradigm of random existence and free agency leaves individuals flailing like unswaddled newborns searching for comfort in a vast and impersonal universe.

If however, we understand the Truth, that we are lovingly, precision crafted by a God who desires to have relationship with us, who delights in us and the functions that he has engineered in us, the game changes. With this knowledge comes the revelation that if we are not doing what we are designed to do, then we are broken. The mission of life suddenly shifts from a purely hedonistic pursuit of pleasure, to one of discovery. There is a pressing need to know not only what we are capable of, but additionally to understand the mind and character of The One who engineered us with these abilities.

In the early 1990s, Robin Williams starred in a movie called Hook. It was a take on Peter Pan in which Robin was "The Pan." Having been caught up in the fray of adult life, he had long ago forgotten his time in Neverland and any sense of who he was and what he was able to do. He was broken. Only after spending time in the land that he left behind, amongst those who had not crossed over, was he able to slowly regain the realization of who he was and begin to walk in that knowledge. He recovered the skill that he needed to be victorious over his foe and found fulfillment in the process. So it is with mankind. As we become acquainted with the things of God and gain intimate knowledge of who he is, our eyes are opened to the incredible purpose that we were designed to fulfill. It is then, as we surrender to that purpose that we are able to walk victoriously and find wholeness.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

Dogs

People can learn a lot from dog interactions. If you've ever watched two or more canines encounter each other for the first time, you've likely noticed the sheer excitement of simply seeing another dog. I have yet to see one pooch, spot another and ignore that sighting or cross to the other side of the street to avoid contact. On the contrary, they seem to relish any and every opportunity to meet and sniff every other member of their species. Irrespective of size, color, or breed, dogs are always interested in other dogs.

Imagine if people felt the same sense of joy when engaging with other humans. Of course it would not do if we should become so utterly distracted as to be completely derailed from the activity at hand like our four-legged friends. But, a little bit of awe and wonder at meeting another individual created in the image of God, should sweep over us, regardless of the other person's size, color, or status.

"He who has friends must show himself friendly." Proverbs 18:24

Go

My hubby was offered a job last Friday. We had expected it as there had been a bit of activity over the past couple of weeks pointing in that direction. We knew that the wheels were in motion. But as often occurs at critical junctures, there is a fork in the road. There is the position that has been offered, and a second that has not quite reached that stage of maturity, but is also tantalizing.

So here's the rub: We continue to prayerfully consider where it is that God is directing. While we believe that we may soon be free to check out of the desert (hallelujah), we don't want to run "directly to jail without passing 'go' and collecting (the) $200." Instead, we are trying to employ wisdom and take the steps that God has ordered for us, not just the ones that we think are most intriguing. We definitely prefer "Isaacs" over "Ishmaels."

It is an exciting time. We are grateful for our time in the wilderness and the perspective gained here. God has given us a front row seat as he displays his supernatural provision in the wastelands. Certainly, "our clothes have not worn out" (see Deut 8:4) Now, I eagerly await the second act. I know that it's going to be worth the price of admission.

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land- a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing into the valley and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills".
Deuteronomy 8:7-9

Temporary

There is a rhythm to fall that always delights me. I realize that technically it is still summer, but the routine that commences once my lieblings head off to their first day of school is the unofficial beginnning of that season for me. Today, was that day. And, in keeping with the theme it poured rain. I didn't argue, rather donned my Gorton's-fisherman-yellow rain slicker and began dreaming of baking, and workable soil. If I'd had galoshes, I may have even splashed through some puddles. Autumn is cozy.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I am grateful for each season. None of them lasts forever. I am still waiting to transition from the difficult financial season that has consumed much of this year, but I wholly trust that it's coming. Then, as now, I will clothe myself in the seasonally appropriate attire and and dance in the rain.

Weird

I had a conversation with a friend about how the current economic state of affairs has impacted those least able to fend for themselves and the apparent lack of compassion on the part of those equipped to help. She noted that the difficulties for this population are amplified in the city of Portland and wondered how things are in other, more depressed towns like Flint, Michigan. I told her that though I am sure other areas are hard hit, I believe that this area is unique because of it's spiritual makeup. We live in a region of anarchists who's mantra is "Keep Portland Weird." Almost weekly protests, bear out the fact that authority of nearly any sort is the enemy. And even something as lovely and benign as riding a bicycle ('cause who doesn't enjoy a bike ride?)frequently becomes an egregious act because of a subversive bike culture, which plays by it's own rules on the roads (often at it's own peril), that has come into vogue. Folks here simply don't want to be told what to do. They will protest a cause halfway around the world, but ignore the plight of their neighbors around the corner. They are rebels and (surprise, surprise) the least churched state in the union.

After our discussion ended, I was thinking about the word "weird" and decided to look it up. Here's what I found"

Weird: 1. Of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural: MAGICAL. It is derived from an Old English noun wyrd, meaning "fate" (Webster's New Explorer College Dictionary)

This definition speaks volumes. 1 Samuel 15:23 says that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." I would venture to guess that the majority of the population of the area is unaware of the link between their rebellious "weirdness", and witchcraft. They are just living in the moment, doing what feels good, enjoying life on their own terms. They don't realize who has mastered them... cause, like it all not, we all serve a master. I pray for this great city. It grieves my heart. Lord, let my little light shine!

"There is a way that seems right to man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

Legacy

My hubby and I attended a wedding yesterday and while waiting for the festivities to begin, a longtime friend of mine was snapping impromptu photos of the guests. Now, anyone who knows me, realizes that the sight of a lens pointed in my direction usually elicits an attempt on my part to disappear. I simply do not relish having my picture taken. Let me clarify that this was not the photographer hired by the couple to capture their day (I sat still for him. Besides, he was at a more comfortable distance. I would not likely be featured in his shots) This was renegade paparazzi, likely on a mission that involved Facebook. So, I employed my best strategies to avoid being photographed which included finally leaving the area. I was scolded by another guest for doing so. She told me that she maintains photographs of herself and her husband from birth forward because she wants her grandchildren to see her in her youth. Not wanting to be photographed, in her opinion, is prideful.

Her words gave me pause and made me reflect on my photo aversion... As much as I love photography and revisiting the memories captured on film, I am less concerned about being remembered for the way that I look, than for my character. I've heard rumor that the Apostle Paul had bowed legs and a huge head but, what he lacked in physical aesthetics, he more than made up for in devotion to our saviour. He is one of my favorites. And, while Queen Esther was beautiful, she earned a book in the Old Testament because of her courageous obedience, not because of her hourglass figure, or perfectly symmetrical features. I hope that when I am gone, I am remembered because I was a true friend, a faithful wife, and a loving mother; because I was hospitable, because I loved to laugh, and more than anything because I was a woman after God's own heart. The color and shape of my eyes pale in comparison.