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.

Purpose

First, an aside:
I have had this draft on the docket for a couple of days now but hadn't completed my essay. Today one of our pastors spoke on the same topic. (I love it when God does that.) I thought that it must be time to finish.

I work part time at the city library as a reference assistant, which is simply a quasi-librarian without a masters degree. I have always loved libraries and as such, am immensely happy to work in one. Many of us retain the ideological stereotype of libraries as serene edifices where noise of any sort is quickly stifled, and patrons are free to roam unfettered through the stacks, ingesting copious amount of knowledge-- but the current age of information and technology has began to alter the traditional notion of libraries... and even books. In response, libraries are redefining themselves, and branching out into before unknown territories. I applaud this effort as long as we don't self-destruct by completely reinventing ourselves. There are a number of places where one might read, surf the net, and drink coffee but none that offers the full complement of services available at the local library. We are irreplaceable.

That brings me to my reason for this post: Purpose. Without fully understanding the purpose of something, it's hard to know what to do with it, why it exists, or even if it's worth keeping. That goes for everything from stuff piled in junk drawers, to relationships, and (dare I say) human life. If we don't understand the function and the value of that function, things easily become disposable. If however, the mission is clear, it is easy to fiercely defend against any and every thing that threatens that goal.

So it is with my relationship with the Lord. He is my purpose. I was created in His image to give Him glory. I am an ambassador for Christ. That is the reason that I exist and that is a privilege in which I find great joy and peace. Therefore, as each new season of life brings unforeseen challenges and opportunities, every decision must pass through the filter of that purpose. I embrace everything that enhances my mission, and discard anything that hinders or distracts from it. The end goal remains unchanged; to reflect the glory of the living God. I hope that public libraries will also employ the wisdom required to retain their unique place in society.

"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Contrast

Yesterday, I was grocery shopping when my husband pointed out that another shopper had brought their dog into the store. I spotted the small, scraggly, canine perched in a cart nearby, trying to jump to freedom, unharnessed, unvested, and clearly not a service animal. Though the sign on the entrance stated that non-service animals are not permitted in the store, the employees stood by helpless, as they are "not allowed to say anything."

Today, I was parking in a lot shared by several businesses, toward the center of the rather large lot, when my children noticed that there was an unsupervised child sleeping in the car next to ours. He looked to be around three and was fast asleep in his booster seat. There was no sign of a parent, or guardian anywhere in sight. Since I didn't have a cell phone, I entered the business that I'd come for and told the clerk. She called her manager and they decided to page the owner of the vehicle. The woman that I'd seen browsing the used books near the front of the store, on her cell phone responded to the call, and left.

I could not help but notice the irony of those two scenarios that played out just a day apart and just a few miles from each other. What is wrong with our culture when our children are of less value and priority than our pets? And, why is there no regard for rules that protect the health of others? It is a sad commentary on the spiritual health of our nation. It grieves my heart.

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:1-5