When I think about my life, over the past year or the past forty years, a theme that arises over and over again is: It's not what I imagined. As a youngster in sixth grade I wrote an essay (class assignment) about "Where I'll be in 20 years." I wrote that I would be 32 years old, married with 2 children, living in Australia, working with my husband as missionary doctors. The reality was very different.
At the age of 32 I was married with 2 children. But I was neither a doctor nor a missionary nor living in Australia. Instead, I was a stay-at-home mom, married to a maintenance man, living just outside Detroit, Michigan. And a dozen years later I was a divorced mom of teenagers, trying to start over as breadwinner and sole parent. Not what I imagined.
This story is not a story of woe, however. Many things in my life have been better than I could have imagined. I went to seminary and earned a masters of Divinity degree with all my tuition and books paid for by gifts and grants from individuals who believed in me... or believed in what God was doing in me. My dream to be a pastor of a church by the time I was 50 was met with six months to spare.
As I think about my life, I find the theme of "not what I imagined" brings a wry smile to my face as well as hope to my soul. The visions of my future never included the pain of divorce. But neither did they include the joy of preaching every week as pastor. They did not include teaching my two children for nine years at home. They certainly never included teaching 91 children as a middle school teacher (which is my current occupation).
Perhaps this is the message that God wants me to hear: God's plans for me are "not what I imagined." They are what God imagined. God knew the surprises -- good and bad -- that were waiting for me in life. God knew the decisions I would make -- good and bad. And God knew the plans that he has for me.
When the road of life takes a turn that "I never imagined" I can be sure that God is not surprised. The Master Imaginer is steering this vehicle. Detours are part of the plan. The journey is the plan. I don't have to fret that the route has changed. I don't have to jam my right foot through the floor board trying to stop the ride. My job is to relax; enjoy the scenery; let God guide. Even if it takes me along a path that I never imagined.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Summertime Changes
This summer has brought changes to my life that threaten my identity. For eight years I have been the sole (soul!) pastor of a rural church. For six years I've been raising grandchildren. I've had adult children sharing my house, my driveway, and my refrigerator.
This summer all of those identities have changed. My children have moved to their own separate places. The grandchildren are living with their mother in a different town. I am no longer pastor of that church. Who am I now?
Blessedly, God's Word answers the question of "Who am I?" without reference to roles, jobs, or human relationships. God says, "I have called you by name; you are mine."
What a relief: my identity is centered in God! God knows my name -- even the nicknames. I belong to God. I don't belong to my church, my children, or my grandchildren. I belong to God.
Despite the summertime changes, my identity is sure. On the days when I sit alone in a new apartment without toys or picture books or dirty glasses; when there is no deadline to choose a scripture, develop illustrations, or craft a sermon; when there is no list of people to visit or meetings to attend -- I still have an identity. I belong to Someone who loves me, knows me, and wants me.
This month I plan to take advantage of the summertime changes and fall in love with God all over again. After all, I belong to God!
This summer all of those identities have changed. My children have moved to their own separate places. The grandchildren are living with their mother in a different town. I am no longer pastor of that church. Who am I now?
Blessedly, God's Word answers the question of "Who am I?" without reference to roles, jobs, or human relationships. God says, "I have called you by name; you are mine."
What a relief: my identity is centered in God! God knows my name -- even the nicknames. I belong to God. I don't belong to my church, my children, or my grandchildren. I belong to God.
Despite the summertime changes, my identity is sure. On the days when I sit alone in a new apartment without toys or picture books or dirty glasses; when there is no deadline to choose a scripture, develop illustrations, or craft a sermon; when there is no list of people to visit or meetings to attend -- I still have an identity. I belong to Someone who loves me, knows me, and wants me.
This month I plan to take advantage of the summertime changes and fall in love with God all over again. After all, I belong to God!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Living Word
I picked up a Bible from my shelf today that I've had for over forty years. It used to have a paperback cover. Now it is bound in red double knit fabric with cardboard inserts. The last few pages are barely held in by yellowing scotch tape. The spine came loose from the cover years ago. The first ten pages don't fasten to anything. The inside pages have markings of yellow highlighter, black underlining, red Flair pen, and pencil notes. This Living Bible, copyright 1971, is the story of my early faith. The verses I marked, the notes I made, as well as the pages without a mark, all tell of my struggles and growth as a Christian.
The freshness of this paraphrase in the 1970's was similar to the clear breeze that The Message brings for people today. I remember drinking in every page as if Jesus wrote it personally to me. This was NOT my mother's Bible! And my faith was uniquely and delightfully my own as well. -- Which was a good thing since I lived 700 miles from home and we didn't have unlimited long distance in those days!
I don't use that particular copy of the Bible anymore. I keep it as a memento of those early days. It is a good thing my faith does not depend on that book. It's too fragile to hold up to the demands of my life now. Preaching, teaching, praying, studying . . . those flimsy pages could never keep up. My faith is not in the printed word, but in the Living Word that the printed word reveals. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword, separating our thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). The Word of God became flesh and lived right here among us (John 1:14). That truth is too good to keep on a shelf!
The freshness of this paraphrase in the 1970's was similar to the clear breeze that The Message brings for people today. I remember drinking in every page as if Jesus wrote it personally to me. This was NOT my mother's Bible! And my faith was uniquely and delightfully my own as well. -- Which was a good thing since I lived 700 miles from home and we didn't have unlimited long distance in those days!
I don't use that particular copy of the Bible anymore. I keep it as a memento of those early days. It is a good thing my faith does not depend on that book. It's too fragile to hold up to the demands of my life now. Preaching, teaching, praying, studying . . . those flimsy pages could never keep up. My faith is not in the printed word, but in the Living Word that the printed word reveals. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword, separating our thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). The Word of God became flesh and lived right here among us (John 1:14). That truth is too good to keep on a shelf!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Civil Religion
The U.S. constitution banned the creation of a civil religion. It forbade using religion as a criterion for public service. Freedom of religion would result in the virtue of the tolerance of individual beliefs. The unspoken assumption was that people have beliefs and that those beliefs would prompt people to work for the common good and protect the innocent. Every person would agree that self-serving greed was unhealthy for the individual and the community.
It seems the constitution set up a pretty good system. Justice, public service, and community safety all function fairly well without demanding belief in a particular religion. Maybe the system has worked too well. Today, people are more likely to expect support from the State than from God. It appears we have a civil religion after all. People believe the State will provide food, shelter, healing, and hope. When the State falls short of their expectations, some people become bitter and hopeless.
The Bible tells us that God is a jealous God. No one and no thing will be allowed to have the honor, respect, and focus that God deserves. Rule #1 says, "You shall have no other gods before Me."
As Christians we are are not immune to the trials and tribulations of this economic crisis. The difference should come in our response to it. If we expect the State to take care of us, we are putting our faith in the wrong place. The Bible tells us that "your heavenly Father knows you need these things."
How should we respond to the uncertainty of these days? "Seek first the kingdom of God and God's righeousness, and all these things will be added." Hard to do? Indeed! Unless you trust in God more than anything else. We need to be praying, reading the Bible, worshiping, and witnessing. We need to do these things: alone, with our families, and with other believers. Our lives may go through changes but God alone is our Source.
It seems the constitution set up a pretty good system. Justice, public service, and community safety all function fairly well without demanding belief in a particular religion. Maybe the system has worked too well. Today, people are more likely to expect support from the State than from God. It appears we have a civil religion after all. People believe the State will provide food, shelter, healing, and hope. When the State falls short of their expectations, some people become bitter and hopeless.
The Bible tells us that God is a jealous God. No one and no thing will be allowed to have the honor, respect, and focus that God deserves. Rule #1 says, "You shall have no other gods before Me."
As Christians we are are not immune to the trials and tribulations of this economic crisis. The difference should come in our response to it. If we expect the State to take care of us, we are putting our faith in the wrong place. The Bible tells us that "your heavenly Father knows you need these things."
How should we respond to the uncertainty of these days? "Seek first the kingdom of God and God's righeousness, and all these things will be added." Hard to do? Indeed! Unless you trust in God more than anything else. We need to be praying, reading the Bible, worshiping, and witnessing. We need to do these things: alone, with our families, and with other believers. Our lives may go through changes but God alone is our Source.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Who's In Charge Here?
"My life is out of control!"
Can you say "AMEN!"?
Whether it's the price of milk, or the cost of a prescrition, or the shortage of buyers for a house, the economy is prompting many people to cry out. "My life is out of control!"
The feelings behind that cry may be despair, or anger, or annoyance, or helplessness. Those feelings often lead us to panicked decisions that don't really help, and may make things worse.
Is it true? Are our lives really out of control in this economic squeeze? Actually, YES. the Bible reminds us that "our times are in God's hands." Proverbs tells us, "Man proposes, God disposes." When we feel like we have no control over a situation, it helps to know that Someone is in control. God is the God the past, and the God of the present, and the God of the future.
God has some very specific promises that apply to our out-of-control lives. "I will never leave you." "My grace is sufficient for you." "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your understanding. In everything you do acknowledge God and God will direct your paths."
It is normal to feel panic in the storm -- but it is faith-filled to grab onto the Rock! Our lives are not in our control; but they are in God's control. Jesus said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
Can you say "AMEN!"?
Whether it's the price of milk, or the cost of a prescrition, or the shortage of buyers for a house, the economy is prompting many people to cry out. "My life is out of control!"
The feelings behind that cry may be despair, or anger, or annoyance, or helplessness. Those feelings often lead us to panicked decisions that don't really help, and may make things worse.
Is it true? Are our lives really out of control in this economic squeeze? Actually, YES. the Bible reminds us that "our times are in God's hands." Proverbs tells us, "Man proposes, God disposes." When we feel like we have no control over a situation, it helps to know that Someone is in control. God is the God the past, and the God of the present, and the God of the future.
God has some very specific promises that apply to our out-of-control lives. "I will never leave you." "My grace is sufficient for you." "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your understanding. In everything you do acknowledge God and God will direct your paths."
It is normal to feel panic in the storm -- but it is faith-filled to grab onto the Rock! Our lives are not in our control; but they are in God's control. Jesus said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Finding Joy
I've been thinking about "joy" lately. What is it? Where does it come from? How can you keep it?
The dictionary defines joy as: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; 2. a state of happiness or felicity; 3. a source or cause of delight (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, 4/22/09). Some synonyms are "delight," "gaiety," and "bliss."
When I checked my Chain Reference Bible I found a page of scriptures about joy. There is earthly joy and spiritual joy. There is the promise of joy and the restoration of joy.
Advertisers tell us that the right car or shoe or toothpaste will bring us joy. The Bible tells us that it is God's presence that brings fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Jesus told his disciples that he spoke these things to them "that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). This joy is more than an emotion. It is a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment that leads to gladness of heart. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
Joy doesn't depend on circumstances. Paul and Silas rejoiced in the middle of the night ina Philippian prison (Acts 16:25). Peter expected believers to rejoice in the middle of persecution and suffering (1 Peter 4:13). Jesus endured the cross "for the joy that was set before him" (Hebrews 12:2).
No matter our circumstances, no matter our possessions, no matter our difficulties, we can have joy by looking to Jesus, our source of joy. God's presence brings joy, God's word brings joy, God's Spirit brings joy. As the song says, "This joy that I have: the world didn't give it to me. The world didn't give it and the world can't take it away!"
The dictionary defines joy as: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; 2. a state of happiness or felicity; 3. a source or cause of delight (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, 4/22/09). Some synonyms are "delight," "gaiety," and "bliss."
When I checked my Chain Reference Bible I found a page of scriptures about joy. There is earthly joy and spiritual joy. There is the promise of joy and the restoration of joy.
Advertisers tell us that the right car or shoe or toothpaste will bring us joy. The Bible tells us that it is God's presence that brings fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Jesus told his disciples that he spoke these things to them "that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). This joy is more than an emotion. It is a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment that leads to gladness of heart. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
Joy doesn't depend on circumstances. Paul and Silas rejoiced in the middle of the night ina Philippian prison (Acts 16:25). Peter expected believers to rejoice in the middle of persecution and suffering (1 Peter 4:13). Jesus endured the cross "for the joy that was set before him" (Hebrews 12:2).
No matter our circumstances, no matter our possessions, no matter our difficulties, we can have joy by looking to Jesus, our source of joy. God's presence brings joy, God's word brings joy, God's Spirit brings joy. As the song says, "This joy that I have: the world didn't give it to me. The world didn't give it and the world can't take it away!"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I picked up a Bible today from my shelf that I've had for over forty years. It used to have a paperback cover. Now it is bound in red double-knit fabric with cardboard inserts. The last few pages are barely held in by yellowing scotch tape. The spine came loose from the cover years back. The first ten pages don't fasten to anything. The inside has yellow highlighter, black underlining, Flair pen, and pencil notes. This Living Bible (copyright 1971) is the story of my early faith. The verses I marked, the notes I made, as well as the pages without a mark, all tell of my struggles and growth as a Christian.
The freshness of this paraphrase in the 1970's was similar to the clear breeze that The Message brings for people today. I remember drinking in every page as if Jesus wrote it personally to me. This was NOT my mother's Bible! And my faith was uniquely and delightfully my own as well. -- Which was a good thing since I lived 700 miles from home and there was no unlimited long distance on those phones!
I don't use that particular Bible anymore. I keep it as a memento of the early days. It's a good thing my faith did not depend on that book. It is too fragile to hold up to the demands of my life these days. Preaching, teaching, praying, studying... those flimsy pages could never keep up. My faith is not in the printed word, but in the Living Word that the printed word reveals. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword, separating our thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). The Word of God became flesh and lived right here among us (John 1:14). That truth is too good to keep on a shelf!
The freshness of this paraphrase in the 1970's was similar to the clear breeze that The Message brings for people today. I remember drinking in every page as if Jesus wrote it personally to me. This was NOT my mother's Bible! And my faith was uniquely and delightfully my own as well. -- Which was a good thing since I lived 700 miles from home and there was no unlimited long distance on those phones!
I don't use that particular Bible anymore. I keep it as a memento of the early days. It's a good thing my faith did not depend on that book. It is too fragile to hold up to the demands of my life these days. Preaching, teaching, praying, studying... those flimsy pages could never keep up. My faith is not in the printed word, but in the Living Word that the printed word reveals. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword, separating our thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). The Word of God became flesh and lived right here among us (John 1:14). That truth is too good to keep on a shelf!
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