My mother-in-law, Adele, whom I also call “Mom” uses the phrase, “sweetsorrow,” to describe the unexplainable peace a follower of Christ has in the midstof tumultuous times. Mom has lived…
Most people would agree that family time is important. Being completely honest, I wonder how many of us would admit that all too often the intimacy of family time is sacrificed…
When you meet someone for the first time, what do you see? Certain physical characteristics about them such as hair color, body type, or gender may stand out to you, but could you say at this point that you know this person? Of course not.
This time of year I find myself feeling somewhat conflicted. I’ve been so incredibly blessed, and for this my heart is full of praise to the Savior. I remember times in my life when utter devestation in the face of loss seemed to threaten my sannity and steal my peace, but Jesus remained faithful to His own and pulled me through. I reflect on the Savior’s love for me, especially at this time of year, knowing firsthand that the Holiday Season is very painful for those who are suffering. I want them to find the comfort I have known in the Savior, and the peace that knowing Jesus Christ as Lord will bring to their hearts if they just reach out to Him. So,I pray for them. I may never meet them, but Jesus knows their stories, their hearts, and their needs.
On 9/3/09 I had to watch as my precious animal (an 18 year old cat named Shamus) was euthanized. The pain of knowing he would die at that moment because I made the decision for him to do so, even if it WAS for his good, threatened to haunt me. But afterward, God impressed upon my heart that my suffering is only a small picture of what The Father felt as He watched His only Son die on the cross for ME. This truth reinforces in me the need to die daily to sin and self absorbtion. The Father made the painful decision to allow His only Son to die on our behalf so that by faith we could be saved from sin. And for His part, Jesus went willingly, the sacraficial Lamb, “for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.” All I can say is, “Sanctify me, Lord! Help me to live for you alone. You are deserving!”
I’d like to share with you something I wrote in a recent e-mail to my neice who, along with her husband, is in full time ministry with Aviation Fellowship. Perhaps some of you can identify.
“I have been learning so much about trusting God through my experience of working with children with Autism. Sometimes it makes me chuckle to think that God had this all worked out beforehand, that He would choose ME of all people, to work with these precious children.
Not only is it contrary to my natural being (fears, comfort level, self image) but considering my weakest areas in the flesh and past experience with my own son, this was a most UNnatural choice of professions. Had it been up to me, I would have run in the opposite direction — oh yeah, thats right, I tried that! But God shows Himself most powerful in supplying our needs in areas where we have no resources of our own to lean on. I can only rejoice in amazement at the thigs He accomplishes.