Vision

I recently got some new glasses.  I tried to take a selfie with them on, but all of them turned out horribly, so here is a picture of just the glasses:

Now, I know they are not very remarkable, just from looking at the picture, but when I tried them on...wow!  I realized just how blind I had been because I could see SO WELL.  I knew that the small print had been getting smaller and that my eyes were getting more tired, but I had no idea just how bad my vision was until I put on my new pair of glasses!  When I got home, I really could read the small print--it was amazing!

In thinking about this, I think daily time with God functions the same way in our lives.  We are all prone to "blind spots" spiritually; in fact, the Bible tells us that we really cannot see things God's way unless His Spirit lives in us.  We may, in fact, not realize just how blind we are to the things of God until we open the Bible.  This, combined with asking for the Holy Spirit to help us, gives us vision to see things God's way.  We realize that we were blind in how we approached a situation (compared to how God would have wanted us to approach it) or how blind we are in relationships, parenting, and just our understanding of God. 

But we can't just leave it there; we have to apply what we have learned into our everyday lives.  If I don't use my new glasses, I won't see much, I can tell you that!  In the same way, in order to continue to see things God's way, we need to spend time with Him daily and in the Bible.  I am far from perfect in consistent time with Him...but I am realizing more and more how little I truly see without God.  If we don't see with our eyes, we run into things and can break things and cause a lot of havoc to those around us.  Spiritually, we can run into obstacles and break relationships and...cause a lot of havoc,, too, if we are not spending time with God.  And the more time we spend with Him, the more He gives us a clear picture of His vision for our lives. 

One of my favorite hymns talks about vision.  The words are old, but beautifully, written:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

So, if you wear glasses...or if you see someone who does...let that be a reminder to get your spiritual vision aligned with God today!  Our spiritual eyes need a checkup, too!

Wondering about....Wonder

I've been struck by how fascinated our society is by the word wonder.  It's prominent in two recent hit movies, for instance.  Last summer, I saw a movie I was very excited to see---Wonder Woman.

I think I was so excited because in my early teens I watched this version of the same character on TV:

I think this character appealed to me for several reasons.  First, the actress playing Wonder Woman on TV had the same first name as me.  Second, she was a woman superhero--not as common when I was younger.  But what I most appreciated about Wonder Woman was her emphasis on truth; she had a lasso that made people tell the truth, and fought for truth in both iterations of this character.  But in thinking about the word wonder, there is another aspect of Wonder Woman in the new movie that I found fascinating; Wonder Woman looks at our world with a sense of childlike wonder.  She tells someone that sells ice cream that they "should be very proud."  She sees snow for the first time and thinks it's magical.  And that is also part of Wonder Woman's charm--she sees things differently.

I recently saw another movie with this word in the title, based on this book:

I'd read part of this book to class recently, and I knew I wanted to see the movie when it came out:

I had the chance to see the movie recently, and I was again struck by that word....wonder.  Auggie, the boy in the story has a facial deformity.  He starts a new school in fifth grade.  But he has a secret weapon--a loving family.  His mother says in the film that he is a wonder, and in fact, he is.  He is really smart and over time, the students at his school begin to see past his outward appearance and find that his inner personality, wit and intelligence make him special.  His ability to see the world differently make him a wonder.

Why are these movies popular?  Of course, a lot has to do with the gift of storytelling the film makers have, the great acting and special effects, and all of the magic that movies bring to the screen.  But I think there is another reason:  we were created to worship.  We were created to be in awe of God and what is around us.  The description in Genesis of the Garden of Eden and of creation itself ignites our imaginations.  The problem is, that when sin entered the world, the wonder of the world was marred.  We look around us and see little to worship---or worship things that are not worthy.   So, often now, life is hard.  Disappointing.  Hurtful. We think to ourselvess,  "Is anything wonderful left in the world?"

But our quest for wonder stirs within us, anyway.  This is what drives artists, musicians, actors and actresses, filmmakers and anyone involved in creativity.  We long to experience wonder--and, miraculously, we sometimes do  We see a newborn baby cry, hear a beautiful symphony, read a great novel, see a painting by a master, are moved by a film...and we experience a glimpse of it.

These glimpses, however, are but a foretaste---a shadow.  Because they all originate in the greatest wonder of all.  An epic story of a God who created the world, was rejected by his creation, and then developed a plan over thousands of years to bring a Savior to the world, who would be rejected, die for the sins of its people, and defeat death.  And, wonder of wonders, He desires to continue that process today and work through flawed people for His kingdom purposes.  That is truly a wonder...and He offers it to you today.  Jesus came to pay the price for your sin...and to give you eternal life forever and abundant life today.  And the true wonder is that He helps us see differently--to look at the world and notice His presence and see the value of everyone.  To, as the Old Testament says, "seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God."   

The Price of Freedom

I had the privilege of going with my sweet dad on an Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. this week.  We visited several memorials.  If I had to sum up the one idea I had while visiting these memorials, it would be what is inscribed on the picture above, at the World War II memorial: Here we mark the price of freedom.  Each star in the picture stands for 100 men who died in the conflict.  Every inch of the Vietnam Memorial is inscribed with names of the fallen, about a half-inch tall.  Row after row of tombstones at Arlington shout the same refrain.  All of these men died for freedom.  Here are some thoughts I have after seeing all of these memorials and being with men who have served in the military:

1. Freedom is a precious commodity.  All of the fallen had families.  My dad's oldest brother died in World War II.  If something is of value based on the cost, then freedom is the most precious thing on this earth, because it cost the lives of fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and neighbors.

2. Freedom requires protection.  There has not been just one war for freedom.  We must continually fight to protect it.  It seems that every generation must do so...at least in the last 100 years or so.

3.  Freedom requires sacrifice.  Not just of lives, but of time, resources and agendas. 

I left Washington D.C. thankful for those who served and those who died in defense of our country.  (And thankful for a good pilot, as there was really serious turbulence as we left Washington.  The man sitting next to me on the flight said it was because of all the hot air.....)  But I also had a question come up in my mind: do we even understand what freedom is today?  And would we have the same commitment to defend it today?

I looked up the definition of freedom on www.dictionary.com. Here is what I found:

1.the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint:

He won his freedom after a retrial.

exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

2.the power to determine action without restraint.

3.political or national independence.

4.personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery:

a slave who bought his freedom.

5.exemption from the presence of anything specified (usually followed by from):

freedom from fear.

6.the absence of or release from ties, obligations,

 

Then I looked up the definition of the word license:

 

1.formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession.

2. a certificate, tag, plate, etc., giving proof of such permission; official permit:

a driver's license.

3. permission to do or not to do something.

4. intentional deviation from rule, convention, or fact, as for the sake of literary or artistic effect:

poetic license.

5. exceptional freedom allowed in a special situation.

6. excessive or undue freedom or liberty.

7. licentiousness.

 

While there are some similar definitions, it seems to me that freedom is more about that which is for the greater good, and license is more about what happens to us personally.  I bring this up because I fear that in the last 50 years, our country has gone from being concerned with the greater good, to championing individual rights.  The problem with this is that when the country was founded, the greater good was thought to be more important.  Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence wrote that everyone was "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights"  which included "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  So the focus is on a bigger ;picture; the plan of a Creator, and the big ideas.  I do not think that the framers of the Constitution mean that I have a right to be happy at all costs; for instance, I do not have the right to walk into a crowded theater and yell "fire!", even if there is not one.  I believe that the framers of the Constitution meant that my freedoms should be granted, but not to the extent that they impair the freedoms of others.  So, I am not completely without restraint. 

 

My concern is that in our present culture, we prize the concept of doing whatever we want, whenever we want--no matter who we offend or hurt, and to the extent that if someone tells us we cannot say or do something we take measures to destroy them via social media.  While I believe that everyone has free speech, I really do not think that our veterans served and died to live in a culture where people say the most hateful and vile things without restraint.  I do not believe that they died so that people can behave however they want without restraint and then vilify people who disagree with their lifestyle.  And I do not believe that they served and died so that we could be pressured to deny our beliefs because they are politically incorrect.  I do not believe that they died so that a small majority of the country can force their beliefs on the entire nation.  I do not believe that they died so that we could boycott stores that do not support our beliefs.  I do not believe they died so that we can neglect the poor and the disabled.  And I'm not being political here--I think both sides of the political aisle carry guilt equally for what we have become.   I believe these brave men and women died for more, and that we as a country should be more than that.  I believe that we can have rational conversations and disagree agreeably and live for the greater good.  All of the men who died in service to our country deserve that. 

 

If you know a veteran, especially one who has served during World War II, I encourage you to contact the folks at Heartland Honor Flight.  (www.heartlandhonorflight.org).  It is an amazing experience.  I left proud of my dad and proud of those who served. 

Beauty out of Ashes

We sang "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" on Sunday morning at church.  Most people are aware that the tune was written by Beethoven.  It's from the last movement of his Ninth Symphony.  The words in the original are a little different, and more secular, but when you listen to the music you really do hear the joy in it.  It's triumphant, upbeat, and it's little wonder that so many people love it.  The words in English, written much later,  are especially encouraging as well.

What you may not know is the backstory of the composer.  Beethoven lived about the same time as Mozart.  His father was an alcoholic.  He would go out late drinking, and when he got home very late he would wake up little Ludvig and make him practice until dawn.  Beethoven was so gifted that he was dubbed "the next Mozart" when he was a child.  But his alcoholic father couldn't keep a job, and Beethoven had to quit school at age 11 so that he could support his family.  He was the first composer to be able to do that, and was a gifted pianist.  He became quite famous--and then tragedy struck.  You probably do know that he lost his hearing.  He began losing it at about 26 years of age--at the height of his performing career.  This would be akin to an NBA basketball player having a career-ending injury; Beethoven was devastated.  Medical doctors were not much help back then, either. 

The combination of Beethoven's dysfunctional family and the tragedy of his deafness combined to make Beethoven emotionally unstable at times.  He had a horrible temper, and lacked social skills.  For instance, he once dumped an entire plate of veal on a waiter in a restaurant because he gave him the wrong order.  Beethoven was a perfectionist about his music and had little patience.  When you see pictures of him as an adult, you see an intense personality.  You also see someone who, for the time period, was not concerned about his outward appearance.  He moved several times and never married.

If you were choosing someone to be used of God based on outward appearances, Beethoven would probably not be at the top of your list.  But, thankfully, God is not like us.  Beethoven wrote the 9th Symphony when he was completely deaf.  He was so deaf that he had the legs sawed off a piano so that he could feel the vibrations when he played.  Once, while directing a concert, the music was finished, but Beethoven, who was behind the performers, still conducted, and had to be turned around to take a bow.  But all of his limitations could not prevent some of the most beautiful, powerful and encouraging music to be written.  God has used it to encourage people through the centuries.

You may be in a situation right now where you think you are too damaged or too sinful or too weak or too (fill in the blank) to be used of God.  You may think your past has disqualified you from being used by Him.  You may have recently experienced tragedy or loss and see no hope.  Be encouraged by this song--written by a flawed but brilliant composer--and focus on the message of the words:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

If you've not heard the original, here is a video:

 

Staying Afloat

Apparently I am like my beloved pastor--this post and my last post have some alliteration.  Although, to be an exact alliteration, this should be called "Staying in the Pool."  But I digress....

This summer I have been taking Physical Therapy, and got approved to do Pool Therapy at a local gym as a part of it.  I have always had a complicated relationship with water; I had a swimsuit for social reasons, but I never learned to swim.  In fact, I couldn't even float.  My dear husband tried to teach me on our honeymoon, but gave up, saying that I "swam like a rock."  Looking back, I think there are three reasons I couldn't swim:

1. There were no public pools where I grew up as a kid.  You could belong to the YMCA, but it wasn't affordable.  So, in my youth, when I probably would have been more fearless, I didn't really get exposed to water.
2. A bad experience--I got too close to deeper water at a pool party in high school and had to be pulled out as I was going down for the third time...scary AND embarrassing...
3. Of all the reasons I couldn't swim, I think this is the most important one:  I DID NOT BELIEVE THE WATER WOULD HOLD ME UP.  Combine bad water experiences, inexperience and some angst about my weight--and when I would lean back, I would immediately panic.  Whether the water was capable of holding me up was irrelevant; my lack of belief made it so that I couldn't float.

This so reminds me of many times in my spiritual walk.  It was hard to trust God when I was a new Christian and the experiences of life can make it hard for faith to grow as well.  But more often than not, my faith difficulty comes from a lack of belief.  I have the whole Bible that tells me about the what God has done and can do---but I had trouble trusting Him to get me through everything from potty training to my youngest being a senior this year.   The fact that God can do what He says He will do doesn't mean much if I don't believe.  Not that my belief is what causes God's power--but my lack of belief is like unplugging an electrical cord; the result is an absence of His power and provision.  God's plan and purpose are still fulfilled--but I don't always get what He intends.

So, back to Pool Therapy, now.  I went on a Saturday to the pool to practice my exercises.  It just so happened that no one else was there.  One of the exercises I had to do at the time was doing bicycle kicks in the water while I supported myself on the pool steps.  I noticed that when I tried to kick, that my legs were almost trying to float and I thought to my self--"I wonder... could I actually float?"  I decided to lay back into the water, and I tightened my abs--AND I FLOATED.  Not just once, either!  I can now propel myself through the water, too.   I wouldn't quite call it swimming, though; I prefer to think if it as "floating with style."  (with apologies to Pixar).

I'd prefer not to tell you how many years I haven't been able to float--but it's been quite a few. I thought about why I could do this, and I came up with three reasons there as well:
1. I was alone.  You have no idea how embarrassing it is to be the only person who can't swim.  Being alone gave me the confidence to try something I'd failed at before again.
2. I changed my thinking and tried something I hadn't tried before.  Instead of thinking "I can't do this!" I thought "I wonder if I could" and tried a new approach.
3. By far the most important reason that I could float this time was that I GAVE MYSELF COMPLETELY TO THE WATER.  I leaned all the way back.  I got my hair wet.  Water got in my ears.  And I relaxed. 

My lack of ability to float had nothing to do with the ability of the water to hold me up.  Every time I go to the pool now I am reminded of how capable the water is in that capacity.  It had everything to do with what I believed.  When I changed my belief, it changed what I could do.  Yes, I can kick my feet and move my arms--but without the ability to float, they aren't worth much. 

Spiritually, this is so much the same.  My faith is much more effective when I get in a quiet place and pray, and when I change my thinking by meditating on His Word.  But the most important thing I have to do is BELIEVE.  That's why in Hebrews it says that without faith it is impossible to please God.  But when we have faith in Him, in his ability to do what He says He will do, we can walk on water, in a sense, like Peter.  This year has been very challenging; there have been many times when I have felt like the storms were  going to overwhelm me--but because I have spent time in His Word, prayed and changed my thinking, He has and is literally keeping me afloat.  That's right--He is doing it.  Not me!

 I love going to the pool now--in fact, I hate to get out.  I love that feeling of floating, and the ability to do something I couldn't before.  It causes me to ask what my life would be like if I applied the same measure of faith to the rest of my life--what could I be doing if only I totally leaned on Him?  I sure want to find out!  Don't you?  Grab your swimsuit and dive in! 
I'll either be in the pool--or the Jacuzzi! 

Staying Power

My parents just celebrated their 57th anniversary on July 14th.  I have always thought it was a humorous coincidence that their anniversary was also Bastille Day--but the more I think about it, the more I think it is fitting.  In today's society, staying with anything for that long is indeed revolutionary.  In fact, staying with anything is an anomaly in our current society--be it a job, a service provider or a relationship.  My wireless provider, for instance, will let me upgrade my phone every six months, for crying out loud (provided I shell out the full price for the phone, of course).  Society is moving at the speed of light, and in this environment perseverance is a foreign concept.  But in thinking about my parents, I have discovered some benefits to a long-term relationship. 

Here they are:

1. Deeper friendships.  My parents not only have been married 57 years, they attended the same church for over 50 years (I detecting a pattern, aren't you?).  Because they were so actively involved in the church, and because all of my grandparents were out of town, the folks in that church became like family.  Since I am an only child, the kids I grew up with in that church are like brothers and sisters.  I saw some of them recently, and remarked that it was so good to see them at something besides a funeral!  I know my parents wouldn't trade these friendships for anything--and neither would I.

2. Better health.   My parents are in their 80s, and my dad shows few signs of slowing down.  My mother recently had to be put in a care facility, but I know that she was able to be home longer because of my dad's care.  Things have not always been perfect for my family, but I really think that my parents' long-term marriage has protected them from some major stress, and therefore some major health issues.  People tell me how lucky I am to still have both parents--and I agree.

3. Respect.  I have noticed that whenever someone has a 50th anniversary, that a great deal of respect is given them.  I think that's because we all know that marriage can be very difficult, and that not everyone lives long enough to get to this milestone.  I have also noticed that in most cases, someone will ask for advice on how to stay married for a long time from these folks.  The assumption is that there is some magical formula for staying married, but I think my parents' long marriage is a result of two things: commitment and their faith in God. 

4. Deeper love.  My parents have always loved each other (in fact, they were the parents that embarrassed their teenage daughter by kissing in front of her), but it takes a special love to stay married to someone when they are older, I think.  My dad has been so devoted to my mom as she has struggled with her health; he goes to visit her at her care facility almost every day.  He has always brought roses in from the yard for her, and he has never forgotten an anniversary, birthday or holiday.  My mother always took care of herself and patiently watched sports with my dad (who is one of the few people I know to make being an armchair quarterback an aerobic event--especially when KU is playing!).  There is a more mature, more patient and more selfless love that comes with living with someone for many years and experiencing life together, and my parents found that.

Now, I don't want you to get the idea that my parents are perfect, or that they never had a disagreement.  They, like most people who are married are completely different; Mother is a detail-oriented person who is very reserved, and Dad is a gregarious, boisterous fellow who looks more at the big picture.  The bottom line is that they chose to stay together, and they chose every day to love each other.  All of those days added up to years, and now, looking back, they make a beautiful picture of the kind of love God has for us.  God wants us to be in a long-term relationship with Him--to know Him deeply, intimately and to develop his kind of love.  The agape love that is selfless, giving and timeless.  This kind of relationship takes an investment of time, but the benefits are eternal.  In fact, you could even say they are revolutionary.

Remembering the Past to Help the Present

I recently relived my childhood; I went with my youngest son to see "Mr. Peabody & Sherman."  While we both enjoyed it, I enjoyed it for a completely different reason than my son--I watched the original on television as part of the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Hour."  This was one of my favorites of the shorts in the series, because of the historical characters and the humor. (My son says Mr. Peabody's puns are like mine--but his are better.  Kids keep you humble.)  Here is what Mr. Peabody and Sherman looked like when I was a kid:

Here is the updated version:

 

 

As I thought about reliving the past, it occurred to me that most of the time, we have a negative image of that.  I agree that remembering past hurts and painful experiences can often lead to anger, resentment and bitterness.  But remembering the happy times is much different, even helpful--especially when you are going through a difficult experience. 

The Bible even encourages us to remember things--Samuel built a stone and called it the Ebenezer, or "stone of rememberance."  Joshua made a monument of 12 stones after they crossed the Jordan on dry land.  Remembering what God has done in the past is seen as being a building block to helping us through circumstances we are going through now.  The idea is that we know God was faithful then, so we can be confident He will be faithful to get us through our present circumstances.

You may be going through something difficult today.  I have been as well--but then I remember back to times in my life that were difficult, and how God got me through them, and it gives me confidence that today--and beyond I can count on Him.  Lamentations 3:22-23 is my favorite verse.  It says "It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.  They are new every morning.  Great is Your faithfulness.   Indeed.