Waiting patiently has never been one of my best attributes. My trouble started early on. As a child, I always knew where my mother kept our Christmas gifts hidden, and I made it a point, with great regularity, to spy and peek at the stash. I simply could not wait until Christmas.
For the past several days I have been contemplating the time that Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. I’ve been struck by the words that scripture uses to tell us about the emotions of that evening. I’ve combed through various Bible translations noting these words.
I am prone to negativity. When my tongue is unrestrained it lends itself to complaining, biting sarcasm, and criticism. How’s that for a dose of honesty? Similarly, my thoughts can easily meander down the same pessimistic path. I’ve needed to fess up to this less-than-Christlike attitude and confess it for what it is: sin. I am prayerfully working on changing my perspective. Decades of pessimistic practice have made this a hard habit to kick. But I am thankful that the Lord has opened my eyes to it and given me the opportunity to change.
Life has been busy and complicated of late. Seasons like this sprinkle the timeline of our lives like snow (sometimes like a blizzard). Busy doing what needs to be done…what has to be done. Running to and fro. Dealing with the challenges life has. Aging parents. Health concerns. The future. It seems as though everything else gets pushed aside. Our good intentions become just that, intentions; things dreamed of or planned, but never coming to fruition. The out-of-control elements of the day dictate its course. Sometimes we simply feel like we are bobbing on the waves, being pushed to and fro, struggling to keep our heads above, at the mercy of the tide.
Our family has always enjoyed having a real Christmas tree in our home. There is just something about the fresh smell of pine that draws each of us in. We typically frequent a local garden center to select our tree. But one year we ventured out to a tree farm to cut down our own. Unfortunately, I was unable to go because of a commitment at church, but my husband and boys joined my brother-in-law and his children on a tree-cutting adventure.
Continue reading “When Christmas is Hard: Cobwebs and Christmas Trees”
Of late, the news has been dominated with story after story of accused sexual impropriety and misconduct. It seems that with each passing day another politician, celebrity, or public figure falls from grace. While the depravity of man in general does not take me by surprise, a naive populace does. I find myself a bit dumbfounded as I hear of the outrage and shock that people have expressed at some of the recent revelations. Please understand clearly: I do not condone such behavior. It is wrong and reprehensible. But, my question is this: should this trend be surprising?
It shouldn’t.
Life is uncertain. Changes and challenges often rattle us to the core with little or no forewarning. Sickness. Brokenness. Rebellion. They’ve all stepped over the welcome mat and entered into our lives as uninvited guests. They provoke us to fear and anger, bring disappointment and doubt, and cause us to fret and worry. Can there truly be a sense of peace and calmness amidst the storms and trials of this life?
Continue reading “Experiencing Peace In Times of Uncertainty”
Spaghetti squash is one of my very favorite vegetables. It is incredibly versatile and a great way to enjoy a spaghetti-like meal without the carb overload. So last year I tucked a few seeds away and planned to plant them in the garden this summer. My son and I did just that, and we’ve enjoyed watching that plant grow and grow and GROW! It has spilled over the garden bed and fence and onto the driveway. It has literally taken over the side of my house, as squash plants tend to do. It’s beautiful, lush, and full of blossoms.
My boys were so excited as they anticipated the end of the week. Their good friend was coming over to hangout and sleep over. There would be chess matches and football games, talk of sports, and a bit more football. Their hands and fingers would intertwine as they greeted. Their arms would embrace each other as they departed. Friends.
It was Mother’s Day two years ago. My mom had come to my home for dinner. We exchanged flowers and cards with one another. As I pulled my card from its envelope and read the inside, I paused.
“Love, Barbara”
Life in the Van 