Through~Five Minute Friday

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“Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Through Him Not Me

She made many trips. I watched her fly back and forth, back and forth, bringing insects to her hungry brood. It sure brought new meaning to “carry-in supper.” And let me tell you, that crew of baby birds made quick work of their helping and then immediately began begging for more. So off she went again and again. 

“A mother’s work is never done” goes the saying and when I looked up to capture this photo I think momma bird was realizing it’s true. There she sat surrounded by little gaping mouths with her beak open too as if to say she’s through with it all and ready for someone to feed her instead.

Don’t we all get to that point sometimes? Whether it’s parenting, a relationship, our jobs, that prayer that hasn’t been answered, the dream that hasn’t come true, or a myriad of other things. There comes a time when we feel we just can’t work at it anymore. With hands raised in surrender (or beaks wide open) we proclaim, “enough, I’m through, finis, done, I. Give. Up.” It’s the place where we long for someone else to step in.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve waved the white flag in all those situations I’ve mentioned above at one time or another in my life. Some, more than once. But here’s the thing I’ve realized: when I’ve been flying here and there trying to get it all done, going back and forth, over and over in an attempt to fix, achieve, or receive it, or felt like I was failing because I couldn’t be enough, do enough, or bring enough to the table…truthfully, it IS because I’m usually trying to do it all.. on.. my.. own. 

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. The will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)

God’s work is never done with me, or any of us maybe, but the words, “those who trust in the LORD” jumped off the screen as I typed them. It doesn’t say you can earn strength by your efforts or you will soar because you try hard (things I have believed), but rather because God, the Creator of everything provides for me and you too when we put our trust in Him. His timing. His outcome. His strength.

God had given that momma robin everything she needed to care for her young and guess what? He does the same for us. The difference is, He’s given her the instinct but offers you and me a choice. Will we (I) continue to frantically feed our self-reliance which leaves us begging for more or are we through with that? If you’re like me you HAVE heard and now is the time to understand that the only way to run, walk, “fly”, or even take one step in this crazy world is to chose to trust in the One who gives us through His power, all the strength we ever need. 

**Note to self (maybe you need this reminder too): Instead of in defeat, raise your hands in in praise and repeat this truth:

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Someday~Five Minute Friday

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“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Someday

I always thought that someday your heart would be full of regret for all you’ve missed
and you’d tell us how sorry you are.

There was hope that a time would come when instead of calling us together to shatter our lives
you’d let us know how proud you are of the ways we’ve put them back together.

Often, I’ve wondered if you wished that you’d done things differently
and have waited to hear that you were going to try and do better.

Someday I told myself, you’d finally realize you don’t know us at all
then you’d do what it takes to change that.

But, here we are, time is a thief and has stolen your memory.

The hard truth that I think I’ve always known is…someday is never going to come…
and maybe I’m slowly learning, that’s OK.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”
Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

Some~Five Minute Friday

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“And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Be the Somebody

There’s an old song from my younger years that had a chorus that said, “Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?” And don’t we need that? Somebody to love? That’s my challenge for us today, let’s:

Be the somebody!

After our grandson had a medical emergency and our daughter and son-in-love stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while he was hospitalized for three months, we desired to give  something back to the place that provided so much comfort and convenience for our “kids” during that time of anguish. That’s when we asked others to help us collect pop tabs which we’d learned the Ronald McDonald House uses to help pay their electric bill. 

The response has been amazing! A baggie full here. A plastic container full there. A cardboard box-full left on the porch. And three years later, they just keep coming!

“Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?”

Recently, my husband shared that he thought one of the best definitions of love he’s seen is…a pop tab. Bet you’ve never thought of love that way before! He went on to explain that “somebody” must first think about our family, next, take the action of removing the tab from the can, then be dedicated to saving them, and finally offer their gift to our family. 

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other;
let us show the truth by our actions.”
1 John 3:18 (NLT)

And that’s “the truth” we see in a simple pop tab. All it takes is somebody to love.

If you’re like me, you’ve made it a lot more complicated than that. There have been times I’ve talked myself right out of offering a gift of love to others. Oh, I convince myself there’s good reason. I don’t have enough to offer. I don’t have the time. Or the easiest of all: Somebody else will do it.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 (NLT)

True love does take thought, time, and action. They are the very things that can interfere with our own plans and agenda. But, when we lay those “things of life” down, to give to someone else? That’s when Jesus, the One who knows all about laying down life, truly shines through. 

“Don’t you want somebody to love? Don’t you need somebody to love? Wouldn’t you love somebody to love?”

We know this world is in desperate need of love. You may even be thinking of a person you know who would love, love right now. There are a few who have come to my mind. So, my challenge for today and tomorrow, and the next, stands, let’s:

Be the somebody!

Send the card, provide a meal, donate the money, send a text, order flowers, pick up the groceries, or yes, remember to pull the pop tab off the can.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 (NLT)

I love being part of http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and writing with the same prompt and seeing all the different takes on it. Just click over and you can see for yourself!

Almost ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego!'” Daniel 3:28

Almost

I live in a state with a very recognizable motto; one that I think if I start it most people can finish it. Are you ready? “Almost heaven, _________ ________________. Can’t you just hear the iconic sound of John Denver’s voice telling you so?

Yes, I live in West Virginia and I know why “almost heaven” is a fitting description. While we don’t have streets of gold, we do have Golden Trout in our rivers and streams. There aren’t angels singing, however some famous country stars have come from here. The mountains are majestic. The valleys serene. People are gracious and there’s lots of space to escape the pressures of the world. It’s just pretty divine to me and I’m thankful to call it home!

Recently, I was out of state but there was a point when it too felt like home. My husband and I were gifted with tickets to see a musical play based on the book of Daniel in the Bible. It was amazing! The actors, mobile scenery, moving music, and even live animals made for a spectacular production. Surprisingly though, it was a moment with the audience that brought a rapture I never expected.

In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego were three men who would only worship God and refused to bow down before an image of gold King Nebuchadnezzar set up. Because of this, the king became enraged and ordered the men be thrown into a blazing furnace.

“Then King Nebuchandnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, ‘Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, ‘Certainly, Your Majesty.’
He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.’ “
Daniel 3:24-25 (NIV)

After this, the king calls the three men to come out from the furnace and they do, completely unharmed. At this point in the play, the doors of the furnace opened and standing in the midst of the flames with the three men in glowing splendor was… Jesus.  The entire theater erupted! Applause, whistles, and loud cheers filled the large room! And as I joined in, tears filled my eyes while goosebumps covered my body. I can’t put into words how it felt to sit there with 1,999 other people shouting in unison, at the top of our lungs…not for a sports team…not for a pop star, but for the presence of our Savior. It was something I’ll never forget and to be honest I didn’t want to leave the new found family I’d become a part of.

Now that I’m back in West Virginia, I’ve thought a lot about my experience at the Sight and Sound Theater. It’s rare to be in such a large group engaged in the one purpose of praising Jesus. It still gives me chills and my eyes leak too. But, it’s occurred to me since then, that there will come a time when we’ll truly be Home, where together our days will be filled with more than applause.  We will be gathered in worship. Knowing this has helped me realize that during those few minutes joining with others in praise put me in a heavenly state…..well….almost!

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’”
Revelation 5:11-13 (NIV)

I “almost” didn’t but then changed my mind and am joining with others writing to the prompt “Almost” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Click over to read more!

 

Complicate ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Not So Complicated

Care to guess what this pile is? To me, it’s chaos and confusion left unattended because of purposeful denial.

You see, I recently had a milestone birthday. To be honest this is one I hadn’t been looking forward to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so blessed and thankful to be here. It’s a gift really, but me turning 65 just seemed totally impossible! And you know what this “coming of age” means don’t you? That’s right….. Medicare.

Problem #1: I know that Medicare is also a blessing and something to be thankful for…by my mother’s generation, certainly in my own mind not by me yet.

Problem #2: Avoidance is my go-to when having to deal with things I have no knowledge base or experience with i.e. MEDICARE!!!!

Problem #3: I don’t like change and the unknown it brings. (Surprise, surprise)

Thus, the pile in the picture continued to grow. These envelopes represent only a portion of the mail I received from companies offering their services “as I navigate” you guessed it, Medicare. On top of the afore mentioned problems, being buried in information unfortunately only served to complicate my already challenging-to-me new life change.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

It’s funny as I think about it. Isn’t that what can also happen after our eternal “birth day?” Accepting the Gift means there’s no doubt that we’ll face a number of problems: we may not feel ready to accept all that awaits us, we’ll have to deal with things we’d rather avoid, and fear of what lies ahead can keep us from moving ahead.  On top of that, the world constantly seems to bombard us with piles of information, even claiming to help you and me figure it all out when really, it only serves to complicate our attempts at living life changed. 

I’ve been the big 6-5 for two weeks now. My red, white, and blue Medicare card has a prominent place in my wallet. You probably already know, but the truth is, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d made it all out to be. Wise words, patient helpers, and lots of love from family and friends made coming into my new Medicare life a lot easier. As for living our new life in Christ? We have the wisdom of the Bible to teach us, those who will enduringly guide us, and….. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)

…lots of love. It’s not so complicated after all!

It’s not complicated (see what I did there?) click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read other selections on the prompt “Complicate.”

Catkins and Contradictions

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“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NLT)

Catkins and Contradictions

I love spring and one of my favorite signs of it’s arrival is when the catkins appear on my Pussy Willow trees. This week I went out to admire the branches adorned with soft, white puffs marveling at how they looked against the blue sky. Then, something else caught my eye. There, in the middle of the day, in that same bright, blue sky, was the moon. I know it happens, but it’s so strange to me to be able to see the moon when the sun’s still up and it creates a disconcerting feeling inside of me.

Having the nighttime moon in the sunny daytime sky reminds me that things in this life don’t always make sense. Think about joy walking hand in hand with grief, seeing light in our darkest days, finding blessings in the midst of devastation, or gaining greater faith as we feel least able. These contradictions weave their way throughout my days, pushing and pulling me in different directions and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way. Maybe you know exactly what l mean.

It’s through all that tugging and straining that I question how such complete opposites can show up at the same time just like the moon and sun did.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God.”
Revelation 1:8a (NLT)

Well, it doesn’t get more opposite then that does it? God is the beginning. He’s with us as we step into our circumstances. But….God is also the end, enabling us look back and recognize the gifts those circumstances brought with them. And my friends, He’s with us in all the in-between too!

I think that’s why I love spring so much. It too, is such a contrast with the winter months. Where it seemed there was death, new life springs forth. The long, dark days become lighter. And just about the time I think it will never happen, catkins appear outside my window. I don’t know about you, but to me, it feels an awful lot like hope.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:19a (NIV)

There are so many who I care deeply for walking through challenging times right now. I write this for them, and you too, as a reminder that “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!” (Psalm 30:5) I’m also writing these words for myself to read again and again as I need reminding that though it seems contradictory, impossible even, the moon does shine with the sun and that the Light shines in the beginning, the midst, and at the end of our bleakest days, too. I don’t know about you, but to me, this IS our Hope!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28

Suffer ~ Five Minute Friday

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“After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.” 1 Peter 2:21 (CEV)

Hopeful Suffering

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me.
While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up!
I have defeated the world.”
John 16:33 (CEV)

There are verses in the Bible that I cling to for hope and encouragement. Some, I struggle to understand. And then there are others that are just plain hard. For me, the above verse is one of those difficult ones. 

This is Jesus speaking. With His very own words He’s telling us that there are no if, ands, or buts about it; We. Are. Going. To. Suffer. 

Anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, grief, I could go on and on. But, we’re told point blank, that all of this and more, whether we want it or not, will be part of our lives. May I just say that I don’t like it? If you know me or have read much here, you know that I’m a cling to control, linger in my comfort zone, happy ending kind of gal. Suffering? No thank you. I don’t want any part of it..

Of course, you know I’ve suffered much. I know you have, too. And we know we will again. Maybe like me, you find it easy to get stuck in all this suffering. But let’s look at what Jesus says about it, “Cheer up!” Wait, He said what? I don’t know about you but cheering up in troubled times doesn’t come naturally.

As usual this is a lesson I need, one I’m slooowwwly learning. Maybe it’s one you need too. Jesus is teaching us by example. He’s been there! God used His suffering, one we can’t begin to comprehend, for one reason only: so that we may have peace in this world full of agony.

How is peace possible? That’s the difficult part for me.

 “Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, ‘Father, if it is possible, don’t let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.’”
Mark 14:32,35-36 (CEV)

 Jesus knew he was facing the ultimate suffering, not just anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, and grief, but total separation from the Father. And at this moment in Gethsemane, like me (us), He didn’t like it or want any part of it. But, our Savior didn’t get stuck in His own suffering, instead He released His control, comfort, and the ending to the One who can do anything.

How is peace possible? I think Jesus shows us that there’s only one way: Trust. (Yikes!)

I’m beginning to understand that it’s only when we depend on God’s power more than our own, believe as He did for Jesus’ suffering, that God has a purpose for ours, too, we can finally start to look beyond the cups that have been poured for each of us to find the peace that Jesus promises for our hearts even saying with Him.

“But, do what YOU want, and not what I want.” (emphasis mine)

Just plain hard? Oh my!

Hope and encouragement we can cling to? There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it! 

Waste ~ Five Minute Friday

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You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Dive Bomber

I’ve probably written these words before, but it continuously amazes me how much bird behavior can mirror the way we humans act. One of the frustrating parts about feeding hummingbirds is having what I call a “dive bomber.” You can usually hear them before you see them. They are the ones who sit just above the feeder and then whiz in to chase any other hummingbird away from the waiting nectar, even though there’s plenty to go around.

Every summer I see the same thing happen, there’s room for six guests around the feeder but five remain empty because one hummer doesn’t want to share. The result? A lot of wasted nectar. Just because it wants it all, doesn’t mean it can use it all. And so, the sweet liquid spoils, leaving me no option but to throw it out and begin again. Maybe you can tell I’m gritting my teeth as I type. Like I said, frustrating!

But isn’t this just how we can be with our money, our time, and our talents? We see others around who can benefit from some of what we have, yet we maneuver around so they don’t get more than we want them to. I know I’ve been a “dive bomber” more than I want to admit. I’m reminded of one of the parables Jesus told. He said, 

“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Luke 12: 15-21 (NLT)

I can find lots of reasons to store up my own “goods.” I may tell myself that someone else will surely provide, that the need isn’t as real as it appears, or even worry that if I give some of what I have, it will leave me lacking just like my selfish hummingbird or the rich farmer who also wanted it all for themselves. Maybe you can relate. Sure, some concerns are valid, BUT, we can’t let them stop us from doing what we know we should. 

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

Spoiled sugar water, untimely death, moths and rust and thieves…do you, like I do, see a pattern here? The more we try to tightly hold on to, the more it wastes away. And our hearts? Well, they are left poverty stricken. I wonder if God ever finds our “dive bombing” behavior frustrating too? After all, He provides plenty to go around. Lucky for us, I’m pretty sure He is not as easily aggravated as I am!

I don’t know about you, but I often need reminded, that our wealth doesn’t come from the things of this world. Jesus gave absolutely everything He had for you and me and when the desire of our hearts is to share His gift with others, yes, through our money, our time, and our talents, that’s when we waste nothing and discover we truly have it all. 

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)

Joining in with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt of “Waste.” Click over to read more offerings. It won’t be a “waste” of your time!

Unexpected Blue Jay

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 (NIV)

Unexpected Blue Jay

Looking out the window I noticed that some extra decor was added to my seasonal hanging basket and the color just didn’t match with the theme I was going for. Never have I had a blue jay in the baskets before and this one didn’t stay there long. I’m guessing he didn’t find it too comfortable so flew off to somewhere else.

Have you ever had the same experience? Unexpectedly landing somewhere and not feeling like you quite fit in? Goodness I have! And it doesn’t have to be a bad place, just one that’s out of our comfort zone. Like maybe a city girl who comes to teach in the most rural place she’s ever been. Or a gal who tries hard but often feels that she doesn’t measure up, and then her husband is called to pastor two churches making her a Pastor’s wife. Uncomfortable? You’d better believe it! I know you can add your own examples of those times it’s felt like you were left dangling like me. It seems as if things poke and prod us on all sides, making it hard to settle in and leave us thinking a lot about flying the “coop.”

Join me with me for a moment looking back at the Israelites. God made a way for them to be freed from slavery. Miraculously, they walked on dry land across the Red Sea. They were fed daily and their clothes didn’t wear out. They were being led to the Promised Land by God and yet, their surroundings felt awkward and unfamiliar leaving them feeling unbalanced and actually wishing for the life they’d known as slaves. As a result, they spent their lives lost and never stepped a foot into the place God had prepared just for them.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out on God’s best He’s prepared for me! 

The problem is, I see myself, my own weakness in those Israelites. Maybe you can relate to them too. I do believe that God is leading me through life just as he led them, that He’s providing me with everything I need in whatever situation I find myself as He did back then. But, and it’s a big but, you can still find me whining and complaining, wondering why I’m where I am, scared, anxious, and sadly lacking trust in the One who has my best in mind. This is where the words, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) burst from my heart and pour out of my mouth. 

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

The part I love most about the verses above is knowing that Jesus is the “perfecter of faith,” not us. When we find ourselves in a “wilderness,” will we(I) fall short? Probably. Might we miss out on blessings because of our (my) lack of trust? Possibly. But, and it’s a big but, I’ve found that those times are also where I’ve learned the most about following God’s plan and slowly but surely (slow learner here) overcoming my unbelief. They do say, “Practice makes perfect.” In this case it is our practice of persevering in this race of life no matter where we find ourselves and Jesus’ perfecting our growing faith in the process.

Who would have thought that an unexpected blue jay in my basket would act as a reminder for me and maybe you too, that when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and life feels as if it’s swinging out of control, instead of giving up or longing for somewhere else, we need only to look to God’s best, our “Promised Land”: Jesus!

“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

Say ~ Five Minute Friday

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“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

It’s easy to see why, that with a quick glance, this bird is often mistakenly called a “red-headed” woodpecker. Not until you look at him from a different perspective, in this case seeing what’s underneath, can you understand why his actual name is a red-bellied woodpecker. I’m old enough to remember radio host Paul Harvey’s distinctively comforting voice saying, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Sometimes we have to look more carefully to truly see.

When I was in Sixth Grade my A’s and B’s became C’s and D’s. My teacher, whom I loved and wanted to please didn’t understand what was happening. I looked the same, but wasn’t the girl she knew. Before long my mom came to school and there in the quiet of my empty classroom, mom said what I couldn’t say. “My dad had unexpectedly walked out on our family.” Mrs. Mayer looked at me with tears in her eyes, came around her desk, and wrapped me in her arms while whispering how sorry she was that she didn’t know. She had seen what she thought was me but now could understand that it was what was underneath, my broken heart, that told the rest of my story.  

There are pivotal times in our lives and that was one of mine. That special teacher’s compassion for me in that moment and beyond, is one of the reasons I became a teacher myself.  Her care of me became the way I tried to always treat my own students. I never wanted to let my first impressions of them or their behavior mistakenly label them in one way or another. I wanted to know “the rest of their stories” too.

And isn’t that what we all really desire? How often when asked how we are, do we say, “fine” even though we’re not? We may be exhausted, scared, in pain, grieving, confused, lonely, barely keeping our heads above water but trying not to let it show. At quick glance it mistakingly appears we have it all together and let’s be honest; there’s a part of us that wants to keep it that way. And yet, we also long for someone to see us from a different perspective, to look underneath that protective “fine,” more carefully and truly see what we can’t say, that we’re broken. Those around us are longing for the same thing.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 (NLT)

Jesus was letting us know that as believers He considered us friends, and He did give His life for ours. I don’t know about you, but that’s something I can never imagine doing. What if we look at it another way though? Instead of a quick glance and taking “fine” at face value, what if we lay down our day to day life…our perceived business, our phones, our own agendas, the desire to control our free time (speaking to myself) so we have the opportunity to look more carefully to truly see. Spending time with one another offers us all the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, to see what’s underneath, and to say what maybe we couldn’t before.

It’s been 52 years since I sat in Mrs. Mayer’s classroom.  I wish I could talk with her today so I could say, “thank you.” Thank you for listening. Thank you for grieving with me. Thank you for caring. Thank you for taking the time to truly see me, broken as I was and literally changing my life. That’s the kind of friend, wife, mom, MiMi, Christian, that I want to be. How about you?

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:10,13,15 (NLT)

I have a little (or a lot) of time. Now that you know a little of mine, what’s the rest of YOUR story?

Joining others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com as we write to the prompt, say. Click over to see what they have to say.