A Peace of Art

After a long winter, a fine layer of dust has settled over everything in my house.  While I am not a germaphobe, I do like cleanliness.  Therefore, since I am on Spring Break this week, and we are not taking a trip, I decided that my goal for the week was to do a little Spring Cleaning.

Today’s focus was the dining room. I decided that if I tackle one room per day, I wouldn’t get so overwhelmed.  The first task was to empty and wash each item in my hutch.  I hate clutter, but you wouldn’t be able to guess that by looking in my hutch.  Inside is an eclectic collection of crystal dishes, porcelain figurines, and other bric-a-brac.  Most everything in the hutch has a history and a story attached to it.

This fact came to mind as I carefully removed six delicate cups and saucers.  These days, there isn’t much call for such tea cups and saucers.  Afternoon tea parties are a rarity in this day and age, and if something happened to me or my husband, I fear that my kids would put them on a garage sale table.  To the current generation, they are considered useless trinkets that take up space, pretty baubles with no value other than aesthetic beauty.  While their usefulness may be an arguable point, the truth is that they are priceless, and here’s why.

According to what I was told, my great-great-great grandparents emigrated from Germany.  Among the possessions in the steamer trunk were these very cups and saucers.  Thus, the cups and saucers were made by artisans in Germany, and they somehow survived the journey from Germany to my hutch. 

As I carefully washed each piece in soapy water, I ran my fingers along the inside of the cups where I was surprised to feel a bump, kind of like a speed bump, along the rim of each cup. Some wise craftsman had created the bump so that tea drinker could sip without fear of the liquid “jumping the barrier” before required to do so.  Looking closely, I marveled at how the artist so skillfully attached the handle, delicate yet strong at the same time.

As I rinsed the dishes, I wondered, Why just six cups and saucers? Was there one of each for each member of the family? Were they intended for everyday use? If not, why include them in the steamer trunk, where they took up precious room for other, more useful items? Were they a wedding gift? Were they intended to be a prize item to be displayed with pride in a new house in America? Did they anticipate entertaining new friends in a new country?

I will never know the answers to these questions because anybody who could tell me the answer is now gone.  Gone also is the craftsman who created the pieces.  As he formed each piece, did he wonder where his art would end up, and with whom?

While the creator is gone, his art remains for us, most specifically, me, to enjoy and appreciate.  That alone assures its usefulness to me.  Not only are the pieces items of beauty, indicative of the imagination and skill of the artisan; they are also anchors to my past , a tangible reminder of who I am and a chapter in the story of me. 

In the same vein, sunsets, waterfalls, lilac bushes, and even the delicate lace of dragonfly’s wings are indicative of the imagination and creativity of the Creator.  Like the cups, the usefulness of each item in the list might be arguable. However, there is no denying sensory explosion of each; their aesthetic appeal awes and humbles us.  Likewise, each is a tangible manifestation of the Creator; we are reminded of His existence and His creative expertise. Best of all, we are proudly reminded of the fact that we are related to this creative genius. His works of art are tangible reminders of who we are; therefore, we can say with pride and without hesitation, “My Dad made that!”

John Keats, the poet, once wrote:

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing…

Our Creator, in His ultimate wisdom, surrounded us with a creative palette of endless beauty and designs that cause to shake our heads at the marvelous complexity of it all.  Even so, as Keats’s poetry describe, the end result is a confirmation of the Creator and His unquestionable skill and an ensuing, indescribable peace.

Epic Fails: Falling from Grace or Grace For Falls?

Yesterday was an epic fail kind of day.  I have a particularly-pesky group of sophomores, who are extremely immature and attention-seeking.  In trying to adequately describe the situation to others, I have said teaching this class is comparable to driving a stagecoach or a wagon.  I have a firm grasp on the reins at all times because if I relax at all, I will have a stampede on my hands.

As a teacher with 22 years of experience, I pride myself on maintaining my composure at all times.  I have seen and heard just about everything, so it is usually difficult for students to lure me in.  Well, yesterday, I dropped that ball big time.  I didn’t throw furniture or drop f-bombs or anything like that. I just got angry. 

In the greater scheme of things, this fact is not really that big of a deal.  It is just a big deal to me.  I consider myself a missionary of sorts.  With that in mind, I try to model Christ-like behavior so that others can see Him through me.  That’s why I am so disappointed in myself. 

As I was reading my devotions, I discovered a kindred spirit in Peter.  Matthew 26 talks about the Last Supper and the night on which Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Verses 69-74, in particular, describe Peter’s disownment of Christ.

Of the disciples, Peter seems to be the most passionate.  He was one of those do-first, think-later kinds of people.  In being a follower of Christ, that seemed to be an admirable quality, especially in considering the seemingly-inexplicable and odd things that Christ asked the disciples to do.  He didn’t allow “what-ifs” or over-thinking to get in the way of him doing Christ’s bidding.  In short, Peter was modeling true Christian behavior.

Even so, Peter was also human, which means he was susceptible to sin and failure, just like the rest of us. In Matthew 26, we see Peter’s epic fail.

Early in the passage, Peter told God that he would never betray him. Then, later in the passage, he proceeded, three times, to deny Christ – complete with swearing! Then, according to the Bible, when the rooster crowed, “He went outside and wept bitterly” (v. 74).

As I read this passage, I was struck with a unique and weird observation. Why is it that when we fail, we want to be by ourselves to wallow in our shame.  Even now as I write this, I am sitting in my bedroom with the door closed. I have erected an invisible wall with an equally invisible sign that says, “Do not enter.” This must be an instinctual response because it was Adam and Eve’s first impulse after sinning in the Garden of Eden as well.  They ran and hid from God.

I suppose it is because sin (moral failure) is a betrayal of God – our Father, Creator, Friend.  We are ashamed to face the one with whom we should have our closest relationship.  In considering all He has done and sacrificed for us, it seems pathetic when we fail/falter in offering up the only thing we have to give in return – ourselves.

Even in the midst of our epic fail moments, there is encouragement.  First, the fact that we have such instinctual reactions (shame, self-loathing, a desire to run) attests to the fact that we are/were/have been made in God’s image.  We have an innate sense of right, wrong, and sin.  What a blessing to be equipped with such knowledge!  Even though choice and consequence still lie at our feet, God has given us, as His creation, the ability to not only choose but choose wisely. It is a matter of will, not ignorance.

“The sense of the irreparable is apt to make us despair. If we imagine this kind of despair is exceptional, we are mistaken; it is a very ordinary human experience. . .never let a sense of failure corrupt your new action” (Oswald Chambers).

Secondly, we know that God covers our failures.  The price for our sin has been paid.  We do not have to agonize over our failures because “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

God takes care of our epic fails, so we can let them go.  By running to Him versus from Him, we find forgiveness and our new, true focus.

Don't Give Up; Give In

Scripture:  Matthew 4: 1-11

As the calendar flips over to a new year, statistics show that 45% of us make New Year’s Resolutions. Not surprising, the resolution at the top of most lists is to lose weight. In considering the feeding frenzy that usually accompanies the holidays, it is also not surprising that our expanding waistlines and disappearing exercise schedules (if they still existed by December) are typically the result.

As a consequence, a four-letter “d” word, diet, starts to dominate our thoughts and conversations.  We become vigilant and almost obsessive about food intake. Our purpose is to ultimately transform our bodies by cleansing our diets of unhealthy choices and unwanted pounds. Sadly, this procedure rarely works as statistics show that 95% of all diets (let’s be real, dieters) fail. While the end result is a good goal, it seems as though the procedure (let’s be real, the dieter) needs a new focus.

A new year is significant in the spiritual realm as well.  Following the joy and wonder of Christ’s Birth, believers begin preparing for another significant event, Christ’s Death and Resurrection, by participating in Lent. 

During the Lenten season, believers roll up their sleeves and perform some spiritual “spring cleaning.” This involves taking spiritual inventory and cleaning out what hinders his/her personal relationship and service to Christ.  In doing so, some believers will enter a time of “fasting,” which is a period of self-denial and sacrifice much like Christ endured during his forty days in the Wilderness.  By fasting, or denying him/herself of something, the believer is reminded not only of Christ’s Sacrifice but also of the importance of transforming the entire person – body, soul, and spirit – to become more like Christ. 

Like dieting, the intent of Lent is admirable, beneficial, and necessary (in order for spiritual growth to occur). In order to be successful in the endeavor, we need to make sure that our focus and hearts are in the right spot.  In other words, rather than focus on the negative, which includes denial and sacrifice, we need to focus on the positive, which includes growing closer to our Savior and allowing Him to transform us into the people He wants us to be.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In order to be successful in achieving both weight loss this year and spiritual gain during this Lenten season, here are five tips to consider:

1.     Warm up.  You will accomplish more if you do. Just as a warm-up protects and prepares the body for exercise, a spiritual warm-up protects and prepares one for the challenges that a day may bring. Before you start your day, make sure that you are “warming-up” for it by spending time with God in prayer and devotions.  As you spend time with Him and His Word, you will increasingly know and understand who He is.  You will learn His true character, and you will be transformed as a result.  This warm-up will prepare your heart and mind for what is ahead.

Psalm 119: 105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

2.       Schedule (spiritual) exercise like an appointment.  If mornings don’t work for you, then find a time each day to spend with Him.  Just as all healthy, lasting relationships are built on love and commitment, the same is true of your relationship with Christ.  If your relationship is to grow, you need to commit to spending regular time with Him.

James 4:8 “Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.”

3.       Quiet your mind.  Stress is major contributor to weight loss failure.  When under pressure or facing anxiety, many people turn to food for instant comfort.  In order to successfully stay on track with weight loss goals, people need to quiet their minds so that they don’t lose long-term focus to short-term stressors. 

The same is true of the believer.  While God loves it that we choose to talk to Him –through both formal and informal prayers/conversations throughout the day, He also wants to talk to us.  That means we have to discipline ourselves to become good listeners as well.  Quieting our minds allows Him to continue leading and guiding us in the way(s) in which He wants us to go. 

Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

4.       Keep a (food) journal.  Many people are not aware just how many calories they consume in a day.  While they may be quick to point out a healthy choice – say veggies instead of chips – at lunch, they often “forget” about the handfuls of M&Ms they grabbed from a co-worker’s candy bowl throughout the day. A food journal is realistic way to track progress.  It also holds one accountable for his/her choices throughout a day.

Again, this concept applies to a believer as well. Maintain a journal.  It can be a prayer journal in which you record prayer concerns and answers to those prayers.  It can be a devotional journal in which you record your thoughts about the devotional verses or concepts for the day.  It can be a prayer on paper.  The point is that you are keeping a physical record of the transformation God is working in your life.  While it is a blessing to trace personal progress through your journal, it may also be testimonial tool for the future.

Psalm 145: 4 “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”
 

5.    Find someone to be your accountability partner.  Statistics have shown that individuals who work out with a partner have a higher probability of achieving their personal fitness goals.  One is less likely to blow-off a work-out if someone is waiting for him/her to show up.

Spiritual support provides accountability as well. You are more likely to stay the course if you know someone will be checking up on you.  Choose someone whom you trust to be honest, discreet, and encouraging.  As you continue the transformation process and clothe yourself in Christ’s character, you will be able to do the same for your partner.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

As we enter into the Lenten season and consider Christ’s 40-Day Fast in the Wilderness, it’s important not to focus on the Fast itself, but the purpose of it.  Christ was not merely “giving up” food; his denial was a part of the process in “giving in,” or submitting, to His Father. We, too, have the opportunity to “give in” by submitting the very essence of who we are to Him so that He can transform us into the person we were created to be.  This Lenten season, don’t  just give up; give in. 

These Bruises Make For Better Conversation

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11

As I started my car in the sub-zero temperatures of Tuesday morning, I contemplated this new adventure.  I was finally heading out to Benson to volunteer with victims of human/sex trafficking at the Heartland Girls Ranch.

My sister-in-law, who has a criminal justice background, gave me a few tips and pointers over the weekend, so I felt both prepared and unprepared at the same time.  I felt prepared because she had given me some good advice, but unprepared because she pointed out things that I hadn’t even considered. 

As I backed out of the garage, I started listening to the song on the radio.  I usually listen to only one station (KLOVE), and I never listen to country music, but for whatever reason, the song, “Bruises,” by Train was flowing through the speakers.  Here are the words that struck me:

“These bruises make for better conversation
Loses the vibe that separates
It's good to let you in again
You're not alone in how you've been
Everybody loses, we all got bruises
We all got bruises

I would love to fix it all for you
I would love to fix you too
Please don't fix a thing whatever you do

These bruises make for better conversation
Loses the vibe that separates
It's good to know you've got a friend
That you remember now and then
Everybody loses.”

I smiled to myself and said, “Ok, God, I get it.”  This was obviously the heart and attitude God wanted me to have as I started this new venture. 

When my family and I went to Ecuador in 2011, one of our trainers explained that we were not to go to Ecuador with the attitude of wanting to “fix” them or “make life better.”  As the trainer explained, they like their lives just the way they are; the Ecuadorians do not think of themselves as “poor” or “needy.” Our job was to hang out and come alongside them in their ministry.

Similarly, it seems as though God was telling me to just go to the ranch and hang out.  All people just want to know that someone cares, and that’s where I come in.  It’s not my job to “fix” anybody.  That’s His job and His concern.  

All right, God.  This still doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, but I am heading west.

This recollection came to mind this morning as I was reading Hebrews 11.  Even though I have read this passage several times before, it felt as though I was reading it for the first time.  Do you ever have that experience?

In both verses 13 and 39, it states that “these [the faithful described in the chapter] were all commended for the faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

In other words, people like Noah, Abraham, Rahab, etc, never saw the fruits of their labors; they just moved in faith anyway because they believed in the One who had made the promise and subsequent request of them.

We all have a motivation for everything we do.  We do it because we get something out of it, or we do it because we feel obligated to do it (which, it could be argued, still results in us getting something out of it).

I would guess that most of our motivations are selfish.  For example, we go to work to get a paycheck.  We shop, go out to eat, sew, exercise, etc, because we ultimately want to. Somehow, some way, we get something out of the endeavor.  It’s always about what we want.

While there may be a variety of motivations involved, compulsory obligations usually make us angry and resentful.  When I feel as though I have to do something, I get ornery because it technically is not what I want.  For example, in this day and age, we are all fiercely protective of our time. Thus, when parents, kids, bosses, etc, want to impinge on those precious moments, let be honest; we often get downright obstinate.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. . .And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Faith seems to be a perfect (meaning, none of the negativity) marriage of the two motivations.  When I do/move/act, God has called me to do it, and His requests are compulsory.  Obviously, we have the choice to follow that compulsion or not, but if, when, and BECAUSE God is my priority, I willingly submit to Him EVEN IF THERE IS NO GUARANTEE I WILL SEE THE END RESULT.  If and when I move in faith, I don’t have to see the end result because I trust God and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He has it all under control.

I am happy to report that Tuesday’s visit went well.  It was completely uneventful as we just played games and hung out.  There were no expectations and no agenda – at least, not on my part.  There is only One who has an agenda, and I will continue to do my best to follow His lead.