Dear Mattias,
From the day you were born, you have filled my heart with joy. I have watched in awe these last two years as you have grown, explored the world, made discoveries. You have brought such huge smiles to our faces and have added a measure of fun mischief to our little family. From the time we knew you were coming, I've been praying for you and the boy you would be, the man you would become. It has been awesome to watch that boy emerge over these last two years.
From an early age you demonstrated a love for music that I hope will always be true of you and I hope it is a love we can share for years to come. You love the rhythm and begin to bounce and dance at the first note. You are so much fun to watch as your face lights up!
Mattias, you have always demonstrated a gentle compassion for others and a love for your family. You are always ready with a hug. You comfort people who are hurting and sometimes your little lower lip quivers as you feel sadness for someone. Your sweet spirit has been evident as you have reached for your big brothers hand while running up and down the hall or reaching over scratch his back while we're snuggling to watch a movie. Those little things you do for others fill me. I pray you will always have that compassion, that sweet spot for others. It is a quality that honors God and that He will use to minister to and reach people.
You look with adoring eyes at your daddy and your brother, trying to do everything they do. Now that you you are beginning to talk more, we frequently here, "Me!" or "Hep!" (help) as you seek to do the same things we are doing and to help us in our tasks. You are a good helper, willing to do whatever you can (and sometimes what you can't) when we have work to do.
Sweet boy, you have a belly laugh that is enviable and it comes easily. A funny face, a little dance party, jumping on the bed, kiss attack; these are the kinds of things that bring out that wonderful laugh and brings a smile and a laugh to anyone who hears it. I hope you will hold onto that easy laughter throughout your life; it will serve you and so many others well.
'Tias, you have an ability to focus that is beyond your years. I love to watch you when we're at the Children's Museum, you stand and play and splash at the water table for hours. Or pouring water back and forth from bowl to bowl. You were mesmerized and so was I.
I pray for you. I pray for wisdom and maturity as you grow. I pray that you will continue to demonstrate the sensitivity to spiritual things that you have shown so far. I pray with you each night that you will know and follow God. I pray that you will have an impact on your world. I pray that you will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I pray for your friendships. I pray for your wife. I pray for the boy/teen/man you are and will be; God has created you and he has a hope and a purpose for it. I pray you will live that purpose boldly.
Mattias, I love you. I am so proud of you; and I always will be. Even though I thought I was an experienced parent when you came along, you have taught me so much -- not only about being a parent, but about myself and my relationship with God. I have learned in a deeper way what it means to entrust the things I love to God. I have memorized new Bible verses as you ask me to repeat more and more of them from our Bible study each week. I have become more aware of my own shortcomings as I seek to parent you and your brother each day.
My dear, mischievous boy. I am so honored to be your mom. I love your smile, the twinkle in our eye when you "know." I love each moment I've spent with you. The laughter, the cuddles, The kissy face you make. I have so many hopes for you. I hope you will be a man of intelligence, a man of compassion, of integrity. A boy who treats others with kindness, with compassion, with generosity. I hope you will be a student who pursues knowledge, because learning is fun and it challenges us to grow. I pray that you will be a person who is patient, slow to anger and quick to forgive. Those are powerful qualities in this world and pray them for you because I believe God wants them for you, too.
Happy birthday, Mattias. I love you so much. Keep living life with the joy you have. Keep laughing, keep loving. Seek God always, with all that you are. Live boldly. I love you and I always will.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
Celebrating Advent
The season of advent has never been something about which I've given much though. Until recently, it was limited to opening an advent calendar and watching a candle lit and verse being read during the worship service each of the four Sundays before Christmas -- and of course Christmas Eve. These last few years however, I've begun to fall in love with the sense of expectation and anticipation that comes with focusing on those hopes in the people who anticipated the Messiah so long ago. As I shared last year, one of my favorite songs is now "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (and if you haven't heard the group Selah sing it -- you must). I want to pass this onto my children as I invest in their lives for Christ and so have been looking for ideas on what to do with my kids to keep our focus more on the coming Messiah and less on the Christmas lists and Santa Claus.
My initial thought was to keep it simple. I have two advent calendars that we will do each day to count down the days to Christmas. In addition to that, we have made a concerted effort since September to honor the Sabbath day a little better -- focusing more on family time than errands, dishes and housework. In that Spirit, I have a huge candelabra that we never use (with two active boys around, it's WAY UP HIGH). But I put some seasonal candles in there and thought for advent, we might give it a try: dim the lights, light the candles and read part of the Christmas story each Sunday night before we dig in to our Sunday night meal -- even if it's pizza (which it likely will be).
But as I began to think about this more and look for ideas, I found some other things that might be worth a shot. Here's a list o links to other bloggers and moms who have shared the ways they use advent to anticipate Christmas with their families.
This is an ebook available for purchase with Scripture readings and preschool appropriate crafts for each day. Created and written by a children's pastor turned mom, I fell in love with it. Not being super crafty, it being November 30 and having limited supplies, I probably won't be doing this daily. But it was a nice jumping off point for me and it's in my "file" for next year.
I haven't spent as much time looking at this blog, but it seems similar to the Truth in the Tinsel concept, with a little less formality. I can do this one, I think. I love the simple ideas and the crafts are more up my boys' alley. I can add Scripture to each day that we do something.
A fun idea for decorating a traditional advent calendar along with some fun family ideas to "slow down".
I'm still avoiding Pinterest, but I LOVED some of the pictures here with ideas. I especially love the "activity a day" instead of object that included one to sort through toys to give away. We'll be doing that one!
I think I've found another new blog to follow! I also LOVED several of the ideas that people shared on here. My favorite of course: sing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" each night at dinner, one verse per week. And ring bells for all you're worth during the refrain. How awesome is that? To highlight another couple, one family cushions the manger with "hay" (yellow strips of paper) one good deed at a time for Jesus' arrival on Christmas. Another, to list 24 friends to pray for as you open the calendar. I'm thinking this is a great way for our family to pray for missionaries this Christmas season!
One more simple idea from my friend, Cindy:
"We don't 'do' Santa. Instead, we focus on Advent - doing
a different verse or story each day and lighting a candle. Also, we collect
Nativity scenes which are displayed around the house --- we do a
progressive story, moving the pieces closer and closer to the manger until
Christmas Day when the Baby Jesus finally appears in the stable!!! It's
awesome.
"The book that we use is called, "Celebrate Jesus! at Christmas" - A Family Devotion for Advent through Epiphany, by Kimberly Ingalls Reese
It has the same type of activities for each day/week of Advent -
• Lighting of the Advent Candle
• Scripture Reading
• "Think about it" section
• Prayer
• Song
• Nativity Building"
"The book that we use is called, "Celebrate Jesus! at Christmas" - A Family Devotion for Advent through Epiphany, by Kimberly Ingalls Reese
It has the same type of activities for each day/week of Advent -
• Lighting of the Advent Candle
• Scripture Reading
• "Think about it" section
• Prayer
• Song
• Nativity Building"
This is a bunch of ideas to get started. I'm so excited and I only wish I had started thinking about this sooner than this week! I loved what one blogger said about making her lists and getting her things ready in November so she can focus on relaxing, fun and the Spirit of the season rather than stress and anxiety. I'm halfway there and have a goal for next year!
I hope you find some things to enjoy with your family this advent. I'd love to hear!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
What my "yes" vote does (and doesn't) mean
I do not typically get very political. One reason is I have no place for the vitriolic posturing that often goes on from both sides of the issue at hand--whatever it is. But I have many friends, both Christian and not, who have presented their view and support of "no" regarding the marriage amendment in Minnesota and I think it is time that the other side be presented and heard with the respect it, too, deserves. I have read many commentaries supporting both sides of the marriage amendment issue. A wise friend of mine presented articles from both viewpoints when his denomination debated the issue of homosexuality and gay marriage at their international convention. I took those articles under careful consideration because they were written by people who come from the same faith background that I do.
Many of them were persuasive, but as I read them and considered Scripture and prayed for wisdom, I continue to believe that Scripture teaches that homosexual sexuality is a sin -- a sinful expression of sexual intimacy. But please hear me when I say this and let me be clear; I believe homosexual activity is a sinful expression of sex in the same way that Scripture teaches premarital and extramarital sex are sin. And also I believe those activities are sinful in the same way that I believe gossip, sarcasm (a personal area of struggle), envy and selfishness are sin. My sin isn't better sin.
I have heard a lot of assumptions made about those who are voting "yes" for the marriage amendment. And yet those assumptions do not sit well with me, or even describe me. And so, I want to give some insight into what my "yes" vote does (and doesn't) mean -- for me and for many of the people I know. I know many people will disagree with me. And please understand, my effort is not one to persuade others to my viewpoint, but simply to present this viewpoint with what I hope is love and respect with the hope that it will be heard with love and respect.
What it means:
It means I believe that "marriage" as an institution is primarily a sacred one. The government has chosen to recognize it, but it's foundation is primarily religious. From the creation of the world, God designed marriage as between male and female, "...Male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number'" Gen 1:27b-28a and in Gen 2:24 "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Now, I will quickly join you in saying that many Christian and/or heterosexual marriages are bad examples or do nothing to set the standard for marriage. And I've seen that illustration about all the biblical examples of marriage (multiple wives, soldiers marrying conquered women, etc.) However what that illustration fails to address is that while those are examples of marriages we find in the Bible, that does not make them God-honoring, God-directed or a Biblical standard for marriage. I believe that Scripture shows God clearly defines that standard as one man and one woman (again, I recognize that there are many people who share my faith -or don't- who disagree with me; and I ask that you will lovingly disagree with me, as I do you).
It means that I believe that it is important to protect the freedom of religious organizations to operate as they are directed by their faith standards. That freedom has been affected in places where gay marriage is made legal. Faith-based organizations become required to recognize same-sex marriages contrary to their beliefs, losing and/or limiting the freedom of religion, which has been a recognized freedom since the founding of our country. Marriage is not an automatic right for anyone, gay or straight (just ask some of my single friends who would maybe like to be married but are not).
It means my heart breaks at the idea that people cannot be in the hospital room of a sick loved one, or share their benefits. Or upon death pass their inheritance on (although, we were told to have a will as part of smart financial planning even as a married couple, so doesn't that solve that one -- or maybe I am missing something). Maybe we can find a different way to honor those things. One that does not limit those people, groups and organizations protected by our constitutional freedom of religion.
It means I still love and care about my friends who are gay (because yes, Erich and I do have friends who are). And I love and care about the strangers who are gay. I think they are deserving of dignity as humans and many people who claim to share my faith do not give them the dignity they deserve.
It means I don't have all the answers. I do not know what it's like to be gay. I can't even begin to imagine. And I am trying very hard to walk the line between loving people and honoring their dignity as humans and what I believe is what Scripture teaches (and I know many do not agree with the view I have taken of Scripture's teaching on this). Despite my fear of sounding uncaring or judgmental I can’t get around what I believe Scripture clearly teaches about marriage, which is a one man one woman descriptive. I honestly don't know the best way to show love, to show respect, to affirm and not demean in the midst of that belief, and so, I pray. Because I don't have the answers but the God I love does.
What it does NOT mean:
It does not mean that I am intolerant. Tolerance is defined as a sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own. We like to throw around words in our society in ways that misuse their definition. This is one of a few I address (along with the above comment about "rights"). To be tolerant does not mean that I am required to agree with you. It means that we both respectfully recognize that there is, in fact, disagreement. We have no need for tolerance if there is no difference of belief or ideas. Disagreement does not equal intolerance.
It does not mean that I think everyone should be held to the standard of my faith even if they do not hold to it. In fact, the very opposite is true. I have no illusions that someone who does not believe in the authority of Scripture or who doesn't seek to live in accordance with it should be held to it. Although this could become a slippery slope as things like murder, stealing, and other things spoken about in Scripture are held as laws that we are all called by our government to follow.
It does not mean I have come to hold my position through fear or self-righteous judgment. I have come to them with careful consideration: first and foremost the study of Scripture and prayer and then also listening to the views of other Christians (on both sides) as I sought ways to articulate what I believe the whole of Scripture teaches.
It does not mean I think this is the most important issue facing Christians or our country. There are people starving. There are children without families. There are people caught in slave and sex trafficking. If we take our Scriptures seriously, Christians should be setting the bar on dealing with these issues and many of us (I include myself here) are not. Let's make sure we're making a difference in those issues, too.
It does not mean I think same-sex marriage will weaken my own marriage. Erich and I are doing just fine, thank you, and if we aren't it will only be because of our own sin and failures and no one else's. It is our responsibility, in God's power, to maintain and protect our marriage.
I have written this blog post with great fear and trembling and have put off writing it for several months. This is an emotional issue that brings strong feelings and opinions from both sides. I recognize that there are other people who hold a position different from mine and I love them. They are intelligent, and those who hold the same faith as me love God just like I do and try to understand His Word just like I do. If you disagree with me, that's okay.
Just a bit of housekeeping to end. If you comment, please make sure your words are respectful and considerate. I'm not one for debate, particularly when things get heated, so I may or may not respond. And please keep your commenting on my blog or a private message and not my Facebook page.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
My New Best Friend
Oh. My. Word. I just finished reading a book that resonated perfectly with some things that have been unidentifiably ruminating in my heart, soul and mind for the last I don't know how long. It's written by a woman who, with the support of some amazing-sounding girlfriends and her family, gave up seven specific areas she determined excessive, focusing on one for a month each. Several of the areas she identified are areas that have filled me with tension as well -- spending, possessions, clothes, waste, over-scheduling/stress. Her fast from these things was intentionally extreme and not necessarily meant as long-term changes. But they were meant to break the pattern and inspire real, lasting changes as she and her family pursued God in the open spaces left behind.
Every chapter met me with, "Yes, that's what it is" or "That's the thing I've been trying to put words to." I feel like she is me, four or so years older. She did in this book so many of the things I've been working towards, wondering what to do about or trying to figure out for a year or so. I always thought I was alone; it's nice to know I have company. I want her to be my new best friend.
If anyone is looking for a kindred spirit. If anyone is looking to be challenged to open space for God to speak into your life. If anyone is experiencing tension specifically between the "middle class and up" American way of life, the realities of poverty around the world, and the teachings of Scripture, then I encourage you to read this book. "7" by Jen Hatmaker. Even if it's just to know you're not the only one. I'm already begging Erich to read it. I'm already planning to read it again, more slowly, in the next few weeks; I want to implement some of her ideas or modify them according to my own tensions and promptings of the Spirit.
And if anyone wants to join me in a fast from excess, I'm looking for some brainstorming partners in crime, some accountability, some pilgrims to join me on the yet-to-be defined journey. All I know is that I hope that as I give up, I will be able to hear God speak into that new emptiness. I hope that as I give up, I will be more ready to give generously: of my time, my resources, my hospitality, my love and my Savior.
Every chapter met me with, "Yes, that's what it is" or "That's the thing I've been trying to put words to." I feel like she is me, four or so years older. She did in this book so many of the things I've been working towards, wondering what to do about or trying to figure out for a year or so. I always thought I was alone; it's nice to know I have company. I want her to be my new best friend.
If anyone is looking for a kindred spirit. If anyone is looking to be challenged to open space for God to speak into your life. If anyone is experiencing tension specifically between the "middle class and up" American way of life, the realities of poverty around the world, and the teachings of Scripture, then I encourage you to read this book. "7" by Jen Hatmaker. Even if it's just to know you're not the only one. I'm already begging Erich to read it. I'm already planning to read it again, more slowly, in the next few weeks; I want to implement some of her ideas or modify them according to my own tensions and promptings of the Spirit.
And if anyone wants to join me in a fast from excess, I'm looking for some brainstorming partners in crime, some accountability, some pilgrims to join me on the yet-to-be defined journey. All I know is that I hope that as I give up, I will be able to hear God speak into that new emptiness. I hope that as I give up, I will be more ready to give generously: of my time, my resources, my hospitality, my love and my Savior.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Talking to your (preschool) kids about death
Okay, this may seem like a VERY strange topic to address with young, especially preschool-aged, kids. And I never really thought that much about it until recently. But there are several reasons I decided to write this post and I'll lay that out first. My oldest son noticed by the time he was two that someone was missing in my family; my dad died before he was born. We never made much of it until he asked where my daddy was -- and I told him the truth, in an age appropriate manner. And because we had this background, this past year when Easter came, we also spoke about Jesus' death on the cross as it came up in his children's Bible.
Later that month I was speaking to a group of moms and casually mentioned that our three year old knew of Jesus' death and moms expressed surprise that we had already shared that truth with our child so young. It hadn't occurred to me that it was strange until then -- and I realized that my own life realities had influenced what we had shared with our children and left it at that.
However, this summer a family connected with our church was struck by tragedy and they lost a young daughter, mom and grandma together in a car accident. While I didn't know the family personally, many of my friends are very good friends with the family and they have grieved this loss and been left to explain it to their young children, as well. I mourned for these families and feel for the need they now have to sit with their kids and talk about why their friend is gone. And I was grateful that although it had not become a personal experience for my child, he understands (to the extent a three-year-old can) that death is a natural, inevitable experience for all living things.
And so, as I hurt for my hurting friends, it struck me that while it's a difficult and weird topic to talk about with a preschooler, it might possibly be an important one. This blog is more practical than many I write. Disclaimer, I will be sharing my thoughts and suggestions based on what Erich and I believe the Bible teaches about life, death and what happens after death, but even if you don't agree I think we have some helpful examples.
When my dad's death first came up, we told our son that he had gone to heaven to live with Jesus. That's the standard answer we've given for all the people he's asked about, because fortunately for us, the people he's asked us about have all been followers of Jesus Christ. I'm not exactly sure what we'll say if that becomes different, but I think it will be something along the lines of, "Everyone who has asked Jesus to be the Lord and Leader of his life will go to heaven to live with Jesus. People who did not follow Jesus won't live in heaven."
As our little guy has gotten older, he has asked more questions about death -- when he will die, if he will die, if he'll die after us. We answer all of them simply and honestly -- we don't know when, everybody will die, usually parents go to heaven before kids. I recently heard someone share how he was planning to comfort his daughter over the death of her fish -- that God creates all living things to be here for a time. That's the idea we have also conveyed as well as that for people who follow Him, God invites them to live with Him in heaven when that time is ended.
We've also sometimes answered questions about heaven -- Are there toys? I think probably. Will our house be there? Well, Jesus is getting a place ready and it might be like our house.
Jesus' death also comes up occasionally and we talk about how He died on the cross, that He died to take the punishment for the wrong things we do even though He never did a wrong thing. And that He became alive again and lives in heaven getting ready for us.
Except for Easter when we intentionally read the story to our kids out of their children's Bible, we have always left this conversation up to our son. He asks questions and we answer them simply and honestly, not shying away from the topic. But as I reflected on the loss that family from our church experienced, I thought maybe if it hadn't come up naturally, it's the kind of thing we should bring up to our kids. No matter how young they are, they are likely to experience death in some way -- a distant relative, a pet, even something seen along the side of the road. When we take advantage of these experiences, we don't have to start with those deaths most difficult to explain: an unexpected or tragic loss, or the painful loss of a friend or family member.
Kids this age cannot understand the permanence of death. Their minds just do not wrap around that. One of the difficulties for us in talking about death with our own kids has been the repetition. We are constantly hearing questions about where my dad is, or why he had to die. These topics are not pleasant for me to think about and it's hard to be honest -- but we do our best to share age-appropriately. The repetition is important for our kids, however. Because they cannot grasp the permanence, they compensate with repeated questions, trying to understand and trying to learn. It's hard for us, but necessary for them. Sometimes the repetition is difficult for me emotionally and I figure it's good for my kids to see that I grieve these losses, that I still miss my dad and feel sad that he's gone.
I think there is value in talking to our young children about the reality of death so they can understand the spiritual truth revealed in Jesus Christ's death. But also, if we can use the natural experiences of death through a pet or someone who was not known well, we can better prepare our kids for those losses that are more deeply felt, more deeply grieved and most difficult for us to understand, no matter what our age.
Later that month I was speaking to a group of moms and casually mentioned that our three year old knew of Jesus' death and moms expressed surprise that we had already shared that truth with our child so young. It hadn't occurred to me that it was strange until then -- and I realized that my own life realities had influenced what we had shared with our children and left it at that.
However, this summer a family connected with our church was struck by tragedy and they lost a young daughter, mom and grandma together in a car accident. While I didn't know the family personally, many of my friends are very good friends with the family and they have grieved this loss and been left to explain it to their young children, as well. I mourned for these families and feel for the need they now have to sit with their kids and talk about why their friend is gone. And I was grateful that although it had not become a personal experience for my child, he understands (to the extent a three-year-old can) that death is a natural, inevitable experience for all living things.
And so, as I hurt for my hurting friends, it struck me that while it's a difficult and weird topic to talk about with a preschooler, it might possibly be an important one. This blog is more practical than many I write. Disclaimer, I will be sharing my thoughts and suggestions based on what Erich and I believe the Bible teaches about life, death and what happens after death, but even if you don't agree I think we have some helpful examples.
When my dad's death first came up, we told our son that he had gone to heaven to live with Jesus. That's the standard answer we've given for all the people he's asked about, because fortunately for us, the people he's asked us about have all been followers of Jesus Christ. I'm not exactly sure what we'll say if that becomes different, but I think it will be something along the lines of, "Everyone who has asked Jesus to be the Lord and Leader of his life will go to heaven to live with Jesus. People who did not follow Jesus won't live in heaven."
As our little guy has gotten older, he has asked more questions about death -- when he will die, if he will die, if he'll die after us. We answer all of them simply and honestly -- we don't know when, everybody will die, usually parents go to heaven before kids. I recently heard someone share how he was planning to comfort his daughter over the death of her fish -- that God creates all living things to be here for a time. That's the idea we have also conveyed as well as that for people who follow Him, God invites them to live with Him in heaven when that time is ended.
We've also sometimes answered questions about heaven -- Are there toys? I think probably. Will our house be there? Well, Jesus is getting a place ready and it might be like our house.
Jesus' death also comes up occasionally and we talk about how He died on the cross, that He died to take the punishment for the wrong things we do even though He never did a wrong thing. And that He became alive again and lives in heaven getting ready for us.
Except for Easter when we intentionally read the story to our kids out of their children's Bible, we have always left this conversation up to our son. He asks questions and we answer them simply and honestly, not shying away from the topic. But as I reflected on the loss that family from our church experienced, I thought maybe if it hadn't come up naturally, it's the kind of thing we should bring up to our kids. No matter how young they are, they are likely to experience death in some way -- a distant relative, a pet, even something seen along the side of the road. When we take advantage of these experiences, we don't have to start with those deaths most difficult to explain: an unexpected or tragic loss, or the painful loss of a friend or family member.
Kids this age cannot understand the permanence of death. Their minds just do not wrap around that. One of the difficulties for us in talking about death with our own kids has been the repetition. We are constantly hearing questions about where my dad is, or why he had to die. These topics are not pleasant for me to think about and it's hard to be honest -- but we do our best to share age-appropriately. The repetition is important for our kids, however. Because they cannot grasp the permanence, they compensate with repeated questions, trying to understand and trying to learn. It's hard for us, but necessary for them. Sometimes the repetition is difficult for me emotionally and I figure it's good for my kids to see that I grieve these losses, that I still miss my dad and feel sad that he's gone.
I think there is value in talking to our young children about the reality of death so they can understand the spiritual truth revealed in Jesus Christ's death. But also, if we can use the natural experiences of death through a pet or someone who was not known well, we can better prepare our kids for those losses that are more deeply felt, more deeply grieved and most difficult for us to understand, no matter what our age.
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Big Picture
Being a stay-at-home mom is hard. Let's face it, being a parent is hard. But for me, being a stay-at-home mom is HARD. I love it. I recognize the blessing it is that I can stay home. I love that I get to do fun things with my kids like library visits, museums and walks to the park. I love that I get to be a part of every moment of my kids' development.
But at times, that's hard; there are times when I'd give anything NOT to be a part of every moment. You know the times -- the baby is holding out one of his nesting cups into the stream of pee from your preschooler, so now you have to deal with THAT. Or the preschooler just used the pen he had to write all over your white kitchen cabinets, so now you have to deal with THAT. Or the clinging hands while trying to make dinner, or the never-ending questions and or the desire they have to turn me into a human jungle gym. These are things that I could at times enjoy not being part of.
It's also difficult for me to find joy in the day in day out needs of caring for a family: the endless piles of laundry, the daily emptying and filling of the dishwasher, the menu-planning and food preparation. Between the needs of two small children and keeping up with our home, it's easy enough for me to find drudgery in my role instead of joy. But one day I read this article, and I was reminded of the right perspective.
http://www.momlifetoday.com/
2012/07/kids-i-quit-mom/
There is a bigger picture, and while the daily tasks can be mind-numbing, they are a only a small part of the bigger picture that God is using us to create. I easily get lost in the small things. There are many things that I do that are hard for me; in some ways, I was not wired to be a stay-at-home-mom. At times I question why I went to seminary or got ordained or did this or that, if I'm not using those things. But then, I hear from more experienced moms the encouragement that Erich and I were chosen to be the parents of Soren and Mattias. God gave them to us in His good plan. And not to sound grandiose, I think that God wants me to use my theological training and ministry experience as I parent my children, for they are some of my disciples.
Looking at the larger vision is energizing. It breaths life into even the small chores, the yard work, the ongoing effort to teach basic human niceties. Because when I'm reminding someone that it's not nice to shout in someone's face for the eighth time or again battling about the importance of washing our hands after playing outside, it's nice to know there is a larger purpose. And what I was reminded of by Ms. Eyster is the effect that remembering the "macro amidst the micro" can have.
So now when I reflect on my days, I want to try to focus less on the fact that I did (or didn't) get to the dishes, that I am exhausted by the constant questions or the never-ending potty training. Instead, I am going to frame my efforts within the big picture: I am spending my days teaching two young boys how to get along with and respect others, how to take care of the things they own, how to lend a helping hand. I am hopefully modeling servanthood, joy in work and kindness even when I'm frustrated, tired or angry.
And most of all, I hope I am demonstrating faith in Jesus who saves us and dependence on God who sees the bigger picture even when I can't see it through the mountain of laundry waiting for me. Because SOMEONE needs to remind that there's more than just the mountain in front of me.
But at times, that's hard; there are times when I'd give anything NOT to be a part of every moment. You know the times -- the baby is holding out one of his nesting cups into the stream of pee from your preschooler, so now you have to deal with THAT. Or the preschooler just used the pen he had to write all over your white kitchen cabinets, so now you have to deal with THAT. Or the clinging hands while trying to make dinner, or the never-ending questions and or the desire they have to turn me into a human jungle gym. These are things that I could at times enjoy not being part of.
It's also difficult for me to find joy in the day in day out needs of caring for a family: the endless piles of laundry, the daily emptying and filling of the dishwasher, the menu-planning and food preparation. Between the needs of two small children and keeping up with our home, it's easy enough for me to find drudgery in my role instead of joy. But one day I read this article, and I was reminded of the right perspective.
http://www.momlifetoday.com/
2012/07/kids-i-quit-mom/
There is a bigger picture, and while the daily tasks can be mind-numbing, they are a only a small part of the bigger picture that God is using us to create. I easily get lost in the small things. There are many things that I do that are hard for me; in some ways, I was not wired to be a stay-at-home-mom. At times I question why I went to seminary or got ordained or did this or that, if I'm not using those things. But then, I hear from more experienced moms the encouragement that Erich and I were chosen to be the parents of Soren and Mattias. God gave them to us in His good plan. And not to sound grandiose, I think that God wants me to use my theological training and ministry experience as I parent my children, for they are some of my disciples.
Looking at the larger vision is energizing. It breaths life into even the small chores, the yard work, the ongoing effort to teach basic human niceties. Because when I'm reminding someone that it's not nice to shout in someone's face for the eighth time or again battling about the importance of washing our hands after playing outside, it's nice to know there is a larger purpose. And what I was reminded of by Ms. Eyster is the effect that remembering the "macro amidst the micro" can have.
So now when I reflect on my days, I want to try to focus less on the fact that I did (or didn't) get to the dishes, that I am exhausted by the constant questions or the never-ending potty training. Instead, I am going to frame my efforts within the big picture: I am spending my days teaching two young boys how to get along with and respect others, how to take care of the things they own, how to lend a helping hand. I am hopefully modeling servanthood, joy in work and kindness even when I'm frustrated, tired or angry.
And most of all, I hope I am demonstrating faith in Jesus who saves us and dependence on God who sees the bigger picture even when I can't see it through the mountain of laundry waiting for me. Because SOMEONE needs to remind that there's more than just the mountain in front of me.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Theology of Motherhood: Service in Every Stage
Serving is something about which I am passionate; I have always been blessed by serving others and the testimony of Scripture points us to service as a lifestyle. The example of Christ is one of service -- the ultimate act was His death for us on the cross, but in his living there were many as well. He got in trouble with the religious leaders of the day for ministering to people in need of healing on the Sabbath. The night of his arrest, He served his 12 closest friends by taking on the nastiest job reserved for the lowest household servant: he washed the dirt, manure and sludge-crusted feet of his disciples after a long day of travel. Paul was so overwhelmed by Jesus Christ's example of servanthood that he wrote a beautiful hymn about it, Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant...."
With a three-year-old and a one-year-old, life is hectic and much of my time and energy is focused on them -- and keeping up with their busy energy! By nap time each day, I'm wiped out and the most I can contemplate is sitting on the couch. And the same goes for bedtime. Cleaning the house? Maybe when they're eight. Reading a book? If it's close enough to reach from where I sit. Finally finishing the "craft it forward" project I was supposed to send out last December? Maybe if there's a good show on t.v. and I've had caffeine. So serving someone else?
Actually though, I have been highly involved in serving in a number of areas in my church and other ways even after (actually, since) my kids were born. I'm not saying that to toot my own horn. I have actually come to realize that I may be doing too much. There are a number of reasons for that and I have been blessed by each thing I've done. But now it might be time to reevaluate.
I think it's important to serve, even in this time-consuming phase of mothering young children. And unfortunately, I've heard from lots of moms in my circles who talk about their family as their area of service and ministry. That is so true and I agree with that 100%. My husband and my two boys are people that I am called to bless and encourage and serve. The Bible teaches that parents are to raise their children in the ways and knowledge of God -- my boys are two of my disciples.
The problem is, I think Biblically we see that God has called us to minister beyond our family, as well. When we focus solely on our children (and our husbands), there are problems. First, we are not living our full calling; we are missing out on things God wants to teach us through ministry, ways He wants to stretch us or bless us or shine light into darkness. Second, we are missing out on an opportunity to teach our kids that it's not all about them and to model service for them the way Jesus did for all of us.
Because I have heard so many people talk about their family as their ministry, I think my own mistake has been to commit to do too much and take too much of my energy away from my family. I felt like I had to prove by doing the truth and reality of our call to minister in every stage. I have personally been convicted of that and had that confirmed when my pastor shared something to some moms -- God values mothering. Our world in many ways does not value mothering (particularly the stay-at-home variety). I saw that recently when in an article arguing for work/life/family balance the author states, "dual incomes have become indispensable." Hmm, it was dispensable enough in our family -- though of course we make certain "sacrifices" because of the lower income.
Back to my point though, about learning that God values mothering. I love my kids and love mothering them. But there are days when I do not give that role enough esteem. Instead I wonder what I will do that is more exciting, as I focus on the tasks of the daily grind and lose sight of the big picture. Thankfully, God sees the bigger picture and uses people to remind me of it. I needed to remove the blindspot of undervaluing my own mothering so I can encourage other moms towards service. So, I'm cutting back. Because the truth is, if I do too much, not only does that affect me and my family, I'm taking away the opportunity for others to minister in areas of interest or giftedness.
So, how do we serve in every stage? In what ways can a young mother with little time and emotional energy give? And how do we support those moms who make the sacrifice to give more, in more time -consuming rolls of ministry? I've heard practical examples from many moms. Here are some ideas that range from minimal time commitment to great time commitment -- but all things I know moms do.
- Baking cookies with your kids to deliver to neighbors
- Meals for new parents or someone with medical issues
- Bringing kids to a nursing home or senior center or group home to interact with residents
- Serve in the church nursery once a month
- Sing or play an instrument with the church worship team
- Have brown bags of small water bottles and snack crackers for homeless people if you drive through areas you see them.
- Have your kids go with you to collect cans from neighbors for a food shelf
- Plant flowers for senior center, city park or a neighbor
- Volunteer with a youth organization or your church
- Lead a moms group
- Do occasional babysitting for a single parent or parents who need it
- Send a note to someone who needs encouragement
- Pack a box with your kids for Operation Christmas Child
What ideas do you have?
Another way to serve is to encourage and serve moms who are serving. Some moms give a lot of their time and energy to serve, committing to ongoing service or big responsibility roles. Encouraging them is an act of service we busy moms can take on:
- Watch her kids while she does some of the tasks of her role
- Write a note thanking her for all she does
- Pray for or with her
- Offer to help with a one time need
- Affirm the use of her gifts, talents and abilities in specific ways
- If she serves in a way that blesses you personally, share how it has impacted you
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Ten Years
Ten years ago today, the world stopped. Just back the night before from leading a youth trip, I was visiting with a friend when I got a voicemail from my mom vaguely telling me, "There's been an accident. Dad's hurt. There's an ambulance here. Please come home." My stomach dropped so low I think it was in my feet. My mind raced and my heart thumped. My friend graciously offered to drive me home so I wasn't driving into the unknown alone.
The 30 minute drive was a lifetime of questions and fear. What happened? Was it serious? How serious? As we be pulled close to the house and my mom ran out the door with my sister close behind, I knew. Before the words were even said I was crumpled on the grass knowing it was the worst kind of serious I could imagine -- my dad was gone. The three of us huddled in the front yard sobbing, then moved inside where the details began to emerge.
Despite the passing of ten years and the foggy cloudiness of grief, these details come back to me as though they just happened. Even now, my body is shaking and the tears are running down my face as a write. I remember that day so vividly, with so much detail. Of course, because the world had stopped.
I have spent much of the last week remembering my dad and the course of events of that week. Between Father's Day, when I last saw my dad and his death the following Sunday, one day shy of his 50th birthday, there are a lot of moments to mark; I've looked at pictures, read the cards and notes from people and reflected on my loss in the past and for today as well as the hidden blessings.
One year out of college, I was just 23 when my dad died. I never really got to have an adult relationship with him. We enjoyed conversations and activities together, but were just beginning to enjoy that as two adults. I had just transitioned from two part-time jobs to a full-time job doing something I loved and felt called to do, and he only got to see me do it for a few months. My dad wasn't there to help me buy my first house, walk me down the aisle on my wedding day or watch me graduate from seminary. My dad was profoundly missed on the day of my ordination. He wasn't around to help when we replaced our fence, our roof, or when we bought our first car. I have longed for his sparkling smile on each of these occasions. My dad didn't get to see the woman my sister has become: she loves her husband well (she's an example to me), she has an amazing gift interacting with children, she works hard and is dependable. But she was most of those things even as a teenager, so I guess Dad knows. I've wished for his advice and insight countless times. I miss him on mundane days when it just hits me again how much I wish he was here.
Most of all though, I wish my boys would have had the opportunity to know their Grandpa Dan. I wish so much that I could see him playing catch with them, or giving them rides on the real tractor we'd probably still have (not just the riding law mower). I would love to be able to hear him read them stories or tell them silly jokes. He would be one of their biggest cheerleaders. He would be their chief spoiler (though I'm sure it would drive me crazy). He'd teach them how to be a cowboy and drive home the importance of professional speech (when the time came). He would love them by serving them, just like he did me and my mom and sister. Only we didn't always understand that love language until he was gone.
But that is one of the hidden blessings -- we can look at all he did to take care of us and know that he was telling us just how much he loved us. And while I would give almost anything to have my dad back in my daily life, there are many hidden blessing we gained from our loss; God is good and faithful in that. My family and I experienced the Body of Christ ministering to and comforting us from the day my dad died. I couldn't believe the response from our church family as they arrived at our house in droves that afternoon just to be with us in our grief.
This week as I re-read all the cards that people sent to me in the days and weeks following my dad's death I was struck at how simply and honestly and willingly people shared what my dad meant to them. Friends of mine who barely knew him. People who didn't know us but had worked with my dad. It truly was a blessing to know the kind of impact my dad's life had -- and we would have likely never heard these things another way.
While most of that first summer after my dad died is a blur, I learned a lot about myself and my faith in God was deepened considerably. I learned what great friends do for someone in crisis as I experienced the blessing of their friendships personally. I learned what things are most comforting and helpful to someone in times of loss and seek to demonstrate those actions when someone I know is grieving -- as we are encouraged to do in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. I learned a lot about my dad as a boy and young man as I heard his family and friends share stories together.
Ten years ago, my world stopped. But just as it does, the world began to move again. And even though I wish things were different, I learned that God truly does work for good in all things.
The 30 minute drive was a lifetime of questions and fear. What happened? Was it serious? How serious? As we be pulled close to the house and my mom ran out the door with my sister close behind, I knew. Before the words were even said I was crumpled on the grass knowing it was the worst kind of serious I could imagine -- my dad was gone. The three of us huddled in the front yard sobbing, then moved inside where the details began to emerge.
Despite the passing of ten years and the foggy cloudiness of grief, these details come back to me as though they just happened. Even now, my body is shaking and the tears are running down my face as a write. I remember that day so vividly, with so much detail. Of course, because the world had stopped.
I have spent much of the last week remembering my dad and the course of events of that week. Between Father's Day, when I last saw my dad and his death the following Sunday, one day shy of his 50th birthday, there are a lot of moments to mark; I've looked at pictures, read the cards and notes from people and reflected on my loss in the past and for today as well as the hidden blessings.
One year out of college, I was just 23 when my dad died. I never really got to have an adult relationship with him. We enjoyed conversations and activities together, but were just beginning to enjoy that as two adults. I had just transitioned from two part-time jobs to a full-time job doing something I loved and felt called to do, and he only got to see me do it for a few months. My dad wasn't there to help me buy my first house, walk me down the aisle on my wedding day or watch me graduate from seminary. My dad was profoundly missed on the day of my ordination. He wasn't around to help when we replaced our fence, our roof, or when we bought our first car. I have longed for his sparkling smile on each of these occasions. My dad didn't get to see the woman my sister has become: she loves her husband well (she's an example to me), she has an amazing gift interacting with children, she works hard and is dependable. But she was most of those things even as a teenager, so I guess Dad knows. I've wished for his advice and insight countless times. I miss him on mundane days when it just hits me again how much I wish he was here.
Most of all though, I wish my boys would have had the opportunity to know their Grandpa Dan. I wish so much that I could see him playing catch with them, or giving them rides on the real tractor we'd probably still have (not just the riding law mower). I would love to be able to hear him read them stories or tell them silly jokes. He would be one of their biggest cheerleaders. He would be their chief spoiler (though I'm sure it would drive me crazy). He'd teach them how to be a cowboy and drive home the importance of professional speech (when the time came). He would love them by serving them, just like he did me and my mom and sister. Only we didn't always understand that love language until he was gone.
But that is one of the hidden blessings -- we can look at all he did to take care of us and know that he was telling us just how much he loved us. And while I would give almost anything to have my dad back in my daily life, there are many hidden blessing we gained from our loss; God is good and faithful in that. My family and I experienced the Body of Christ ministering to and comforting us from the day my dad died. I couldn't believe the response from our church family as they arrived at our house in droves that afternoon just to be with us in our grief.
This week as I re-read all the cards that people sent to me in the days and weeks following my dad's death I was struck at how simply and honestly and willingly people shared what my dad meant to them. Friends of mine who barely knew him. People who didn't know us but had worked with my dad. It truly was a blessing to know the kind of impact my dad's life had -- and we would have likely never heard these things another way.
While most of that first summer after my dad died is a blur, I learned a lot about myself and my faith in God was deepened considerably. I learned what great friends do for someone in crisis as I experienced the blessing of their friendships personally. I learned what things are most comforting and helpful to someone in times of loss and seek to demonstrate those actions when someone I know is grieving -- as we are encouraged to do in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. I learned a lot about my dad as a boy and young man as I heard his family and friends share stories together.
Ten years ago, my world stopped. But just as it does, the world began to move again. And even though I wish things were different, I learned that God truly does work for good in all things.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Holy Week Family Activities Part 2
I wanted to write a follow-up post after we tried out these activities. It was such a powerful experience and so rich with meaning that I want to have it down as one of our family memories. Soren seems to really have grasped some of the truths we were aiming to teach over the week.
Thursday as we washed each others' feet after reading the account of the last supper in our Bible Storybook, the boys enjoyed playing, but Soren also took a turn washing our feet. Friday, we read the story of Jesus' crucifixion and Saturday, we did a short candlelight ceremony. The first night, I began to lead us in a closing prayer when Soren said he wanted to. Each night he closed our times in prayer; sweet, simple prayers of thanksgiving. His ability to synthesize what we had talked about in those prayers astounded me. It blessed me and moved me to hear these simple prayers of truth.
In hearing this deepening understanding in my son, this Holy Week and Easter Sunday has had an impact on me. I have gained a richer understanding of the events of Jesus' life that we remember this week. It has brought me so much joy to watch Soren's understanding grow. I have gained from hearing things through the faith and words of a child, to know in the simplest way these powerful truths.
Thanks be to God. He is risen!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Holy Week Family Activites
I want to repost this idea page as I am looking over it myself to think about how we want to celebrate Easter and Holy Week. We got out some of our Easter books and decorations last week, so now the Easter bunny is coming up in conversation and I want to redirect the focus on to what we as a family are truly celebrating -- Jesus' death and resurrection! So, here is the post, with some updates in italics:
Time sure has gotten away from me. I have so much to catch up on, but with Palm Sunday just two days away, I want to get this one out there. I think it was last year that I decided I wanted to do more with our family to celebrate or mark Holy Week. Beyond Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday we've never done a whole lot. And yet, if you look at that week in Jesus' life so much happened to him and among his disciples that it's something I wanted to change in our celebration.
Our oldest son is now old enough to enjoy doing some participatory learning activities and get something out of them. And our youngest loves participating and doing what big brother does -- and he'll learn, too. So I started thinking about things I want to do. The Good Friday service is late by the standards of our kids' bedtimes, so I started there, wanting to do something. Then I realized that Jesus washing his disciples' feet was part of the Last Supper the night before his death. I've been part of foot washing "ceremonies" before and they are so powerful, I thought that would be a meaningful way to have our family participate together. From there, I looked online for some other ways to celebrate and remember the events of that week in age appropriate ways. I hope you find this helpful if you're looking for things to do yourself.
This was the starting point for the most helpful ideas. http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/easter/features/activities.html
From there, I am adapting them to be more age-appropriate as many of the suggestions are for school-age kids. This link is no longer active. It was so good! Grrr.
We *may* add pretzel making this year; I'll see how ambitious I feel. Another idea, from one I modified, a prayer walk through our neighborhood. Getting out in our neighborhood and praying for the people who live around us and helping the boys learn how to pray for others.
I'd love to hear what you do with your family, whether you try some of these or share a new idea with me. I'm looking for more! Let us encourage one another.
Time sure has gotten away from me. I have so much to catch up on, but with Palm Sunday just two days away, I want to get this one out there. I think it was last year that I decided I wanted to do more with our family to celebrate or mark Holy Week. Beyond Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday we've never done a whole lot. And yet, if you look at that week in Jesus' life so much happened to him and among his disciples that it's something I wanted to change in our celebration.
Our oldest son is now old enough to enjoy doing some participatory learning activities and get something out of them. And our youngest loves participating and doing what big brother does -- and he'll learn, too. So I started thinking about things I want to do. The Good Friday service is late by the standards of our kids' bedtimes, so I started there, wanting to do something. Then I realized that Jesus washing his disciples' feet was part of the Last Supper the night before his death. I've been part of foot washing "ceremonies" before and they are so powerful, I thought that would be a meaningful way to have our family participate together. From there, I looked online for some other ways to celebrate and remember the events of that week in age appropriate ways. I hope you find this helpful if you're looking for things to do yourself.
This was the starting point for the most helpful ideas. http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/easter/features/activities.html
From there, I am adapting them to be more age-appropriate as many of the suggestions are for school-age kids. This link is no longer active. It was so good! Grrr.
Palm Sunday
We'll attend church. If we decide to do more than that, it will be to act out the processional into Jerusalem as we read the account from Scripture. We'll use palm branch color sheets for the boys to color on, cut them out and sing, "Hosanna!"
Thursday
We'll do a foot washing ceremony, taking turns washing each others' feet. We'll talk about what Jesus did for his disciples and what it means. As our sons get older, we'll reenact the Last Supper more fully.
Good Friday
We'll read the story out of our children's Bible of Jesus' arrest and death.
Saturday
A Festival of Light service, with a reading shortened or modified from the link above. This is one thing I wish I'd kept from last year, since I can't find the page anymore!
Resurrection Sunday
Easter service
We'll do the regular Easter bunny thing, but I've already begun talking about what we are really celebrating on Easter. I want our kids to know what this holiday truly means to our family and why we recognize it. We do a lot of jelly beans, so we may do this:
In a plastic egg: Jelly Beans that are the following colors
- black : Stands for the darkness of our lives before Jesus when we were still in sin
- red: Stands for Jesus shed blood
- white: Stands for our sins that are washed away
- yellow: Stands for streets of gold in heaven
- green: Stands for growing in Jesus
This is our start. I loved many of the other ideas from the website for other days, particularly making pretzels as a reminder of our connection to God through prayer and the account of Jesus being anointed. My hope is that we'll add more activities as part of our celebration as our kids get older. This is a small way to make sure our focus is on the right thing during this holiday season.
I'd love to hear what you do with your family, whether you try some of these or share a new idea with me. I'm looking for more! Let us encourage one another.
Friday, February 3, 2012
No Quiet Room
This week in my Bible study, we read Acts 19-21, and as I read some commentary I was struck by a point of the author commenting on Paul's ministry in Ephesus, "Paul had no quiet room and hours of leisure for writing." Yet he was a prolific writer, a fierce encourager and a passionate teacher/evangelist for the cause of Christ.
As I read, it struck me, "That sounds like motherhood!" Most days I have no quiet room or hours of leisure to spend in the kind of prayer, Bible study, blogging that I would like. And yet I'm guessing from how Paul writes of his work hours and what I know of the housing situations of the time period, I'm certain Paul had it worse then me. And yet he was one of the greatest messengers of the gospel EVER! He was used by God to grow the circle of believers out of Jerusalem, in to Antioch, through the Middle East and in to Europe. The Roman world went from pagan, cultic worship to predominately Christian within 300 years, because of the work of Paul. Roman gods and goddesses are long forgotten outside of history books and tours of the temple ruins and Jesus Christ is honored around the world because Paul worked and taught and encouraged and discipled tirelessly for the name of God.
And I think I have no space for quiet prayer? I complain about the time I have for Bible study or ministry or service?
Yes, I am in the thick of a difficult phase of mothering. My children are time consuming, focus-taking, delightful little creatures. They need help, nurturing, teaching, discipline, and loving attention. Yes, I am completely drained each night and never make it to a morning where I wish my kids didn't sleep later. But I'm convicted that maybe I'm not using the time I have to its fullest. Maybe I need to focus less on having a quiet room and more on using the room I have. Maybe I need to reconsider how I think about ministry, service and discipleship and how that fits in my life.
Paul wrote some of the richest, most doctrinal letters in the Bible. He invested in the lives of men and women with great purpose and success, while staying in the homes of others (not his own) and working as a tentmaker to provide his own living. He knows what my life is like. And he modeled his life after Jesus, who experienced much the same life, with no quiet room or leisurely hours. While certainly there is a need for such times of quiet, the space for leisurely writing or rest. And I just read a great blog about that need for rest:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thinplaces/
But if I want to be a devoted follower of Christ (and I do), then I must model my faith even when the rubber is pounding the road, my kids are asking to play or I'm exhausted and craving a warm bed. Because like Paul, sometimes I have no quiet room.
As I read, it struck me, "That sounds like motherhood!" Most days I have no quiet room or hours of leisure to spend in the kind of prayer, Bible study, blogging that I would like. And yet I'm guessing from how Paul writes of his work hours and what I know of the housing situations of the time period, I'm certain Paul had it worse then me. And yet he was one of the greatest messengers of the gospel EVER! He was used by God to grow the circle of believers out of Jerusalem, in to Antioch, through the Middle East and in to Europe. The Roman world went from pagan, cultic worship to predominately Christian within 300 years, because of the work of Paul. Roman gods and goddesses are long forgotten outside of history books and tours of the temple ruins and Jesus Christ is honored around the world because Paul worked and taught and encouraged and discipled tirelessly for the name of God.
And I think I have no space for quiet prayer? I complain about the time I have for Bible study or ministry or service?
Yes, I am in the thick of a difficult phase of mothering. My children are time consuming, focus-taking, delightful little creatures. They need help, nurturing, teaching, discipline, and loving attention. Yes, I am completely drained each night and never make it to a morning where I wish my kids didn't sleep later. But I'm convicted that maybe I'm not using the time I have to its fullest. Maybe I need to focus less on having a quiet room and more on using the room I have. Maybe I need to reconsider how I think about ministry, service and discipleship and how that fits in my life.
Paul wrote some of the richest, most doctrinal letters in the Bible. He invested in the lives of men and women with great purpose and success, while staying in the homes of others (not his own) and working as a tentmaker to provide his own living. He knows what my life is like. And he modeled his life after Jesus, who experienced much the same life, with no quiet room or leisurely hours. While certainly there is a need for such times of quiet, the space for leisurely writing or rest. And I just read a great blog about that need for rest:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thinplaces/
But if I want to be a devoted follower of Christ (and I do), then I must model my faith even when the rubber is pounding the road, my kids are asking to play or I'm exhausted and craving a warm bed. Because like Paul, sometimes I have no quiet room.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Anticipating the Savior
I spoke at a women's Christmas tea in December. As I was preparing for my talk I was moved by some insights I had about the way the Hebrew people viewed the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah.
It was something they thought about constantly; they were on the lookout for this savior (Luke 3:15). There were hundreds of prophecies about the promised Messiah, like Is 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
I was struck by the longing expressed as I read some of the ways people looked for and put their faith in the coming Messiah. I was struck by the longing expressed in Christmas carols like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Now that the Messiah has come, we have more to expect and put our hope in from God. God made many promises (Noah Gen 6, Abraham 12:1-3 and 15:1-6 and many more) and the greatest promises were the Messiah and His imminent return (Matt 16:27-28,). Just as the Hebrew people looked for the coming savior in the days before Jesus’ life, Christians now are to be waiting with great expectation for His triumphant return.
As I was preparing to speak and studying the prophecies about the Messiah and the Israelites' hope in the coming One it occurred to me that we can and are called to have that same hope and that same longing for the promised return!
We have been told by Jesus Himself that He will return. I know that promise, but rarely do I think about it and certainly it is a rare moment when it effects how I live my life or view my world or circumstances. How different my response is than that of many of the Jews, who were constantly watching for the appearance of the promised Messiah. They cried to God for his arrival. And a few of them were sensitive enough to God’s heart and purposes to see the Light upon his quiet, humble arrival(Zechariah, Luke 1:68 and following, Simeon in Luke 2:25-33, Mary, the wise men, all recounted in Luke's gospel).
Oh, that my life would echo with the kind of longing I hear in the the prayer, "O come Emmanuel!" so that I would pray, "O, come again, Savior!"
It was something they thought about constantly; they were on the lookout for this savior (Luke 3:15). There were hundreds of prophecies about the promised Messiah, like Is 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
I was struck by the longing expressed as I read some of the ways people looked for and put their faith in the coming Messiah. I was struck by the longing expressed in Christmas carols like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Now that the Messiah has come, we have more to expect and put our hope in from God. God made many promises (Noah Gen 6, Abraham 12:1-3 and 15:1-6 and many more) and the greatest promises were the Messiah and His imminent return (Matt 16:27-28,). Just as the Hebrew people looked for the coming savior in the days before Jesus’ life, Christians now are to be waiting with great expectation for His triumphant return.
As I was preparing to speak and studying the prophecies about the Messiah and the Israelites' hope in the coming One it occurred to me that we can and are called to have that same hope and that same longing for the promised return!
We have been told by Jesus Himself that He will return. I know that promise, but rarely do I think about it and certainly it is a rare moment when it effects how I live my life or view my world or circumstances. How different my response is than that of many of the Jews, who were constantly watching for the appearance of the promised Messiah. They cried to God for his arrival. And a few of them were sensitive enough to God’s heart and purposes to see the Light upon his quiet, humble arrival(Zechariah, Luke 1:68 and following, Simeon in Luke 2:25-33, Mary, the wise men, all recounted in Luke's gospel).
Oh, that my life would echo with the kind of longing I hear in the the prayer, "O come Emmanuel!" so that I would pray, "O, come again, Savior!"
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