gifts

We have different gifts... ~ Romans 12:6

I love music, and musicians. Their habits are endearing: in every free moment, strumming, humming, spontaneously breaking into harmony. Beautiful. What a gift! I confess, I envy them.

How lovely, discovering that writing has become music, to me. I steal away with my laptop and thesaurus every chance I get. Thoughts of my various projects keep me awake at night, and I don't mind; can't wait to get up, get back to work. Not that it's always easy. The darker moments are interesting challenges, though—never drudgery. What a gift, indeed. Thank you, God, for making life interesting.

My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. ~ Psalm 45:1, NKJV

heaven on earth

...set your hearts on things above... ~ Colossians 3:1

Jesus rose, conquering sin and death. And yet, we remain mortal. This infernal gravity weighs us down. Why did he leave us here? What's the purpose of this span of time, between Jesus' first coming, and his second? Shepherding: We are to proclaim the message of salvation, gathering as many stray sheep as possible. Each of our lives should be an invitation, an enticement. We are to offer comfort and practical help, share in the sufferings of Christ, exhibit love, mercy, grace. Engage. Forgive as we've been forgiven. Encourage and pray for our church families. Listen well. Appreciate each other's differences. Read, study, worship. Enjoy God's goodness. And, work! Individually and as a team, God has specific work for each of us to do, with Him; work that pertains to our character, as well as to the world in which we live. It's all prep for the next life: Eternity 101. Believing Heaven, we overcome the world.

freedom from anxiety

After a period of relative calm, pressure is beginning to build.We are more than fine; everybody's healthy, happy, well-adjusted. And yet, last night, as three metaphorical eighteen-wheelers—purveyors of Life Stuff—converged in our living room to dump their loads, I felt anxiety's noose begin to tighten. Narrowly escaping a panic attack through prayer, I was able to cast it off. How amazing that Jesus Christ frees us from worry; IF, of course, we want that kind of freedom. God, help me to resolutely choose the peace that comes from trusting you, as all of this new stuff unfolds.  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7

four-oh

Biblically, the number forty is meaningful, signifying a time of trial followed by blessing. Forty also happens to be the half-way milestone in in the average human lifespan. Surprisingly, forty is refreshing. At forty-four, I notice my life coming into focus. I have a better understanding of what matters more than anything else: the people God has placed in my life—some permanently; others, like passing ships. I am more forgetful, but thankfully, less judgmental. Although driven by an urgency to make the most of the time I have left, peace guards my heart. God will do with me, as he will do. Meanwhile, I am bent on enjoying the ride.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10