Monday, March 14, 2005
Our church and our Bible class are both studying the book of Ecclesiates.
As a stay at home mom, I find it both validating and overwhelming. I appreciate that Solomon went ahead of me and shared his finding: money, status, sucess, is "all meaningless." I am challenged by the way he balances it out. No excuses for laziness!
I also am humbled to hear him say that, to find enjoyment and happiness in things life has brought me, is a gift of God. I enjoy life a lot: two beautiful girls, Bradford pears in blossom, our trunkless tree in bud, birds at the birdfeeder, a husband who makes me love him because of his love for me....I could go on. To know that my capacity to enjoy all of this, in and of itself is a gift of God to me, is overwhelming me with humility and gratitude. No pride for my "choosing" of better things, or my "wisdom" to "stop and smell the roses". It is all a gift. Thanks, Lord.!
However, Solomon's message is overwhelming: everyday, I have the opportunity to practice: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have the opportunity to model to my girls to pursue things of value, rather than meaningless. I have a responsibility to help them understand that this life has an ending, but in Jesus, their choices will carry over to eternity to bless them (or not---that is terrifying!)
Everyday, the world opens up anew, and I am helping them chart the course, to stop and see and receive the blessings God has given, to discover the capacity both innate and given, to enjoy God and His world and His truths and the insights He imparts to our spirits. I don't always make such profound choices for myself, but it is my current job to help them do this. Overwhelming, but a privilige.
Lord, Thanks, and Help! Please empower me with Your Spirit to make choices that will also guide my girls to see You, embrace You, and choose lives of meaning. Thank you that you have given us Jesus, and thus we see things Solomon did not, and can go beyond this temporary world. Please continue to bless me, and please bless my girls, with the ability to enjoy the gifts of life.
As a stay at home mom, I find it both validating and overwhelming. I appreciate that Solomon went ahead of me and shared his finding: money, status, sucess, is "all meaningless." I am challenged by the way he balances it out. No excuses for laziness!
I also am humbled to hear him say that, to find enjoyment and happiness in things life has brought me, is a gift of God. I enjoy life a lot: two beautiful girls, Bradford pears in blossom, our trunkless tree in bud, birds at the birdfeeder, a husband who makes me love him because of his love for me....I could go on. To know that my capacity to enjoy all of this, in and of itself is a gift of God to me, is overwhelming me with humility and gratitude. No pride for my "choosing" of better things, or my "wisdom" to "stop and smell the roses". It is all a gift. Thanks, Lord.!
However, Solomon's message is overwhelming: everyday, I have the opportunity to practice: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I have the opportunity to model to my girls to pursue things of value, rather than meaningless. I have a responsibility to help them understand that this life has an ending, but in Jesus, their choices will carry over to eternity to bless them (or not---that is terrifying!)
Everyday, the world opens up anew, and I am helping them chart the course, to stop and see and receive the blessings God has given, to discover the capacity both innate and given, to enjoy God and His world and His truths and the insights He imparts to our spirits. I don't always make such profound choices for myself, but it is my current job to help them do this. Overwhelming, but a privilige.
Lord, Thanks, and Help! Please empower me with Your Spirit to make choices that will also guide my girls to see You, embrace You, and choose lives of meaning. Thank you that you have given us Jesus, and thus we see things Solomon did not, and can go beyond this temporary world. Please continue to bless me, and please bless my girls, with the ability to enjoy the gifts of life.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Kids. Pets. Cleaning. Sometimes it is enough to know what something is not, rather than what it is. Pet lovers know what I am talking about. :-)
I can see that application in medical terms.
I am thinking about how it applies spiritually. I think at least one thing is this: we are warned in scripture to be on guard, to be discerning. Knowing scripture....knowing God, revealed through His word....well enough, to see something and know it is not of Him, saves us a lot of time in areas He would not have us dwell (or which would otherwise be dangerous, depending on which way you take the illustration).
I am thankful that not everything warrents my thorough attention until I feel it is resolved. Sometimes, a look and a quick tending to is enough. Sometimes, other things are more important, and we can move on quickly. It is good to be able to "just not worry about it!"
Lord, Help me know you and your word well enough to know You, and what is of You and what is not, and if "here" is where you would have me spend my time.
I can see that application in medical terms.
I am thinking about how it applies spiritually. I think at least one thing is this: we are warned in scripture to be on guard, to be discerning. Knowing scripture....knowing God, revealed through His word....well enough, to see something and know it is not of Him, saves us a lot of time in areas He would not have us dwell (or which would otherwise be dangerous, depending on which way you take the illustration).
I am thankful that not everything warrents my thorough attention until I feel it is resolved. Sometimes, a look and a quick tending to is enough. Sometimes, other things are more important, and we can move on quickly. It is good to be able to "just not worry about it!"
Lord, Help me know you and your word well enough to know You, and what is of You and what is not, and if "here" is where you would have me spend my time.
