Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Unfolding
We live in "hurricane country." As the season approaches, we will be encouraged at every turn to prepare for the possibility of severe weather. There are many things to consider. If we lose access to electricity, how can we function? How can we protect our home from damage? Those who have planned are better off than those who haven't.
A few years ago, I purchased a set of small flashlights that were connected to a short chains and pocket clips. During one of our storms in the past, I gave one to each member of the family when our power was out. That way, each of us could sleep knowing that if we needed to be up in the total darkness of our home in the night, all we had to do was reach down and turn on the tiny light clipped to our clothing. We would have just enough illumination to find our way.
The Bible is like that. We know that the "hurricanes" of life will come. How will be find our way in the confusion of uncertainty? How can we see clearly what our direction should be? If we have taken care to have God's Word in our hearts, we can reach in and find just enough light to find our way, one step at a time.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Different Gifts
Anyone for boating? Not in just any boat; how about those small water craft that have bicycle-like pedals in the floor to insure you of a slow, joyous ride with minimal effort? (Did I say minimal?) While enjoying just such a craft, I was finding several opportunities to photograph my surroundings. A snow white bird nearby presented itself for a midday portrait. I love these creatures with hook shaped bills. Entire flocks land in our yard on occasion, relentlessly pecking and searching for insects to satisfy their hunger.
Recently, some passages in Romans, chapter twelve, were brought to my attention. Verses 5 and 6a state, "..so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." In Eugene Peterson's The Message, these ideas are related in this way: "So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't."
I can't say for sure, but I somehow doubt that my hook-billed friend worries about not being a blue bird, a sea gull or perhaps even a sand hill crane. He just goes about his business, using that giant combination of nose and mouth to do just what he is meant to do. After all, isn't white as beautiful in God's eyes as blue? Aren't hook bills as lovely as tiny orange beaks?
How many times have I been hesitant to "be what God made me to be" because of fear of rejection or lack of confidence? How could I have ignored the realization that I am happiest doing what God has gifted me to do?
God is a God of second chances and of loving patience as we find our way and discover who He has made us to be.
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