WHAT IS A PASTOR

I rarely read the blog written by our pastor until after I have written mine and the pastor does not see mine until it is posted.  We do not want people to think we collaborated.  This week I broke with tradition (Gasp! Gasp!) and read Pastor Larry’s blog.

Please read FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK at https://larry-fromthepastorsdesk.blogspot.com/

From his blog:  “However, God was in control.  I learned that God was calling me to be a pastor.  As a pastor, I would have to preach, but I was a pastor.  Just like that, I went from someone who had no use for the ministry to someone who was sold out to the ministry.”

He is Pastor Larry.  From the first time I met him, it was PASTOR.  His blog got me to thinking and, he will tell you, he gets very nervous when I start thinking.  After five years, he is still trying to figure out how I think.  (Note to Pastor Larry:  Give up.  You will never figure me out.)

Exactly what is a Pastor?  Isn’t that the same as a Preacher?  Or a Minister?  Or a Reverend?  The dictionary provided a few clues.

Preacher:  a person who delivers a sermon publicly; one whose function is to preach sermons.  Well, he does deliver a sermon publicly, but that is not his main function.

Minister:  one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship; a clergyman or clergywoman.  Well, he does officiate during the worship service.  He oversees communion, weddings, baptisms, and funerals, but those are occasional and do not consume all of his time.

Reverend:  of or relating to the clergy.  Reverend is an official title earned from years of study.  I am sure many letters come addressed to Reverend Larry Wade, but he still prefers Pastor.

Preacher, Minister, and Reverend are all used to describe persons in the clergy, but, honestly, they do not fit Pastor Larry.  So why does “Pastor” suit him? 

Pastor:  (noun) a spiritual overseer, especially a clergyman serving a local church or parish and Pastoral:  (adjective) of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation.

And there it is.  As plain as day.  He likes the term Pastor because he serves at a local church and likes to tell us what to do.

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A pastor has knowledge and understanding.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.  Jeremiah 3:15

A pastor equips the body of Christ to service.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.   Ephesians 4:11-13

A pastor is an example and will be rewarded.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.  1 Peter 5:2-4

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I do believe his Aunt Evie heard Acts 1:7-8 this way:  “It is not for you to know the time or date the Father will set his authority on Larry.  But he will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on him; and he will be my witness in Tennessee, Florida, Ohio and Indiana and to the ends of the earth.”

I would like to use 2 Corinthians 4:5 this way:

Pastor Larry, you preach not for yourself, but for Jesus Christ as Lord, and you are a servant for Jesus’ sake.

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Pastor Larry,

May the love, peace, and strength of Jesus Christ surround you as you pastor to the family of a lifelong friend.  May memories surround your grief and bring you comfort.

Mary

THE WHOLE BOOK

Have you ever testified in court?  You have to raise your hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  You no longer have to say, “So help me God.” 

Our son-in-law sent a scripture, Hebrews 6:4-6, and said it was confusing and he had never noticed this verse before.  I told him I would look it up.  I also told him I had the same thing happen to me on a verse about Noah. 

How could I have missed it?  All the times I had read about Noah.  All the times I had heard about Noah.  And yet, someone posted on Facebook that Noah did not shut the door to the ark.  What?  If not Noah, then who?

Genesis 7:16 The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah.  Then the LORD shut him in.

Now doesn’t that beat all?  I always pictured Noah and family pulling and struggling to get that door shut and here the LORD did it.  Bet the LORD didn’t struggle!  Bet the door started up and firmly shut.  Bet Noah was glad!

How could I have missed this?  Sometimes, parts of the Bible are so familiar we rush through them.  We do not ponder them.  And we miss the image of the LORD tucking Noah, his family, and the animals into the ark as if He was tucking his children into bed.

But why do things in the Bible confuse us?

Let’s be honest.  The Bible can be very.. very confusing.  Sometimes it does not make sense.  Sometimes no matter how often we read a passage, we do not understand it.  We cannot figure it out.  I did look into the verses our son-in-law referenced and sent him a few notes.  Then I told him to read the verses before and after. 

Hebrews 6:4-6 is scary.  It sounds like it is impossible for those once enlightened and fallen away to be brought back to repentance.  They are compared to worthless land which only produces thorns and thistles, they are in danger of being cursed, and they will be burned.  Oh my.  Oh my.  No hope.  No hope.  This is very scary because I have “been enlightened” and I still sin.  Am I in danger of being cursed?  Am I nothing more than thistles and thorns?

(Pretend you are listening to a TV infomercial.)  BUT WAIT!  The next verses offer hope.  Verse 9 - 12 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case – the things that have to do with salvation.  God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The next verses get even better.  Read them when you have time.

When the scripture is confusing or scary or does not make sense, read all the verses involved.  You might have to read a whole chapter or two or even a whole Book to understand one single verse.  You might even have to read it twice.  Or three times.  You also have an excellent resource called the Minister/Pastor/Preacher.  Do not be afraid to ask questions.

I closed my note to my favorite son-in-law this way:

Don’t ya love the Bible?  It is all of life in one place:  mystery, romance, questions, answers, great grief, great joy, and salvation.  And it takes a lifetime to understand it.

Keep reading.  Keep discovering.  Keep asking questions.  Keep finding answers.

 GETTING OLDER

No, it is not my birthday so you do not have to go shopping.  Getting older – are you ready? – is a daily process.  When the clock strikes midnight, I am a day older.  When the clock strikes midnight tonight, I will be 27,245 days old. 

Oh my.  That is a really big number.  There are probably that many quotes on getting older.

• “The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”  Frank Lloyd Wright
• “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.  Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”  Albert Einstein
• “People ask me what I’d most appreciate getting for my eighty-seventh birthday.  I tell them, a paternity suit.”  George Burns
• “I suppose real old age begins when one looks backward rather than forward.”  Mary Sarton
• “I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a lot more as they get older, and then it dawned on me – they’re cramming for their final exam.”  George Carlin

I like – really like -- this one.  Maggie Kuhn stated, “Old age is an excellent time for outrage.  My goal is to say or do at least one outrageous thing every week.”

Over and over we hear:  Old age is no place for sissies.

The other day, while getting my hair cut, I heard a new one and it made me look at getting older in a whole new way.  Apparently, this was first recorded on the masthead of the Gettysburg Times, in 1952. 

DO NOT REGRET GROWING OLDER.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE DENIED TO MANY.

Getting old – a privilege?  Feet that do not want to work right – a privilege?  That weird old age skin – a privilege?  Less hair – a privilege?  Hearing loss, arthritis, squeaky joints, thicker glasses, and a whole list of other “older” conditions – a privilege? 

GROWING OLDER A PRIVILEGE?  YES!  YES!  YES!

When the clock strikes midnight, I am a day older.  I AM A DAY OLDER!  I have another chance to

• see a sunrise and a sunset,
• tell my family I love them,
• receive hugs from my grandkids,
• enjoy lunch with a friend and drink one more glass of wine,
• read a book, watch a good movie, and work another puzzle,
• sip that cup of coffee while watching the waves come onto shore,
• travel and marvel at god’s creations – especially buffalos,
• do or say something outrageous,
• be curious and learn,

and,

• allow my faith to grow.

I absolutely understand that getting older does not always seem to be a privilege.  Illness can take away physical abilities and dementia can steal a mind.  BUT, for as long as I can, I now choose to consider growing older a privilege which many are denied.  I choose to look at each day as an opportunity.  I choose to be outrageous and bold.  I choose to love and celebrate each gift God provides from the stroke of one midnight to the next midnight to the next midnight.

 

 

ONE FRIDAY NIGHT

I remember it like it was yesterday.  I had Friday and Monday off work!  A long weekend and the weather report was HOT.  And more HOT.  I do not do HOT.  I can do warm and sorta toasty, but hot – nope.  Hot means I melt. 

That Friday morning even included getting my hair done.  A real treat.  There were a few last minute errands, but I had been looking forward to this long weekend.  Everything had been checked off my list and I could relax.  I could breathe.  But then suddenly the clock seemed to speed up and I did not want to be late.

Time became a blur.  Mom and dad were getting dressed.  My younger sister was ready.  My older sister was on her way.  And the next thing I knew, I was standing at the back of the church.

It was a small church and it looked soft and warm, with the candles lit.  There were only a few people there.  The minister was smiling and he held an open Bible. 

My dad held my arm and said, “If you want to change your mind, we can leave.”  I wanted to shout, but, instead, quietly told him, “No!  I am not changing my mind.”

There stood Bill and Jim, the Best Man  Jean, my Matron of Honor, was now standing up front.  It was time.

On a Friday night, in a small church, 56 years ago, Bill took my hands.  I looked in his eyes, and said, “I do.”

I would do it over again.  This man, from our first date, had my heart and taught me how to say, “I love you.”  He has worked to provide for our family.  He quickly learned wives can be difficult and hard to understand.  He learned that babies can be loud and fussy.  And they felt so good when they slept with their head on his shoulder.  He realized children grew up way too fast and that grandchildren could be spoiled and sent home.  He supported me as I became an entirely different person than he married and is still surprised with the unique way my mind works.  He has been my chauffer across 49 states and tells me to be careful when I go off without him.  He was my nurse after surgeries and he worries about me.  He prays for me daily.

I would do it over again.

Happy Anniversary Bill!!

 

THEY SERVED

MEMORIAL WEEKEND — a time to honor those that served to protect and preserve our freedoms and served to give others the opportunity to be free.  Thankfully, most soldiers came home to their families.  Sadly, too many soldiers gave their lives. 

My father and father-in-law served during WWII.  My brother and two nephews served and now two grandsons are serving.  To each I am eternally grateful.  Their service allows me to worship and speak and live in freedom.  I pray the freedoms so hard fought for will never be taken from our country.

I honor, respect, and appreciate the service of all in the military.  I also honor, respect, and appreciate the others who served.

THEY ALSO SERVED

During the wars, soldiers departed in groups from every small town and city across the USA.  During peace time, soldiers depart, one, two or three at a time, to go to basic training.  At the end of training, the families come to see them graduate and the soldier moves to the next assignment.  During COVID, soldiers were sworn in, went off to basic, and graduated as their families watched from home.  Today, please read the following as if loved ones could be there in person.

Every soldier, who boarded a bus, a train, a ship, or a plane to begin their service, waved goodbye to those that also served. 

Standing proudly, trying to hold back the tears, stood a mother and father waving and smiling.  Their pride could be seen as they stood there, back straight, head held high, and each being strong for the other.  Then they would slowly turn and go home.  They would open the door and realize there would be one less at the dinner table.  They would go on with their day.  The father would go out and mow the yard.  He needed to do something.  The mother would stand in the doorway to an empty room.  She needed memories to give her strength.  They also served.

The young woman asked for one more hug.  One more kiss.  She waved goodbye, turned away, and allowed the tears to flow.  Her husband — a word that still seemed new — would return.  She knew that.  She had to hang onto that word.  Return.  She also served.

Trying to keep the children close to her, the woman bravely told her husband they would be fine.  Yes, she would remember to rotate the tires.  Yes, she knew how to change the fuses.  Yes, she would remember to buy that mitt for their son’s birthday and the bicycle for their daughter’s Christmas.  Christmas.  Would he still be gone at Christmas?  As she tried to hide the tears from the children, she took their hands and they walked to the car.  She also served.

Being strong, he touches the cheek of his bride of ten years.  How hard it was going to be to go to bed that night.  Her side would be cold and empty.  He had a feeling the kids would often occupy that spot.  They will miss their mother.  They understand why she has to go and are already talking about the packages they will send.  Soldier….  his wife is a soldier.  They both have fears.  He fears for her safety and prays that those she stands beside, will stand beside her.  Women in the military ..  but she felt called to serve her country.  And he is proud of her.  She fears he will not hear the alarm and the kids will miss school.  She knows he will have a hard time telling them no.  And he will be lost helping them do math.  She could do math … One more hug and he and the children go home.  He also served.

Child after child..  sons and daughters … watch as their parent waves to them one more time.  Their lives are about to change and they do not totally understand.  They are proud of their parent, but they will not be there to see them dance or play ball or run in the door with all A’s on the report card.  They will not be there when they are bullied or happy or having a birthday.  They are scared.  Will their mother be able to be a mom and dad?  They throw one final kiss and turn away.  They also served.

And every day wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, and children will pray they will not see two officers walking toward their front door.  They also served.

And every day wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, and children will see their loved one running toward them.  What a beautiful sight.  They also served.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

a time to honor those that served

AND

those that also served.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

THANK YOU

 

 GOING TO THE DOCTOR

Going to the doctor -- boy has that changed!  Mom used to send us to the doctor ONLY if we were about to die.  Other than that, we would go to the doctor’s office with a dollar – yes, $1.00 – and get either a package of green lozenges for a sore throat or a package of half blue/half yellow capsules for a cold.

Just thinking about those lozenges makes my throat go numb.  I think my throat got better out of self-preservation.  The blue/yellow capsules came with instructions to take two immediately and then one at the prescribed times.  Those first two gave that ole cold a double whammy.  I do not know what was in them, but the cold packed its bags and left.

I can remember walking into the doctor’s office.  The nurse knew my name, where I lived, what grade I was in, and if I had gotten into trouble at school.  (Gotta love small towns.)  She would take the dollar and hand me the little white envelope.  The doctor might not be in.  He could be off on a house call or delivering a baby.  If you were about to die and had an appointment, you would either wait or come back the next day … if you were still alive.  Yes, I am stretching that a bit, but only a tiny bit. 

Oh, how simple it was!

Going to the doctor – boy has that changed!  I am writing this while I wait to get in for my annual wellness check.  Now why would you go to the doctor if you are well?  Makes no sense at all.

First hurdle is to reach the office.  Everything is done through a call center or online.  I hate call centers!  The person answering the phone has no idea who I am or anything about me.  And I pray I never forget my birth date!  Why can’t the local clinic answer their phone?  Since I am on a roll about the call centers, why do I have to receive a call, followed by a text or email, to remind me that I have an appointment?  I WROTE IT DOWN!  I KNOW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!  I WILL BE THERE!  AND I DO NOT GET TEXTS ON MY FLIP PHONE!

Heaven forbid I try to get a prescription without seeing the doc.  Even if I have taken it before and describe what is wrong in easy to understand words.  Look at my chart – oh right.  This is the call center.

They always ask, “How are you feeling today?”  I want to say, “I feel terrible or I wouldn’t be here.”  Then there are three pages of questions.  The same questions I answered last time.  Couldn’t they have a form that says nothing has changed?  Finally, I am taken back to the room.  Where the nurse goes over the questions just to make sure I answer them the same.  And then the doctor comes in…..

Going to the doctor has changed.  I am very thankful that I have a doctor who cares about me.  Who listens to me.  Who allows enough time so I do not feel rushed.  Who answers all my questions.  Who smiles at my answer to the question:  Do you snore?  My answer?  Hubby says I do.

But sometimes, I wish I could just take a dollar and get a package of those throat numbing lozenges or blue/yellow capsules from a nurse that knows my name, where I live, and if I have been in trouble lately. 

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There are many kinds of healing and today’s medicine has ended a number of diseases.  For that, we should all be grateful.  Hopefully, the future will hold the cure to many more.

BUT.. we often question why one person gets better and one does not.  We ask why a loved one is sick.  We ask God why am I sick.  Why me seems to be the question when anything bad happens.  Should it be?

I wrote Why me Lord? for my very first lay speaking class.  The basic ideas were:

Why me Lord?  Why did an illness take my loved one?  Why is a mind lost in time?  Why?  Why?  Why?  What I realized is that I was asking that question in the wrong way.  I needed to ask, “Why not me?”  At birth, there was no toe tag saying, “Nothing bad will happen to this child.”  I am no better than anyone else, so why would I think only bad things should happen to other people?

I also realized I was asking this question at the wrong times.  I began asking why me Lord when I was given a special blessing.  I am no better than anyone else, so why am I so fortunate?

Why me Lord? – When do you ask this question?

 

 

AND I DIDN’T TELL THEM

I love to see families enjoying and celebrating each other.  Parents totally focused on their children and children actually enjoying being with their parents.  Siblings sharing inside jokes.  Phones are somewhere.  No iPads.  Just family.

I see this often at our local swimming pool.  I will watch as a mother teaches her son to swim or as a father watches his child do yet another crazy dive.  And I remember times with our kids and grandkids.  We swam in the rain.  We swam in the dark.  Our daughter learned to jump off the diving board because she wanted her turn at catching the Frisbee.  Our son was part fish.  I was totally drenched as I stood under the bucket with a youngster too young to stand there by himself.  And I floated on my back as the kids swam under me. 

Memories popping into my heart as I watch families being together.  Enjoying life.  Making their own memories.

It is then that I walk over and tell them, “It is such a pleasure to see families focused on each other.  Your children are enjoying being with you.  You are giving your children valuable gifts – your time and attention.  You are being wonderful parents and I just wanted to tell you that.”

I have done this a number of times and the parents always smile.  A very big smile, as they stand a bit taller, with surprise in their eyes, and say, “Thank you.”

Until the other day.  Three young children jumped right in the water.  You could tell they were friends and instantly knew this was not their first time at the pool.  They were quickly joined by their mothers.  The mothers got wet.  They threw the basketball and, much to the delight of the kids, they missed.  They played with them.  They smiled.  They watched their kids having fun.  It was a pleasure to see children being more important than a phone or a book.  More important than worrying if they would look silly to others.

And I didn’t tell them.

I try to keep my blog political free.  I am vocal enough in other areas of my life.  But at that moment – as I started to walk toward these ladies and tell them the same thing I had told other parents, I stopped.  Why?  Politics and today’s belief that everything said has a racist undertone.  I stopped because I worried about their reaction.  Would they appreciate being told how great it was to see mothers and kids having fun … making memories?  Or would I hear, “So you think black mothers cannot be good parents?”  And there is the problem.

Do I see color?  Of course!  But this time … color stopped me.  And that has never happened before.  I look at people and, at this age, know that there are good people and there are … let’s just say, there are not so good people.  I talk to everyone.  I try to judge people by their actions and honestly, I do not care what color of skin they have.  Until this time … color stopped me.  And I have felt guilty ever since. 

In that moment, I allowed the bullies that cry “racism” to win. 

 

I hope I see these mothers at the pool.  I will tell them they are giving their children valuable gifts – their time and attention.  I will tell them they are wonderful parents.

I will not allow politics and today’s belief that everything said has a racist undertone to bully me into silence again. 

 

SOWING THE SEED

Last week, I used this parable as an example:

“A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.”  Matthew 13:1-9

Jesus later explained the parable to the disciples.

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:  When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.  This is the seed sown along the path.  The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time.  When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.  But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.  This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what is sown.”  Matthew 13:18-23

This tells what happens when people hear the message about the kingdom, but how does this apply to me?  Am I the one sowing the seeds?  Am I the seed and this is a warning about how I might react to the message?  Am I the bird, the sun, the thorn, or the good soil to other people?

I hate it when I over-think something, but hubby and I were discussing this and my mind took off in three directions.  Studying the scriptures is just that – studying.  Reading, contemplating, and looking up background information is my usual plan of attack.  Sometimes I just let the scripture speak to me.  This is one of those times and it is coming from three directions.

AM I THE ONE SOWING THE SEEDS?

If I am not, then I need to get my act together.  The disciples were learning so they could tell others.  They were getting insider information to prepare them to – guess what – tell others.  They would soon be the “farmer” sowing the seed.  They were also being told to be aware what could happen to the seed. I am also being told what can happen to the seed I sow.  It is easy to get discouraged. If I quickly tell a person about the showers of blessing, but do not stick around to help them understand, Satan can whisper in their ear.  How wonderful to see someone get it and experience the Joy of the Lord, but that joy can quickly disappear if they do not see my joy and receive encouragement.  Sowing the seed is especially hard to someone who is worried or does not see the need to believe.  But, then a seed falls just right.  I tell the story of Christ and the person’s ears, eyes, and Spirit are opened and they tell someone and they tell someone and they tell someone…

If I am not sowing the seeds, I need to get my act together.

AM I THE SEED?

Yes.  I am the seed along the path.  Sometimes I hear or read the scriptures and do not understand.  No matter how I try, it does not make sense.  Very easily that ole sneaky snake can whisper, “Mary, you are not educated enough.  You are not smart enough to understand.  Why beat yourself up.  Just quit.”  I am the seed on rocky ground and in the thorns.  There are times when I hear a sermon or a song or a verse and my Spirit soars.  Then the mail comes and there are bills to pay and the news tells of another missing child and I burnt the grilled cheese sandwiches.  And then my joy is gone.  I am the seed dropped on good soil.  I hear the story of Christ and my ears, eyes, and Spirit are opened. 

Yes.  I am the seed along the path.  I know the evil one will try to snatch my faith.  I know I have to stand strong so the world will not consume me.  And I have to stay in the Word so I can tell others and increase the yield of believers of Christ.

AM I THE BIRD, THE SUN, THE THORN OR GOOD SOIL?

I would rather not look at this part.  I so want to believe I am good soil.  I want to know that from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet I am good soil.  But – don’t you hate the word but?  But I am the bird when my actions do not reflect Christ and non-believers use those actions as proof that my faith is not real.  But I am the sun when I do not want “that type of person” to enter the church and they wither.  I am the thorn when I discourage new ideas. 

I would rather not look at this part.  I so want to believe I am good soil.  I want to know that from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet I am good soil.  But, sometimes …. sometimes, I am not.

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This is an excellent parable.  Read it.  Read it again.  What does this parable say to you?

 I WONDER

As I read the Bible, I often wonder what it would have been like to walk with Jesus.  Would I have understood him?  Would I have questioned?  Would I have gotten tired while listening?  I bet the disciples were glad when Jesus went off to pray or stopped to talk with the children.  A break!  Time for an extra cup of coffee.  Down time. 

Think about it.  It would be like taking Jesus 101, 201, 301, and 401 all at the same time.  With no textbook!  And no snow days!  No matter where they were, Jesus would start teaching ….

Take the parables, for example.  There sits Jesus in a boat  saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.”  Matthew 13:1-9

Would I have ears and hear?  Would I listen as Jesus taught?  Or would it go more like this:

“A farmer went out to sow  (Details.  I want details.  What farmer?  Was it a local farmer?  Do I know him?)  his seed.  (Wonder if he got his seed from ole Jake.)  As he was scattering the seed,  (Scattering?  Was he using a Cyclone seeder?)  some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  (Well, that is certainly not good farming practices.)  Some fell on rocky places,  (Maybe he would want to rent my rock picker.)  where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  (Was this guy ever in FFA?)  But  (What?  Jesus said but – I better pay attention.)  when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  (Oh, I know this farmer now.  Lives next to my cousin.  Grew up in town.  Read a book on farming.  Considers himself an expert.)  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  (With the cost of seed, he should be more careful.)  Still other seed fell on good soil,  (Yup, it is him.  Has one corner of the north acre where there is some good dirt.)  where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  (With that yield I should have bid more at the auction.)  Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 

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As I read the Bible, I often wonder what it would have been like to walk with Jesus.  Would I have understood him?  Would I have questioned?  Would I have gotten tired while listening?  The answers --

Would I have understood him?  --  NO!  Jesus challenged everything the disciples had ever been taught.  He told them:  You are to love everyone .  You are to be kind.  You are to care for others.  You are to believe I am the Son of God.  Jesus challenges me the same way.  Jesus challenges everything the world tells me is good and right.  Jesus challenges me to love and be kind and to care for others and to trust Him.  To know with every breath I take that He is the Son of God.

Would I have questioned?  -- YES! – I am sure Jesus often wants to tell me, “Think Mary.  Listen.  Hear.”  What amazes me is that I can read a verse or a chapter and absolutely get nothing out of it.  Later, an hour, a day, a year, I will return to that verse or chapter and it is crystal clear. 

Would I have gotten tired while listening?  Did you read the “or would it go more like this” section?  I am human.  I can only absorb so much at one time.  Tired of listening, no.  But tired while listening, yes.  And hungry.  I would have been excited to see the fish and loaves being passed around.

I also wonder if Jesus ever got tired of the disciples.   Being around someone 24/7 can be a bit of a challenge.  Maybe that is why he sent the twelve off to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness.  Of course, there were rules.  (Matthew 10:5-42)  I can almost hear him saying, “A few days by myself.  What shall I do?”

I also wonder if Jesus ever gets tired of me?  Nope!  Positive Jesus would be thinking, “I haven’t heard from Mary today.  Mary being quiet usually means she is either trying to figure something out or getting herself into trouble.”

“Mary, what are you doing?”

Writing my blog.  How is it?

“You nailed the part about how you listen when I am trying to teach you something.  Your mind does seem to wonder.  I am glad you realize I never get tired of you.  Or any of my children.  Now those disciples… they could be a handful.”

Worse than me?

“I wouldn’t go that far.  Let’s just say they could be a bit dense at times.”

Like me?

“No.  Not that bad.”

You’re teasing me again.

“Am I?”

 

 

KNOCKING

What is that noise?  It stopped.  No, there it is again.  What in the world could it be?

And then I see it —- a bird.

That crazy bird would not stop.  It would walk back and forth.  It would look in the window.  It would peck at the window.  It would fly up. 

I walked to the window and it would fly away.  Then it came back and didn’t care if I was there or not.  I pulled the blind down and thought that would work.  Nope.  Started flying into a higher window.

It was getting very annoying.  It was making marks on the window.  It did this for hours.  Plus I had a sinus headache!  GO AWAY BIRD!

The bird was landing on the roof area over the fireplace.  I put aluminum foil over that area. 

It might look strange, but the bird must be afraid of the aluminum foil.  It is gone.  It is quiet now.

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“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”               Revelation 3:20

When it was finally quiet, I wondered if that is how we treat Jesus when he knocks at the door of our home, our church ….  our soul?  What do we do to chase Him away?

Do we keep the door closed hoping He will get tired and go away?  Do we draw the blinds so we cannot see Him?  Do we tell Him, by our actions and beliefs, that we do not want Him in our church?  Do we put down a “go away” mat?

How do we act when Jesus is knocking at the door to our home, our church … our soul?

BUBBLES

I love to blow bubbles.  They float higher and higher.  The colors swirl.  They pop.  You can even blow bubbles in the winter.  They start freezing, turn white, and shatter.  Oh yes, I love to blow bubbles.

There must be a couple gallons of bubble stuff in the garage and I always have a bubble wand handy to give away.  Kids love bubbles! I guess this means I am still a kid.

Through the years, bubbles have been my “go to” to settle the kids down and to help release my stress level.  Bill used to say if he came home and saw me sitting on the steps blowing bubbles, he knew to go around the block again.  He knew my day had not gone as expected.

I have a bubble theory and used it often when our kids were having a bad day.  You know those times — they cannot settle down.  They will not listen.  They want to calm down but have themselves locked into a mood.  And I would start blowing bubbles.  They would watch and then, without realizing it, they would start chasing the bubbles.

When I volunteered with CASA, family visits could be extremely stressful.  The parents were trying to establish a better relationship with their child/children.  The children never knew what to do or say.  And all the time the visit supervisor is taking notes and the CASA lady is observing.  Yes, family visits can be extremely stressful and can quickly fall apart.  I always had bubbles.

MY BUBBLE THEORY — This is my theory.  There have been no research studies.  No university has published my work.  This theory has evolved from personal experience, but it works.

Think about it.  You have had a really bad day.  Your mind is exhausted and your body wants to shout ENOUGH.  Grab the bubble stuff.  Take wand in hand.  Take a deep breath.  Blow.  And, slowly, as you take the next deep breath and the next deep breath, your body starts to relax.  (Those deep breaths begin the process.) Inhale.  Exhale.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Now, you might be thinking, “I don’t need bubbles for this.”  Yes, you do!

The breathing slows your body down but the bubbles are the key.  They float away.  They distract you.  They seem to carry your worries, anger, and frustration higher and higher.  And the children? No kid can resist bubbles.  They forget why they were angry.  Sisters and brothers chase bubbles instead of fighting.  Soon, they are breathing deep — inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale — as they blow bubbles and watch them float away.

Will bubbles make your problems go away? No.  Bubbles will slow you down and help you focus.  I have seen bubbles pull a child out of a meltdown.  I have seen a family blow bubbles and, slowly - one deep breath after another - find common ground.

I have sat on the back step blowing bubbles.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Watching each bubble float away, until I could put the lid back on the bubbles, stand up, and thank God for the invention of bubble stuff.

You need to buy some bubbles, because I am sure everyone will want to test my theory and there will be a shortage.  Store shelves will be empty.  Husbands will be giving bubbles to their wives for Mother’s Day and wives will be putting bubbles on the list for Father’s Day.  Parents will be giving their children bubbles and children will make sure their parents have an unending supply.  Teachers will have bubbles in their classroom. 

INSTRUCTIONS: Open the bottle.  Take out the wand.  Inhale.  Exhale and blow bubbles.  Look up.  Repeat.

Oh, did I tell you that while you are blowing bubbles is a great time to have a talk with God?

 

 

LOOK AROUND

“So, Mary, you liked the sound of the waves when it was really foggy?”

Did I ever.  It was way cool! 

“I am glad it gave you pleasure.  While you were gone, what did you smell?”

Smell?  Well ….. Hamburgers on the grill.  Oh, and the bread the Monk’s baked.  It had been cold and the flowers were not out yet.  Now that you asked, I don’t remember many smells.

“What about taste?”

The key lime pie!  It was more like a cheesecake and melted in my mouth.

“What did you touch?”

The cold water in the pool.  Some sunshine to warm the water would have been appreciated.  Getting in that pool was a real test of determination.  Once in, it did feel exhilarating.  Some people stuck their toes in and quickly pulled them out.  Of course, kids jumped right in. 

“What did you see?”

Wow.  Not that could be a long list.  Where do I start?  The sunrise and sunset blessed each day – except when there was all that fog.  The waves.  The children playing.  Watching people.  The alligators.  But, we could also see sorrow.  Hurricane Sally left people with damaged homes and those blue tarps meant there was much to be done.  Many businesses and churches were still closed.  Seeing sorrow is hard.

I have a feeling there is more, to our conversation, than having me look back at our adventure.

“Of course.  I want you to do me a favor.”

I would like to say, “Wow, God wants me to do him a favor.”  What I am thinking is, “Oh no.  Here it comes.”

“Do not fear.  I love telling people that:  Do not fear!  I want you to tell my people to look around.”

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God has surrounded us with amazing wonders and we do not notice them.  They blend in with our life.  Our routine.  Our normal stuff.

AMAZING WONDERS SURROUND YOU

You do not have to drive miles and cross the state line to be amazed.  You can find God’s wonders in your day-to-day life.

Where are you right now?  Close your eyes and listen.  What do you hear?  Birds?  The sound of cars?  The freezer?  The voice of a loved one or friend?  Maybe you hear the sound of weeping or the sound of a hospital.  Take a minute – listen – what do you hear?

Step outside or, if that is not an option, sit down and look around.  What do you see?  Trees?  Grass?  Flowers?  The color of the walls?  Books?  Slowly look, not a quick glance.  What do you see? 

Stay put!  What do you smell?  This is the hardest one.  Soooo, use your imagination.  How does it smell when dinner is cooking?  What does a baby smell like?  How does it smell during and after a storm?  What does a barnyard smell like?  What do you smell?

The next is taste.  What do certain things taste like.  A perfectly cooked steak.  Chocolate.  Coffee.  Pancakes.  Liver and onions.  Your favorite food.  A kiss.  What taste do you like?

And finally touch.  Walk around and touch a few things.  How do things in your normal, everyday life feel?  The feel of taping on a keyboard.  Clothes coming out of the drier.  A flower.  Touching the hand of a loved one.  A hug.  Holding a real book.  Washing your hair.  What can you touch?

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God has surrounded you with amazing wonders.  He has placed them right in the middle of your routine, normal, day-to-day life.  They blend in but you can notice them. 

Listen, look, smell, taste, and touch.  You   notice and you will realize you are surrounded by amazing wonders.

 

 

PACKING AWAITS

I am writing this on Sunday, March 28, 2021. It is 7:30, in the morning, and I am sitting on a balcony, drinking coffee, and looking out at the Gulf of Mexico. I will make this cup of coffee last as long as I can. When it is gone, I have to start .... packing.

Emotions are funny things. Packing to come to Alabama was fun. We were going on a new adventure — two months in a condo. Two months... we had never been gone two months and we had never rented a condo. How would it feel to be gone that long? Will hubby survive? He is doing this for me and it is way out of his comfort zone. But, now, he is ready to pack. He is ready to go home.

Me? Not so much. Yes, I miss our home, our family and friends, and our church, but I will miss waking up each morning and hearing the waves. I will miss sitting on the balcony watching the sky and water change, as the sun says good morning. Sometimes I sat there in a very heavy sweatshirt because even Alabama can be cold, but it sure beat the 8 below zero back home. I will miss opening the door, in the middle of the night, and being amazed at how the waves sound when the fog moved in. I will miss hearing the roar of helicopters and the Blue Angels as they fly over. (I still want to ride in a black hawk.). I will miss new friends we have made.

I was finger talking (aka texting) with a friend and told him: Never fear.. I can put stuff back in boxes and suitcases. Yes, I can come back to reality, but I sure have enjoyed the change. I think that is what I miss in retirement: Change. Something new. We have moved often (compared to some) and each move was a change and challenge. I have enjoyed the change from routine and the challenge of doing something new.

I am sure you are tired of reading my morning thoughts, so I will wrap this up. Not exactly sure how. There is no big message. There are no big words of wisdom. Or maybe, just maybe ...

There is nothing wrong with routine. There is nothing wrong with being comfortable in life. There is nothing wrong with knowing what tomorrow will bring. Or maybe, just maybe ...

By being open to a new adventure, by getting out of a set routine, and by being willing to unlock the door to your comfort zone, you might —

• See lightening over the water and hear the waves during a storm
• See the stars as you swim in a pool at night
• Watch an alligator laying in the sun
• Have strangers become friends
• See how others live and work
• Read without feeling like you should be doing something
• Be amazed as an osprey flies by with its dinner
• Wonder how the water can change color

Packing awaits. Today everything we do not need for the drive home will be packed and put back into the car. The condo will become impersonal and tomorrow we will head home. But I head home a different person, with a new perspective.

And when, we arrive home and I close my eyes ... as I go to sleep in my own bed, I will hear the waves and be blessed with the memories of this adventure.