Tangible God

Ever been knee-deep in the "feel sorries"? I've been there for a week. You know what I mean: nothing goes your way, plans fall through, people get demanding, you don't get enough sleep, 18 people call you to unload their troubles on your shoulders but not one asks about your life, etc. And you find yourself at the end of the day (or the week) thinking, "What about me?!?"

Been there? Done that? Yep, me too. And God has crossed my path with several sisters whom I find are all there right now as well. For one reason or another, oftentimes we find ourselves struggling with the same thorn as others walking this road alongside us. And as I talk to one friend, then another, then another, all feeling the same burden, I realize we are all under the same attack by the enemy.

And as I fall into the "feel sorries" I tend to think I know what I need to feel better. "I need a night out with the girls!" I tell myself. Or maybe a simpler, "I need some adult-time." Or even, "I need some time to myself to get things done."

But, the true reality is that whatever we are telling ourselves we need, if it is anything other than time alone with the True Provider of all needs, we are wrong, misguided, or simply lying to ourselves.

And then...

God has tangible ways to teach us lessons sometimes.

Saturday afternoon a storm quickly rumbled through Lincoln County. I was not home at the moment, and when I did return, this is what I found: an old, dying cherry tree (taller than my house) blown over into my driveway. It completely blocked the garage. It grazed the gutters.

Huge inconvenience.

Huge blessings.

Let me count some for you:

1. We were not home when it happened. Blessing because a) it would have scared the poo out of me when it fell, b) it would have stranded the van inside the garage until we could manage to get it out of the way and c) the storm came so suddenly, who knows who would have been outside playing when it happened

2. NO damage to my house. Had the tree been a few feet taller it would have done significant damage to windows, roof, etc.

3. More people than I can remember have messaged me or spoke to me at church offering their services for helping with my downed tree.

4. This afternoon, as I was working on inside projects, two of my neighbors of their own accord came over, chainsaws in hand and began to break down this tree, limb by limb. Within an hour or two, all but the main trunk of the tree was chopped up, piled up, and cleared away for me to get back into my garage.

As I stood in the drive with my yard blower cleaning up debris, I was reminded of my "feel-sorry" few days. And I was humbly thankful to God for reminding me, tangibly, how very blessed I am. How very good I've got it.

And how very much He truly desires to take my heart and fill my cup back to overflowing when I am weary and exhausted in my calling.

If I would just let Him...

Cicadas

2011: The Summer of the Cicada

Those of us in the midsouth know now (if we didn't before) the familiar tune of the 13 year cicada. Those lovely, red-eyed creatures that emerge every thirteen years, shed exoskeletons, 'sing', mate, lay eggs, and die. What an existence.

Outside pulling weeds, the top of my head caught a dying cicada. And I recollected the numerous times I have heard the question: What purpose do cicadas serve? Why are they here? They are born, mate, and die. All within a matter of a few days. And common folk are left wondering: why.

As I sat in stillness watching this small creature die, I thought:

May no one, at my death, look at me and wonder 'why?' My prayer is that no one who knows me or crosses my path will be able to ask that question at the end of my life.

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Will I choose to love? Will I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering; a child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically. " (Nicole Nordeman: Legacy)

May people be reminded of me and say "Nancy caused trouble all over the world" (Acts 17)

In Jesus' name.

Silence

"You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17 MSG)

There is a unity in shared experiences.

There is a comfort found on the shoulder of a friend.

There are instances when the most powerful of encouragement is said in the silence of understanding.

A simple, "I'm having one of those moments," can speak volumes to the one to whom it is spoken.

It's on those evenings, as twilight settles and quickly fades into night, exhausted and weary, that I repent of longing for silence. Because the silence can be deafening. The bustle of energetic children and puppy is replaced with the clicking of my keyboard and the hum of household appliances. Sleepy and weepy, I progress from dirty clothes to worn out pajamas. Tucking in puppy, I make my way to bed.

And it's quiet.

And I miss my friend.

That one friend who was always on my side. That one friend whose shoulder was always available and strong; to lighten my load; to sharpen my steel...

Yet, My Great Love whispers His affectionate reminders:

"Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place. God made everything with a place and purpose. " (Pr. 16:3-4)

{Or - as the NIV puts it, "The Lord works out everything to its proper end. " (v.4)}

and...

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deut. 31:8)

And it's true. Words I have come to know and not because of worldly instruction; yet from life lessons.

Words I live by.

Breathe on.

Fall asleep to.

And arise again : Victorious.