Reconciliation

Jesus came to earth with one main message - reconciliation with our God through him.  It is a message of love, of forgiveness, and of grace; to each other, and to ourselves.

It can be difficult to apologize, especially when the wrongs are great, and the hurt is deep.  It can be even harder to let go of the anger, the pain, and the resentment when we have been wronged.  But ultimately, the harm is greatest  to ourselves when we harbor a grudge, or refuse to accept our own wrongdoing.  Broken relationships, broken hearts, all deny us the fullness of life that God intended for us.

Jesus preached a message of love and forgiveness, and his life was an example of his teaching.  From the woman at the well to those who crucified him, he forgave and spoke about the power of God to change lives.  By following his example, whether extending grace to someone else or accepting grace from others, we allow ourselves an opportunity to rebuild what has been torn apart, or to build something anew which we never expected, and to find that peace within ourselves which he intended for us.

Today I am grateful for the example Jesus gave us of reconciliation.  It is God's plan for us to be in communion with him, and to replace dissension with the power of his love.  If we let go of the hardness in our hearts, no matter whether we are the wronged or the one in the wrong, we can move forward with the love of God filling our hearts instead.

Medical care

In the time of Jesus, the average lifespan was about half of the expected lifespan of today, and 50 was a grand old age.  It is hard to imagine how much more quickly life had to be lived in that time, and how much more you would have to pack into so many fewer years.  Medical care was very rudimentary; even the wealthy, with the best food, drink and care available, could die from the flu or other illnesses easily treated today.  Lazarus, the daughter of Jairus, and many others probably died from illnesses easily cured today.  It could not have left Jesus himself unaffected.

In the United States, we take for granted a world without polio, small pox, malaria or a host of other diseases.  Even AIDS, which was a death sentence just 20 years ago, is now manageable.  People today are suffering in increasing numbers from diseases such as dementia, various cancers, and heart disease, at least in part because we are living long enough to suffer from these conditions.  And we are living longer all the time because of the amazing advances in medical care, which provide higher quality of life along with advancing years.

I am grateful today to be living in a time when medical care is so advanced.  Without the learning and skill of surgeons and doctors, I would not be here to write this, and the world would look totally different for the people who love me.

Prince Charming (or Cinderella)

Most little girls read fairy tales and stories about Prince Charming and Cinderella, and they have their fantasy about who their own Prince will be.  Sometimes, when he finally arrives, it is a surprise, because he is not riding a white horse and carrying a lance, and there is no glass shoe or big moment.

In fact, in real life, Prince Charming is sometimes not so charming, and he may just slip up on you without your even realizing it.  (To be fair, I suspect Cinderella may not have been a bundle of joy every second of the day either.)  Occasionally, he arrives wearing a dirty old coat and jeans, or he is sitting on a sofa watching television.  Maybe he works hard, but he also burps at inopportune moments.  Perhaps he takes care of the car, but he doesn't always hold the door open when you have your hands full.  He is, in short, a real person, with good points and the odd flaw, and no one is perfect.

God knew people needed each other.  It is why he created a helpmate for Adam.  Men and women compliment and support each other, and God knew it would be good for them to be on a team working their way through life.

Today I am grateful to have found a Prince Charming of my own.  God knew exactly what I needed, and he has provided for me in a surprising way.  Even though we aren't perfect, God knew we were perfect for each other.  We are fortunate, indeed.

Grace

When my children were growing up, they made lots of mistakes, as all children do.  But my capacity to forgive them always exceeded the amount of wrongdoing by an infinite amount, not because they deserved it, but simply because they are my children, and I love them that much.  God is the same.  Whether we are a thief on the cross, minister, truck driver, office manager, felon, retired, teacher, stockbroker, executive, or terrorist, God has the capacity to forgive endlessly and immediately.

Jesus died on the cross for every single person, no matter what they have or haven't done in their life.  That is the power of grace.  Forgiveness, salvation and life everlasting with our God simply by accepting him into our hearts, even if we cannot understand the mystery of who God is.

Today I am grateful for a God who loves with such reckless abandon that he sent his perfect son to fight for my soul.  There is no greater gift than the power of the resurrection.  I am humbled in the shadow of all he has done for me.

Light

And God said, "Let there be light.  And it was good."

When winter days are dark and gloomy, the light is dim and the sky is overcast, it is a reminder of the dark world.  Jesus brought light into the world, and renewed our faith and hope.

Life is filled with light moments.  There are moments of big renewal, and moments of small victories.  This weekend, the most holy in the Christian church year, we celebrate renewal, as we await the glory of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning.

Today I am grateful for the Light of the World, who sacrificed everything so that I might be saved.

Indoor plumbing

In the time of Jesus, people had to go to the city well to draw their water for their daily needs.  They were dependent on the women of the household, primarily, for having fresh water available.

Today, we have fresh water throughout our houses and places of business at the bump of a tap.  Just how much we take it for granted is demonstrated by the consternation when there isn't a drinking fountain or restroom available for our use whenever we want one.

My first cup of coffee and my morning shower are two of life's great pleasures for me.  Although I can survive without either, together they enhance my life substantially, and make me a lot easier to get along with. I cannot imagine having to wait for my coffee until I returned from the town well.  My family will get a giggle from the thought of my having to interact with others before I am fully awake, but I am glad it isn't necessary for everyone's sake!

Today I am grateful for indoor plumbing.  It has made my life easier in ways I barely think about, but which I appreciate every day.

Living poor

Although the Jews in the time of Jesus were waiting for an earthly king to come and save them, he was born into the working class family of a poor carpenter and his wife.  It is difficult to imagine they had much in the way of extras, although I suppose they had the basic necessities.  Every society has its haves and have nots, and the world that Jesus lived in was no different in that way than the one we inhabit today.  Jesus learned to live life the hard way, in preparation for the ministry years to come.  And I think he learned about what life is like for the majority of the people he came to save for eternity.

It is easy to envy those with a lot of money.  Life looks a lot easier when you never have to worry about paying the mortgage or the electric bill, and no is what you say because you want to instead of have to because you can't afford something.  But having too much money comes with its own set of problems, and there is a reason that Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than the rich to get into heaven.  Money allows you the illusion that you have control, and creates the impression that you don't need any help with your life.

I have spent quite a lot of my life living on the edge.  I have had to balance which bills to pay, how to manage with too little money and too many obligations, and have had to learn how to say no.  It has forced me into prayer, to ask for help, to realize my dependence on a God who provides for every need, but not necessarily every want.  Although having more money would be nice, it is not a substitute for the understanding I have gained by my dependence on God's mercy, and my trust that somehow God will make it all work out.  And he has.  Every single time.

Today I am grateful for being poor.  It has given me an understanding of my dependence on God for all my needs, and keeps my eyes focused on him.  There is nothing more I truly need.

Peace

Jesus spent a lot of time in the company of others.  His family, his disciples, his friends and crowds of eager strangers followed him wherever he went.  At times, it got to be a bit much, and he had to escape from the constant attention.

The chaos of life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we need to take a break and get away.  At best, there is a constant temptation to overload ourselves with activities and people, leaving very little precious time for reflection and calm.  For too many years of my life, I searched for peace in the midst of dysfunctional chaos.  God allowed hardship to occur, which forced me to make the necessary changes which led to where I am now.

Today I am exceedingly grateful for the peace and calm that I have in my life.  Cutting out the toxic areas is painful and difficult, but the end result is a stillness in the heart that allows you to feel the love of God in a whole new way.

Aunts and Uncles

We are given very little information about the life of Jesus as a small child.  We know he lived in the home of a carpenter and his wife.  We know they had other children.  And we know that he knew his purpose in life from a very early age.  But we don't have a picture of him playing, we don't know how he celebrated Passover and other holidays, and we don't see how he interacted with friends and relatives.

But we know he had adult relatives, and we do have the briefest glimpse that they were trusted, because when they were traveling back from the temple and Jesus was not with his parents, the Bible tells us they thought he was with their relatives.  They only discovered later that he was not, and hurried back to find him.

Aunts and uncles are a gift to us in many ways.  They are trusted and in the best of cases, they love us and care about us like substitute parents.  They uplift us and bolster our spirits when times are difficult, and they share our joys in the best of times.

Today I am grateful to have been loved by so many wonderful aunts and uncles, and a couple of great aunts and uncles, too.  They are each special to me in their own way, and I cannot imagine my life without their love and influence.

Art

Since the days of the cave dwellers, humans have created works of art.  Sometimes realistic, sometimes stylistic, sometimes indescribable,  art defines generations, periods of time, and cultures.  Some of the most exquisite artwork was religious in theme, with heaven and hell, Madonna and child, and other Biblical themes portrayed in startling colors and displays.

Although artwork during the time of Jesus would most likely have consisted of sculpture, woodwork, or metalwork, we can assume that Jesus appreciated the beauty created by artists in his midst.  I have no doubt that when he saw something beautiful created at the hand of a talented artist, he felt the same things I feel when I gaze upon a beautiful piece of artwork.

The best art is timeless, evoking emotion across generations of viewers.  It challenges our preconceived ideas, and involves us at our most basic level.  It can inspire, it can trigger emotion, it can cause us to think.  The works of art to be found throughout Europe and Asia are breathtaking, and the cathedrals where so much artwork is contained are almost overwhelming in their awesome display of creative talent.

Today I am grateful for the beauty created by artists through the centuries.  The works they have created have given such great pleasure and awe.  When I contemplate their talented vision, I find a little bit of heaven on earth.  That is the true gift of art - an opportunity to see the hand of God at work.

Father

Although we know that Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, and raised him in his home as his own son, we do not really know much about the carpenter or his life.  It was inevitable that Jesus would be formed and trained in the way that Joseph wanted him to go, because men were the head of the household, and the father was in charge of his family.  His role in the life of Jesus is cloudy and hard to discern, probably because Jesus remained focused on his father in heaven.  But we know he accepted his pregnant betrothed bride and agreed to raise her child as his own.  And Jesus was called the Carpenter in his own time, so he must have spent many hours learning his trade at the feet of his father.

Fathers have so much influence on their children, whether they are present or not.  Their place in our lives informs our view of men, of husbands and of fathers going into adulthood, and their presence or absence impacts our decisions and how we live.

Fathers aren't necessarily born to the job.  Most learn as they go, just like mothers.  Some come to it late, with the family already in progress.  But however they come to the job, fathers make a difference in the world of their children.

Today I am grateful for fathers.  They lead, they challenge, and the best of them inspire us to be better people as adults.  It is a high calling, and I am proud to be my father's daughter.

Shoes

There are many people in this world who have no shoes to wear.  They create footwear out of materials at hand - old tires, cardboard, whatever they can find to protect their feet as they walk through life.  Even in the coldest weather, my feet have been kept warm by the cozy boots I have on hand, and I have never truly suffered from a lack of foot coverings.

Jesus walked throughout his ministry, covering thousands of miles in the years he traveled around preaching.  His feet were often sore, I am sure, and his sandals would not have offered much protection from the rocks and stumbles and stubbed toes that naturally happen to uncovered toes.  Although he did not complain, I am certain that his feet suffered for his ministry.

Today I am grateful for shoes.  My feet have carried me all over the world, and the shoes I wear keep my feet safe and protected from weather, germs, and discomfort.  I cannot ask for a greater blessing than happy feet!

Sun

Here comes the sun!  One of the happiest songs of all time, extolling the virtues of renewal that comes with the emergence of the sun from the gloom.  During winter, we see very little of the sun.  Generally overcast and darker outside, when the sun comes out, it is like the earth is new again, opportunities suddenly exist, people come out of their homes, and everything just generally seems more upbeat.

Life is kind of like that, too.  When we are depressed or sad, things going wrong, we are unhappy, it is dark and gloomy in our hearts and minds.  Then something happy and positive happens, and the gloom lifts.  It is as if the sun has suddenly emerged from behind the clouds, and our whole outlook is brighter.

God knew that light was needed for the earth, and he created day and night.  He understood the need for restoration of body and soul, and gave us both for that purpose.

Today I am grateful for the sun, which warms the earth and renews nature, reminding me that there is always the possibility of restoration within, as well.  Each day is a new opportunity, and the sunshine reminds me of the possibilities each time it shines.

Bed

At the end of a long, hard day, there is nothing more comforting for me than to crawl into my cozy bed and start the process of winding down to rest for the night.  It is warm and safe and comfortable, and it provides a haven from the cares of the world that sometimes weigh me down.

Jesus was homeless during his ministry, without a place to call his own to lay his head at night.  He depended on the kindness of friends and relatives to provide for his physical refreshment, and I am sure there were often uncomfortable nights spent on floors or even in boats, as he struggled to get away from the crowds who followed him everywhere he went.

Today I am grateful for the bed in which I renew myself each night.  It is more than my Savior had, and I appreciate the blessing of comfort which it provides me each night.

Food for thought...

The Bible is filled with stories of the faithful who have fasted.  It is the deprivation of a basic need, and the absence of food is impossible to ignore.  It requires action, the body demanding fuel to keep going.  Humans cannot survive for long without it, and the drive to get it is one of the strongest we have.

There are also stories of Jesus sharing meals with friends; turning water to wine at a wedding feast, and making five loaves and two fishes feed thousands.

Food is usually at the center of family time.. Most people associate comfort and love with the food put before them, and many people show their loving touch in the creation of the food their family will eat.  Food brings people together in common need, and provides us with a pleasurable experience together.  No wonder the devil uses food to tempt the faithful.

Today I am grateful for the delicious food I have to eat each day.  It sustains both body and soul, and gives us a comfortable place to be with others. 

God's time....

A week ago, a death in my family caused me, once again, to contemplate why things happen as they do.  He was young by today's standards, only 55, and it doesn't seem right that he should be gone already for no obvious reason.  How do I reconcile myself to this?  How do I accept that someone I loved was done with his earthly journey when I wasn't done with him?  These are difficult questions  that people of faith ask themselves just as often as people who don't believe.

But if I have faith that God has a plan, then I have to also believe that this is part of his divine plan, because God doesn't make mistakes.  And that is where I find my answer.  I don't have to understand, because it is not about me.  It is about my cousin and his journey, and sometimes, as with everything in life, there is a conflict of interests.  In this case, his interests were more important than mine, and his earthly journey was done.

God's timing is always perfect.  He knows our every need, and he understands eternity in a way we cannot.  When things happen that defy understanding, it is not necessary for us to have a perfect explanation.  It is necessary to have faith that God has a plan, and that this is a part of it.

Today I am grateful for God's timing.  He has provided everything for me that I need.  I cannot ask for anything more satisfying than that.

Shelter

While Jesus pursued his ministry, he would occasionally need to retreat to the home of a friend for some rest and relaxation.  They would give him food, provide a place to lay his head, and uplift his spirits when he needed a boost.  Understanding our human needs was one of the goals of Jesus coming to earth as a child, and the need for shelter and protection from the world, both physical and mental, was part of the deal.

Today, as we watch yet another winter storm approach, I am so grateful to have a beautiful little house of my own to call home.  Many people in this world have little or nothing to protect them from the elements, and I could easily be them.  Jesus knows my every need, and God has provided for me in an amazing way.

When the world rages outside my door, I am safe and warm and protected within the walls of my sturdy house.  Thank you, Lord.

Spring

A new start is always something to celebrate.  Babies, marriages, new job, new house, new car - all are exciting beginnings.  Spring is a time of renewal, fresh beginnings, new opportunity to refresh and make changes.

Jesus was the greatest new start of all time.  He swept away the old and brought new life through his resurrection.  We often focus on the sacrifice he made, but the real story is the victory he achieved.

Today I am grateful for spring, which reminds us of the victory Jesus bought for us all.

Mother

One of the last things Jesus did during his life was to ensure that his mother would be taken care of when he was gone.  Women had very little standing in his society, and without her son to care for her, Mary would have been left without a source of support.  By passing the responsibility for her welfare to his disciple, John, Jesus was caring for his mother in the most fundamental of ways.

But there was more to the story.  His disciple had been traveling with Jesus for three years.  He was unemployed, his teacher was dying on a cross, and they had very little money with which to continue the ministry, to say nothing of providing for physical needs of others.  Mary had many other children in whom Jesus could have entrusted her care.  Why choose one who, at least on the surface, would not be capable of providing for her?

I think the answer lies in the spiritual realm.  Just as Mary was taxed with bringing her child up in the faith and teaching him the ways of God, Jesus was trying to give Mary the spiritual bread of life by choosing someone who would sustain her spiritually.  It is the highest calling of a mother to provide her child with the tools of survival, and faith in God is the key to the toolbox of eternal life.

Today I am grateful for a mother who has taught me the true foundation of faith and salvation. She has given me the keys to the Kingdom.  It unlocks the way to eternal life.