Missing the Party

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:5-6 (NLT)

Oh, have I created a firestorm with my granddaughters! And I thought it would be no big deal. My youngest is turning three this weekend and I won't be there for her birthday party. As much as I wanted to be there, I have some commitments that make it impossible. The problem is that this is the first birthday that I have missed for any of the girls and the older two are completely undone causing the little one to decide that I just didn't want to come. Talk about sticking the knife in my heart and then twisting it!!! The fact that we took her shopping at Build-a-Bear over Labor Day does not count, or that I am flying out in the middle of October to see them. But I will not be there on THE DAY. Yet, how often do we do this very same thing with our Lord? He gives us good gifts every day but if we don't get what we want—when we want it, we are more likely to whine and complain than to be grateful and remember how faithful He has been to us. A favorite Psalm reminds us that He is there to bless us, even in the presence of our enemies. And He is not done showering us with those blessings but will continue through our entire life until we finally join Him at His house for the big party. I have sent the presents and will call Allie on her big day. I will tell her how much I love her and am with her in spirit. Isn't it nice to know that our Heavenly Father does this for us every day?

Old and New

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

We have new neighbors that moved in about a month ago. That really isn't news because we live in a community where people have moved here from all over the country in the last three years. But this couple is our closest neighbor, given that there are still three empty lots between us. We had them over this week for a get-acquainted time and discovered many points of contact in our lives. Making friends takes time and energy. With some friends, it is easy to pick up where you left off, almost as if there had never been a separation of time or distance. But I have found that the ability to do that requires the hard work of establishing the friendship through time spent together, shared activities, and similar interests. But there are definitely seasons of friendship – no matter what the age or stage in life. I have friends that I can call day or night that have been walking life's path with me for over 35 years. They take me just as I am and I know with certainty that they will be there for me tomorrow. Others pass through my life and while thoroughly enjoying the friendship, the demands of daily living, change of vocation or avocation, marital status, or moving create distance that often ends with the fading away of the connection. There has been no conflict – just no contact. And now we are in the new stage era, again. My young granddaughters know the feeling of being the new kids in their school. Who do you play with at recess? Who will be my friend? Our move to Arizona means we are the newbies, too. Maybe that is one of the reasons that I wanted our new neighbors over now; I know how it feels to be on the outside looking in. Yet, even with difficult year we experienced, God has graciously given us a sense of belonging in our community with new friends that are gradually becoming old friends! Thank you, Lord.

Living Water

Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." John 4:14 (The Message)

Impressions: larger than life, crowds of people, huge hotels, continuous sounds of buzzers and bells, the street lit up year round, and fantastic shows. People of all ages, nationalities, style, and income visit this city with high hopes for their future. Where? Las Vegas, of course. But I failed to list the little old lady plucking another quarter out of her bucket and sliding it into the shot machine, a bored expression on her face. I watched a young black man, whirl up from his chair in disbelief as the dealer raked in his chips at the card table…again. The lingering smell of stale smoke permeates the air and dirty glasses litter the tables. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a man sitting by the side of the road on a big rock, stoned from alcohol or drugs. I know, too, the unseen is even harsher and evil. So why was I there? I wanted to see and hear Celine Dion before she leaves her gig. I don't gamble so we spent our time people watching, walking, taking it all in, avoiding the casinos. We played games, saw a movie, ate out – all the things you do on vacation. However, I wonder what God sees when He looks over that vast city? Does it remind Him of Sodom and Gomorrah? Are there local people, called to be salt and light, making a difference for the kingdom? It is called Sin City but I was curious and checked the Las Vegas Facts noting that there are more than 500 churches and synagogues, which far outnumbers all the big hotels and casinos. I pray that those people of faith will minister to the lost and lonely souls that we observed and offer them the satisfying water of life that Jesus gives. Instead of packing the empty holes in their hearts with the earthly thrills of Vegas, they will be filled to the brim with something even greater and longer lasting—eternal life. I enjoyed the time with friends and the shows were great but as we drove home, I knew that it would be many years before we make that trek again. I much prefer the streams in my desert—streams of Living Water.

Life's Mementoes

Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young,
Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 (The Message)

Solomon, the Teacher, is the author of the book of Ecclesiastes. Have you read it lately? Many of his comments remind me of the sad state of our culture and world today. He was a prophet in his time and ours. He closes out this book with today's passage. After spending the past weekend going through 40 years of the stuff of life at my parent's home, I know that the years do take their toll. I learned the history of my parents in ways that I have never known as we opened drawers and cleaned off shelves. An autograph book from teen years, a wedding dress lovingly folded in a box, scrapbooks, and pictures spelled out new stories in my mother's life. We found an old box in the garage with Boy Scout memorabilia from my dad's early years, locked cabinets with Navy uniforms, tools, and more pictures. Our task did not give us much time to linger with our time sensitive goal to get the house ready to sell looming over us, but I did spend a few moments pondering those early years and the choices they made in life's journey. I wonder what kinds of things my girls will find when they have the task of cleaning out my cabinets? Will they be surprised like I was, or will they say, "Oh, I remember this"? My desire is to be transparent with the good things I have experienced but also, to share the not-so-good parts because those are the times when God met me and lead me carefully over the rough path. Hopefully, my mementoes, pictures, files, writings, and journals will reveal a life filled with promise, failure, success, adventures, family, friends, and hope; hope in the One who as my Creator gave me many days filled with His presence as I trusted Him.