Just like the stock market, life has its ups and downs. Fortunately, most of us know how to weather the bad and enjoy the good. Christians, I think, are especially fortunate because we have faith "in our corner" to see us through whatever challenges we face, and grateful hearts for happiness. For me, the past week has held some very happy times, and I am savoring every detail as a blessing.
Last week, I was able to secure a SKYPE call for our Kansas Authors Club district with Amy Newmark, the Executive Editor and co-owner of Chicken Soup for the Soul. It was an incredible opportunity for our group as well as honor that she chose to make contact with us. Amy discussed what they look for in stories for their publication, and answered any questions we had.
Our scheduled 30 minute conversation turned into nearly one hour. During that time, Amy announced one of my stories was already chosen to appear in their annual Christmas book this year (which was a big surprise since they haven't finished accepting entries as yet)! It will be my 5th time in one of their anthologies, and I am excited and humbled with each selection. I know the call encouraged others in our group to make submissions, some for the first time, and it certainly made my day!
And then on Valentine's Day, our singles group from church gathered for lunch at a local restaurant after Ash Wednesday services. At the luncheon, these wonderful ladies gave me a "Grandma Shower" with fun items to keep at my home for when my new little grandson visits. The gifts included anything from toys and books to practical items such as bibs and spoons, photo album, pacifiers,clothing, and a teether-rattle. These friends knew how excited I was to become a grandparent and graciously asked to see photos too! (What grandparent doesn't like to indulge in that?)
In both of the scenarios, the key element was sharing − one shared helpful knowledge including information that elated me, and the other shared in my joy. Both were also great examples of how God sends others our way, whether in times of need or in times of happiness.
As a Stephen Minister in my church, we call ourselves care givers. God is the cure giver who uses us to provide physical presence of His love for the person who is facing a particular life challenge or experience. It is truly a blessing to be a servant in that manner.
So, as I contemplate this past week, I will file it away as one of blessings. I don't know what will follow tomorrow, next week, or next year. But whatever comes, I know there will be others sent by God to cross my path to give comfort or joy, depending upon whatever is my circumstance.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Friday, February 9, 2018
It's All Relative
When I was a preschool director years ago, I joked that I never enrolled a child of average intelligence. That statement alluded to what I often heard from new parents − "my child has above average intelligence." Sometimes that was actually true, but usually not.
There is something within most of us that doesn't want to be average, even when average is okay. We humans want to be unique, to be of special value, and the funny thing is the best way to do that is sometimes not to purposely try to stand out among the crowd. I'm thinking of Jesus.
Jesus was more than happy to teach us about God and how to live, but he did so without trying to stand out as special himself. He didn't brag, "I'm the son of God, so you better treat me like it!" Instead, it was his willingness to be part of the crowd that ultimately made him not just another face in it.
When my sons were young, I marveled at every accomplishment that was above average, or appeared to be. I even have a picture of my oldest son sitting up at 3 1/2 months. Now before anyone wonders, it wasn't that he had the strength or ability to do so. It was because he had such a round little belly, that when propped up, he only had one way to go and that was sideways! (Although sitting up wasn't really exceptional, he did begin to potty train early at 12 months, and that is true. He wasn't pushed; it was all his choice.)
A few days ago, this same son sent a picture of my grandson at just under 3 weeks of age. If I hadn't seen the picture, I would not have believed it − he's holding his bottle! It appears this isn't some fluke and is actually an exceptional feat, and I'm certain there will be many more such above average occurrences. But, while those of us who love him will smile with pride at whatever above average things he does, I'm hopeful he will be just one of the crowd who stands out because of it.
There is something within most of us that doesn't want to be average, even when average is okay. We humans want to be unique, to be of special value, and the funny thing is the best way to do that is sometimes not to purposely try to stand out among the crowd. I'm thinking of Jesus.
Jesus was more than happy to teach us about God and how to live, but he did so without trying to stand out as special himself. He didn't brag, "I'm the son of God, so you better treat me like it!" Instead, it was his willingness to be part of the crowd that ultimately made him not just another face in it.
When my sons were young, I marveled at every accomplishment that was above average, or appeared to be. I even have a picture of my oldest son sitting up at 3 1/2 months. Now before anyone wonders, it wasn't that he had the strength or ability to do so. It was because he had such a round little belly, that when propped up, he only had one way to go and that was sideways! (Although sitting up wasn't really exceptional, he did begin to potty train early at 12 months, and that is true. He wasn't pushed; it was all his choice.)
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