Thursday, June 27, 2013

Hungry?

It was 8 a.m. I sat at the table alone, looking out over the pond in front of me. I took out my breakfast bagel and before I had even sliced it, a bird flew down from a nearby tree and perched on the chair right next to mine. He cocked his head to one side and looked at me expectantly with his beady eye. This bold little fellow was less than two feet away, totally unafraid. I obviously had something he wanted. I laughed, broke off a small piece of my bagel and threw it on the ground. My feathered friend grabbed it eagerly and took off. Seconds later, he landed on the chair again and the scene was repeated. After he left, I grabbed my phone, ready to take a photo the next time he came. I waited and waited, patiently hoping he would return, but he never did. I guess that little bird just wasn't hungry any more.
And it made me think...how hungry am I for God, the true bread of life? God sits. Patiently. Waiting. Hoping. For me. All I need to do is approach that throne boldly, expecting to receive. 
And I will be given as much, (or as little), as I want.

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated
as much as they wanted. John 6:11

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

My Prayer

Over 4,000 miles away there stands a huge wall, the stones of which are all that remains of what was once an impressive temple. About two thirds of the way along the wall, to the right, and about six feet up, is a little piece of paper, folded and tucked in a tiny crevice between the stones. This little note is surrounded by thousands of other pieces of paper, some wedged tightly, some fluttering in the wind, some so ancient that the paper is yellowed, and the words illegible. But the little piece of paper that is folded and tucked about two thirds of the way along, to the right, and about six feet up, is special. Because it is my prayer...words of blessing and hope for my children, my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, and the children who will come after them.
What a privilege to have been able to stand at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, to hear so many prayers whispered and sung, by men, and women, and children; to see so many fingers reach out to touch those holy stones; to witness so many hands tuck precious prayers into tiny crevices.
We cannot overestimate the importance of prayer, nor underestimate its effect.
How are you praying for your own children, or those you minister to? Walk through your ministry space, or your home. Pray in the doorways, for those who will enter in and go out. Touch the little chairs and pray for the children who will sit there. Pray for their futures, for their parents, for their fears, hopes, and dreams, for their relationship with God. Pray in your rooms, that God's Holy Spirit will so fill that space that all who enter will breathe that life-giving spirit in.
Pray, pray, pray, without ceasing. Because whether your prayer is whispered, or sung, or written and tucked between stones, all are heard, all are special, and all are precious to God.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Boat Builder, or Blogger?

As well as being a fantastic pastor, my husband is also a fantastic boat builder...
To date, he has built a wooden sailing boat, a canoe, and is currently working on his third design. I, on the other hand, write my blog. While I am putting pen to paper, he is working with wood. Sometimes, my husband asks if I would like to help build his boat. Then I ask if he would like to write my blog. Then we smile. Although I sometimes help him, I cannot build his boats. And athough he often encourages me, he cannot write my blog.
Each of us has a special gift that we are called to use for the Kingdom of God. We cannot covet what others have. We may sometimes help, admire, or encourage...but we cannot copy another's gift. We just need to discover our own. You have been given a wonderful gift, a unique talent. When each of us discovers what that unique gift is, and use it to God's glory, it becomes a perfect picture of the Body of Christ at work in the world.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Waiting

Click on me to see
my newborn wispy feathers 
I had a surprise visitor this morning. A baby robin, bravely trying out her new wings, landed on my window sill...so close that I could see her wispy little newborn feathers and every dot on her chest. She balanced precariously on the edge of her narrow platform and turned her head anxiously from side to side. She was clearly in a predicament. Where was her mamma? The newborn had a difficult decision to make. Should she try to find her? Should she attempt to fly down to the garden below? Should she try to return to the nest?
The little robin did none of those things. She chose instead to wait, while I watched closely from behind the glass.
Several anxious minutes passed. The baby looked up and down, to the left and to the right. Finally, she opened her beak and gave her loudest baby cheep. And mamma came! Five minutes later, they were enjoying a tasty worm for breakfast. The little robin's patience had been rewarded, and I have a feeling that her mamma had been watching all along.
Waiting is hard. Trying to make difficult decisions, whether in our ministry or our personal lives, is hard. But sometimes, the best decision we can make is to wait on God. Because in the waiting, God is watching. And God will come.