Vol. 20 No. 09 | February 26, 2018

It has been a week of reflection. Spending time in reflection is fairly normal for me, but this week my meditations proved to be more deliberate.

I’ve reflected on things that are going on around me at any given moment: people that cross my path, the sounds I hear, the changes in the weather and seasons, the coffee in my cup, and the next task on my ‘to do’ list.

I’ve reflected on the events happening in the lives of my family, especially the two new grandbabies about to make their first public appearances.

I’ve reflected on the changes that are taking place in and around me, with and without my input or approval.

I’ve reflected on the blessings I’ve received and receive daily. And I’ve reflected on what often feels like a distant silence from God.

All of these times of reflection have left me with souvenirs and also with the realization:

I am in control of almost nothing.

This is a good reminder for me. You see, there are times when the effort to control consumes me-  not necessarily to feel powerful, more to not feel powerless.

The outcome of my decisions and plans I make are dependent on me. Or are they? The weather is beyond my control. What people do is beyond my control. Tragedies and illnesses are beyond my control.

The truth is, knowing I’m not in control can actually be liberating. I have learned to appreciate the statement I first heard from a young co-worker: “Not my circus; not my monkeys.”

But at the same time, I often have the desire to run the circus and make sure the monkeys behave.

So, I have to remind myself, the world can and will carry on without my interference.

I’ve discovered there are two sides to this. I am glad that the earth continues to spin when I’m healthy and when I’m sick. I’m glad the world around me is not dependent on my wisdom, knowledge and strength. The world was created long before I arrived. And unless the Lord chooses to stop it, it will continue to operate after I am gone.

However, in times of reflection, I wonder what I’ve contributed and if anyone has noticed my presence. And without fail, when I start to dwell in the land of what about me, the Lord always sends a pleasant reminder at just the right time, in just the right way: my life does have meaning.

I can do nothing to change the past; I can do nothing about things that may or may not happen in the future; and living in the present, doing what I can to make the world a better place, is all I need to be concerned about.

This simple yet profound truth, at least for the moment, relieves me from the pressure of controlling circumstances and people and the future. It helps me accept the fact that I’m not the center of the universe and helps me remember: “There is a God and I am not Him.” (Father Cavanugh to Rudy)

This frees me to do what I can to make the world a better place. I can love people as unconditionally as possible. I can listen to people. I can live a simple, quiet life. I can be kind and gentle. I can write a few words each week and pray they find their way into the heart of someone who needs them. I can gain as much wisdom as I can and share it when it is appropriate. I can change the things I can change and accept those I cannot.

This week of reflection has come to a close. And as I relish in my collection of souvenirs, I realize that another time of reflection will begin.

In the meantime, it’s time to live the abundant life I’ve been given, to love my neighbors and to serve the Lord faithfully to the end.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2018 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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  [Please excuse and disregard previous submission. I had some strange technology issues.]

Vol. 20 No. 08 | February 19, 2018

I gazed out the window as we made our final descent. All I could see were clouds spread out in every direction- dark, dense, ominous clouds.

I became slightly anxious as we cut through them, waiting to see the ground. Within minutes, I saw the first glimpse of where we were headed, and soon after, a full view of my hometown’s familiar terrain.

This made me think of other occasions in my life when the clouds were so thick, I couldn’t see what was ahead of me. I was forced to trust that someone was guiding me through the darkness toward a safe place. Or, as Paul reminds us, ^“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

As soon-to-be parents, we travel through the clouds of uncertainty, waiting for the first glimpse of our child, knowing the pain and discomfort of pregnancy will be replaced with joy and gratitude.

As our child grows, we navigate the sometimes dark clouds of parenthood by hoping and praying we will do the right things, love and nurture in the right way, and share the right wisdom and knowledge.

Once our child reaches adolescence, a new cluster of clouds appear. At times, it seems our child has drifted off into the darkness of another realm. All we can do is pray, try to be patient and have faith that this too, will pass.

As our children become adults, they, like us, will inevitably experience times of trouble and distress, trials and pain, disappointments and loss. There will be times when these challenges seem too difficult. We’ll become engulfed in the clouds, the darkness will overtake us and brokenness will consume us.

The only thing that can sustain us during these times is faith. Because we know and trust the One who is piloting our course. We know we will break through the clouds and land safely on familiar terrain once again.

If you find that you are surrounded by dark clouds and wonder if you will ever break through, keep believing. Keep trusting. Should you get anxious or have doubts, maybe this short prayer will help.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:10, NIV)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2018 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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Vol. 20 No. 07 | February 12, 2018

A Pilgrim Song

I look up to the mountains;

does my strength come from mountains?

No, my strength comes from God,

who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won’t let you stumble,

your Guardian God won’t fall asleep.

Not on your life! Israel’s

Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God’s your Guardian,

right at your side to protect you—

Shielding you from sunstroke,

sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,

he guards your very life.

He guards you when you leave and when you return,

he guards you now, he guards you always.^[1]

I’m not exactly sure what a moonstroke is, but when Eugene Peterson calls this a pilgrim song, I know exactly what he means.

When you think of pilgrim, try not to think of a person wearing a black suit, peculiar shoes with big buckles, and a strange looking hat. Think instead of traveler, tourist, wayfarer, or visitor.

Maybe you can also relate to a bumper sticker I saw recently:

All wanderers are not lost.

I’m not lost, but I certainly feel like a wanderer- moving along, often at a rapid pace, on my way somewhere to do something with and for someone, constantly trusting that God is with me.

Some will remember singing these words: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through.” It’s never been one of my favorites necessarily, but the sentiment often resonates with me as I work my way through life. I am a pilgrim. I am a visitor in this world, and I am a wanderer in this land.

Psalm 121 offers a couple of adjustments that may help us keep our wanderings on course.

First, be aware of where you’re looking for help and direction. Where are you looking? The Psalmist says, “My help comes from the Lord.” When I find myself wandering off course, I can usually trace it back to looking for help, hope, and guidance from my own wisdom or from the wisdom of other people. But real wisdom, real hope, and real guidance comes from the Lord.

Second, remember the Lord will provide us with protection even when we are wandering. Although we can’t always hear what God is saying to us and see where He is leading us, this doesn’t mean He has forgotten or is ignoring us.

I have no way of knowing where you are on your journey through this life. But I hope these rambling words will give you comfort that you’re not alone on your pilgrimage and you’re not forgotten. Not by the people who love you and not by the Lord.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2018 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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^[1] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Ps 121:1–8.

Vol. 20 No. 06 | February 5, 2018

It was raining and Starbucks was quiet. After I got my coffee and settled in next to the window, I opened up my laptop to get a few things done while I waited for my friend.

Three men entered and sat down at the table next to me. They were excessively loud, so I moved to another table. A one-sided conversation took over the room from a man who ‘knew everything about everything’. It was impossible to tune out and I finally ended up at a table in the far corner of the room.

My intention’s not to sound judgmental or over-sensitive. I just didn’t need or want to hear all of that. Actually, I didn’t need or want to hear any of it. But this particular fellow seemed to think I (and everyone else in the coffee shop) needed to hear everything he had to say.

Although this incident ranks extremely low on any list of First World problems, it does remind me of the importance of surrounding myself with things that are positive and uplift me. I can try to convince myself that what I hear doesn’t affect how I think and feel, but the reality is, it does.

As Jesus says in the passage below, we need to carefully consider what we hear.

For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Consider carefully what you hear, he continued. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. (Mark 4:22-24, NIV)

If I watch or listen too often and too long to the news, with its panel of experts who talk (or yell) over other experts, I find myself becoming frustrated, agitated and anxious. The same negative emotions emerge when I’m in the car listening to talk radio or radio D.J.s.

It’s usually better for me to listen to my own playlists or nothing at all. Or when I’m writing and studying, I usually listen to quiet, relaxing music; total silence is sometimes too quiet and other types of music make it difficult for me to focus. Plus, when I need to look up from my computer and gaze off into the distance, the softer music provides a soothing soundtrack for my thoughts.

What I learned from my experience at Starbucks was that when I allow other voices or the ones in my head to talk over God’s voice, it’s easy for me to become dissatisfied, downcast and discouraged. This is when I know I need to get back to the Word and let Him remind me of how He feels about me.

An overexposure to conversations or messages that are harsh, negative and judgmental tends to make me react with harshness, negativity, and judgment. On the flip side, when I hear and engage in conversations that are positive and life-affirming, I feel inspired, encouraged and have a more pleasant attitude.

Obviously, there are times when we have no option but to hear things we’d prefer not to. In a restaurant, for instance, we may have to focus our attention on something else so we won’t hear the conversation going on next to us. Or when we’re traveling with a co-worker, there may be no escape from hearing them rant about a colleague or boss.

These situations can be uncomfortable and frustrating. We need to be intentional and do what’s best for us: move to another table, read a book, or listen to relaxing music.

Jesus regularly retreated from the demands of the crowd to be alone and listen to His Father. He chose solitude over the constant barrage of voices from his followers expressing their needs and demanding His time, or religious leaders throwing out false accusations, or His disciples’ attempts to redirect His mission. He used this time as a time to refresh, restore and refuel His soul.

He knew we would have the same need, so He said, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. … Consider carefully what you hear.”

So maybe it’s time to consider more carefully what we’re hearing. We owe this to ourselves and should not feel guilty for seeking out a situation that will better serve us.

Being discerning about what we hear is vital to our mental, spiritual and physical well-being. We need to distinguish between lies and truth, redirect the conversation, or get away from the noise of life and find a quiet place to rest so we can redirect our attention to what the Lord has to say.

I promise, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged and with a more pleasant attitude.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2018 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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