Vol. 20 No. 52 | December 31, 2018

Sometimes being listened to is so much like being loved, it is impossible to tell the difference. (Barbara Pine)

I do not know who Barbara Pine is or the context of her words (I read them on sojo.net), but when I read them, I ask myself: If that is true how many people felt loved because I listened to them? If that is true how many opportunities did I miss to love someone by talking when I should have listened?

Images appear in my mind of conversations in which my desire to make sure my opinions were heard, prevented me from hearing the thoughts or, more importantly the feelings of the person in front of me.  

Conversations echo in my head where I was too busy or too occupied with my own interests to really listen.

I recall messages I received that I either failed to answer, or waited much too long to answer that may have indicated to the sender that I did not care.

I missed the chance to connect with some people because I was too lazy or so self-absorbed to take the time to reach out to them.

When I read Pine’s words I am also reminded of Jesus’ admonition:

Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:15, NIV)

And I recall the instruction from James:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20, NIV)

The words cause me to look back with regret, but also motivate me to be more conscious of my role as a listener. The words stir a desire within me to demonstrate my love for people by taking the time to listen…to really listen.

Someone you know may be needing to talk, and they may need you to listen. I hope you will.

You may need to talk and have someone really listen. I hope you will seek out a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor and talk.

Sometimes we just need to be loved by having someone listen to us. Sometimes we just need to love someone by listening.

____________

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Vol. 20 No. 51 | December 24, 2018

Christmas arrives this year amidst political unrest and upheaval never seen before: threats of a government shutdown, military withdrawals, and an economy that is described as being on a downward spiral similar to what we experienced a decade ago.  

The weekend before Christmas was designated as “panic weekend” because it was too late for shoppers to order online and have their gifts delivered by Christmas. Shoppers were forced to flood the shops in a desperate attempt to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

On a less global scale, people are dealing with illness, death, unemployment, overcrowded calendars, frustrating travel disruptions, family tensions, struggling marriages, and failing relationships.

But with all of this around and within us, there also seems to exist an unusually strong sense of comfort and peace. We know that so much of what is happening is beyond our control. And we have faith that Someone greater than us is seeing and hearing the things that are troubling our hearts and meeting our needs at every turn, inviting us to stay near to Him.

So He offers us these words.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”[i]

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [ii]

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.[iii]

From what we’ve read in the scriptures describing the era when Jesus was born, the world was also in turmoil…maybe more so (although that’s difficult to imagine). And then, into that world came the One who offered peace and rest to all who would come to Him and rely on Him.

That offer still stands.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a time of rest and peace inspired by the words of Immanuel.

God is with us.

____________

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[i] John 16:33, New International Version

[ii] Matthew 11:28-30, New International Version

[iii] Philippians 4:8-9, New International Version

The weekend before Christmas was designated as “panic weekend” because it was too late for shoppers to order online to have it delivered by Christmas. Thus, shoppers were expected to flood the marketplace in a desperate attempt to find the perfect gift.

On a less global scale people are dealing with illness, death, unemployment, overcrowded calendars, frustrating travel disruptions, family tensions, struggling marriages, and failed or failing relationships.

With all this swirling around and within us there also seems to exist an unusually strong sense of comfort and peace because we know that so much of what is happening is beyond our control, and that Someone greater than you or I is aware of what is going on, seeing and hearing the things that are troubling our hearts, meeting our needs at every turn, and inviting us to stay near to Him.

So, He offers us these words.

       “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”[i]

       “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [ii]

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.[iii]

When Jesus was born the world was also in turmoil…maybe more so than what we are experiencing today (although that is difficult to imagine). Into that world came the One who offered peace and rest to all who would come to Him.

That offer still stands.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a time of rest and peace that passes understanding because of Immanuel. God is with us.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

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[i] John 16:33, New International Version

[ii] Matthew 11:28-30, New International Version

[iii] Philippians 4:8-9, New International Version

Vol. 20 No. 50 | December 17, 2018a

When I take the time to consider how abundantly blessed and privileged I am, I realize there are many things I often take for granted.

When I open my eyes in the morning, I can see.

When I flip a switch, the light will come on.

When I turn on the faucet, clean water will come out.

When I open the refrigerator, there is food for me to eat.

If my coffee pot doesn’t work in the morning, I can stop and get a cup on my to work at one of the excellent coffee shops on my way to work.

My car will start each time I get in it.

I am able to live in a nice, safe neighborhood.

I am not discriminated against because of the color of my skin.

If I’m sick, I have good, reliable healthcare.

That I, my spouse, and my children received and benefited from a quality education.

I have many friends who love me and are willing to help me in any way they can when I ask them.

That I had parents and a family who loved me and taught me about the love of God.

That God loves me so much, He sent His only son to experience the fullness of human life, die on the cross, and return from the dead so I could live a rich life and be forgiven for my sins.

As we search for the perfect gifts for the people in our lives, may we all remember how blessed we are and spend a few moments thanking God for all the things we take for granted.

It is the season of giving, so enjoy all that He has given you.

____________

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Vol. 20 No. 49 | December 10, 2018 

On Decembereight, 54 years ago on the day of writing, mama lost her battle with cancer,but won her ultimate victory over death. She was forty-four. I was eleven.

There were no photographers recording the events of that day. There were no news stories reporting her death. There is no video I can watch to recall that day and the days leading up to it.

We knew the day was coming, at least intellectually. But I certainly didn’t understand how I would feel when the day came. I had never done well being away from my mom for even a short period of time.

My memories of that day have always been vague. At some point before, my Dad took my older brother and I to see her at the hospital so she could tell us she was dying. I remember crying as we left the hospital, but I don’t remember what happened next or how many days that was before she died.

When the day came, I remember seeing my sister and brother-in-law’s car parked outside my aunt and uncle’s store and getting off the bus to go see them. I had no idea that instead of sitting and enjoying my usual coke and candy bar, I would be asked to sit down in one of the chairs in the front part of the store and hear the news that Mama had died.

I remember leaving the store and going to our house. I remember getting out of the car and my uncle putting his arm around my shoulders, walking me out to the big oak tree in our front yard, and saying, “Son, it’s okay to cry. Just let it out.”

And with his arms around me, I did. I don’t know how long we stood there, but I remember him saying at some point, “This is going to be really hard for your grandmother, so when we go in there be as strong as you can…for her.” I don’t remember if I was. In fact, I don’t remember much after that, except a foggy image of an endless line of people streaming by her casket two days later.

I can remember how kind my math teacher was when it came time for report cards and the kindness of our neighbors and my parents’ friends who brought food to our house. I remember hearing people say what a good woman my mom was and why they felt that way about her. I remember how difficult it was for my dad, who suddenly had to take care of three boys on his own. And I vaguely remember thinking how much my sister, who had a baby of her own, would miss her.

Sometimes it haunts me that I can’t remember more details about my mom, that day, or period of my life. I’ve depended on my brothers and sister to help fill in the gaps. But I can’t even remember much of what they’ve shared, other than how good it is when we are together sharing memories.

But overall, the essence of my memories about my mom is the example she set by the way she lived her life. And I’m so grateful that my family is doing our best to continue that heritage of faith for our children and grand-children (five who happen to be my beautiful granddaughters). I remind myself how God has sustained me for these last 54 years by providing multiple substitute mothers for me.

There are countless times I’ve wished I could have a conversation with my mom. But I quickly remind myself that having a conversation with her is nothing compared to her being free of pain and with the Lord.

—

Let this season be a time to remember the people you’ve loved and those who have loved you. I hope those memories bring thoughts of joy, peace, and love.

And most importantly, remember to express your love to those who are still with you.

____________

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Vol. 20 No. 48 | December 3, 20 

A really good cup of coffee…and time to enjoy it.

A quiet meal with your spouse in a nice restaurant.

A peaceful drive through the hills on a clear autumn day.

Taking a moment to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

Having a relaxed breakfast with your children and grandchildren.

An honest, heartfelt conversation about life’s highs and lows.

Watching your favorite team win a game.

Catching up with a friend you’ve not heard from in a while.

Finishing the workweek knowing you’ve done your job well.

Sleeping in. 

Walking through the neighborhood at twilight.

Participating in a spirited, meaningful worship experience.

These are a few simple pleasures that make my life more enjoyable. Even when life gets overwhelmingly busy, I try to include at least one of these blessings into my day or week.

And, I try to remember the wisdom of these words:

And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.  (Italics mine) (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12, NIV)

I encourage you to make your own list of simple pleasures (or borrow some of mine).

And, please, give yourself the gift of making time to enjoy them.

____________

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