A Norvell Note – Page 17 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

I Didn’t Expect This

A Norvell Note for July 19, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 28

I Didn’t Expect This

From blessings to trials, we may evaluate our lives by how we deal with the unexpected.

I didn’t expect to enjoy college so much.

I didn’t expect to fall in love.

I didn’t expect to get a call from seeing my friend at the game.

I didn’t expect to win the award.

I didn’t expect to love my children so much.

I didn’t expect this to hurt so much.

I didn’t expect the job offer.

I didn’t expect to miss my friends so much.

I didn’t expect to enjoy that movie so much.

I didn’t expect to be in so much pain after my surgery.

I didn’t expect the recovery to be so complicated and take so long.

I didn’t expect anything like this to happen to our family.

I didn’t expect people to respond with such an outpouring of love and kindness.

We must be careful when we receive an unexpected blessing that we do not believe we deserve the gift. Also, when we experience a shocking trial, we must not entertain the idea that we deserve it.

The key to dealing with the unexpected events in our lives, whether blessings or trials, is the same: with graciousness and humility.

When the unexpected is a trial of unparalleled proportions, accept them with humility and graciousness. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

When the unexpected is a blessing of unimaginable magnitude, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

We have no control over the unexpected events that come our way, but we choose how we respond to them. Remain humble. Live graciously.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

I’m Not Driving

A Norvell Note for July 12, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 27

I’m Not Driving

I’m sitting in the passenger seat today. The perspective is different in the passenger seat. When I’m not driving, I see things I usually would not see. For example, I do not recall seeing that building. I never noticed that grove of trees. When did they start construction on that corner? Has that coffee shop always been there?

When I’m not driving, I’m an observer. I go wherever the driver takes me. I can make suggestions and requests about the route, the music we listen to, and listen to music, but the driver makes those decisions. If the driver decides to stop, I stop. If the driver chooses to take a different route than I would, I go where he wants to go. So when I’m not driving, I can look at the scenery, write an article, or take a nap.

When I’m not driving, I can see many things and do a lot of things that I would because I trust the driver. The driver is in control. I’m in the passenger seat.

It is the same with life. So here are a few things I’ve learned by being a passenger.

I must trust the Driver. The Driver knows what He has a plan for me. He wants me to enjoy the view. He has so much to show me, but if I insist on driving or tell Him how to go, I may miss it. I trust that He will take care of me.

He has planned the route. He knows what’s around every corner. He knows the best places to stop along the way. He knows the dangers to avoid. It usually turns out better when I let the driver drive. I trust that he knows where we are going and how to get there.

The Driver controls the pace and the best time to arrive. He understands that I usually want to get to my destination as soon as possible. Of course, there are times when He drives slower than I prefer, and there are times when He moves faster than I like. But I trust to get me where I need to be when I need to be there.

Jesus said,” “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

The only way I know to get to where I ultimately want to go is to trust the One who knows the way, the One who is the way.

He is the Driver. I am the passenger.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Something’s Off

A Norvell Note for July 5, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 25

Something’s Off

Something’s off.

Somedays, I get caught up in work and life responsibilities and almost forget that life has changed. Yet, even on those days, there is a strong sense that something is off.

Sometimes it is a song on my playlist or the weather, or it is a photo on my phone. Somedays, it happens when asked, “How are you?” For most of my life, my typical response to that question has been, “I’m okay.” If pushed, I’ll add, “Not great. Not bad. Just good.” That’s always worked, but not so much anymore. I catch myself pondering my answer, “Am I really, okay?”

Some people know better and ask, “Really, how are you?” I don’t mind going into more detail, but it changes the tone of the conversation, and most are don’t feel comfortable with that, so “Okay” is good enough. I’m glad.

The reality is something is off, something is not like it was, my (our) world has changed. Life is not the same and will never be the same, and I try every day to remember that it’s okay.

Most of the time, I can go about my day and do what I need to do. But when the pace slows, when I’m sitting at a traffic light or standing by a gas pump, and in my quiet moments of reading and journaling and having my morning coffee, there is no escaping the haunting reality that something is off.

Life today is not what I expected. It is not anything like I had imagined. I never asked for life to take this turn of events. But it has happened, and I am dealing with it as best as I can. There are good days. I won’t say normal days, but good days. And there are some tough days. But we go forward dealing with the day before us, doing what we can and enjoying the moment even though something’s off.

Something is off, but that’s okay.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Enough for Today

A Norvell Note for June 28, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 24

Enough for Today

As I read 1 Corinthians 13 out loud recently, this verse stood out as a reminder of how much life seems to unfold.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV)

The “Now I know in part” is where I struggle.

There are times when I want to know the answers, not in part but entirely. I don’t want to wait for the knowledge or the answers to my question. I don’t want to be a know-it-all but want to know it all.

Earlier in the chapter, it says, “Love is patient.” Most of the time, I am a patient man, but there are times when I want to know how the story, and I want to know it now.

Some would say I have control issues. And I would agree to some degree. I don’t always have to be in control, but I like to know that someone is in control. I don’t always have to make the plan, but I like that there is a plan, and I like to know the plan.

It’s the “now I know in part” that gives me trouble.

But, when I can relax, reflect, and listen, I hear the Lord is saying, “I’m giving you what you need for today. That’s enough. Don’t rush into what’s next. Just live today as it comes. Any more is too much. If I give you more, it will overwhelm you. I will give you the knowledge you need when you need it. I will provide you the information you need to get through this day. Let that be enough.”

Now I know in part, I want to know more, but I will wait and trust God to give me the knowledge I need when I need it.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Father’s Day Unlike Any Other

A Norvell Note for June 20, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 24

A Father’s Day Unlike Any Other

For as long as I can remember, part of my Father’s Day tradition has included watching as much of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament. If I can, I watch it live, but I record it to watch it later. The championship is over, and I did watch it (at least some), but this Father’s Day is unlike any other.

I have received several notes wishing me a Happy Father’s Day and was a good day. But this was a Father’s Day unlike any other. I thought of my dad and so many men who have taught me about being a dad. I am honored to be a dad. I am grateful for the many great dads I know. A significant part of my understanding of God and the meaning of being His child comes mainly from being a dad.

I remember standing in front of a group of teenagers and adults not long after becoming a dad (almost forty years ago), telling the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate faith, God’s love for His children. I was rocking along until I got to the part where Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. In mid-sentence, I could not speak. I struggled to control my emotions. That’s how much God loves us.

Since that Saturday night, most Father’s Days had surprises, favorite foods, gifts, and emotion, but this was a Father’s Day that was unlike any other. This one was different.

Along with Happy Father’s Day wishes, I also received notes, calls, and messages reminding me how many people are praying for our family and me on this Father’s Day. Many ask, “How are you?” Like the pause in my teaching to those teenagers, I search for a response. “I’m okay.” “I’m doing as well as I can, I suppose.” “I’m not real sure.” “I’m struggling.”

Perhaps the best and most accurate answer comes from these lines in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, Hallelujah, You Are Good, say it best.

We are standing in between

Hope and despair

Believing in Your grace

And the faith to declare

You are with us

Hallelujah

Hallelujah, You are good

So, to all the fathers, dads, stepdads, substitute dads out there, grandpas, and papas, I hope your Father’s Day was unlike any other. Remember He is with you, and He is good.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

I Need Your Words

A Norvell Note for June 14, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 23

Lord,

As You know, there are times when I don’t have words to express what is in my heart and bouncing around in my head. Now is one of those times. You know it is another in a long line of those times when I have come to you wanting to speak but find myself at a total loss for words. So, I will use Your words.

You said, “Ask, and it will be given.” I’m asking.

You said, “Knock, and it will be given.” I’m knocking.”

You said, “Seek, and you will find.” I am seeking.

You said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” I’m trying not to worry.

You said, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” I am asking.

You said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So I’m presenting my requests to You, God.

^“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.”

Thank You for Your words that give me a voice when I have none.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Reversed Roles

A Norvell Note for June 7, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 22

Reversed Roles

I am experiencing an interesting reversal of roles. For most of my adult life, my role in life has been to help people. I have tried to help people know and live for God, encourage men to be better disciples of Jesus. I have been attempting to coach husbands and fathers. I have counseled couples and parents. And I have provided spiritual support for people as they go through traumatic life events. That’s what I do; that’s who I am.

My current job as a hospice chaplain involves being present with families as they walk through the dark valley of death. Often that simply means providing a physical presence, listening ears, and a gentle touch.

I have made phone calls, sent notes, letters, texts, emails, and FaceTime and Zoom call to express my concern and love from a long distance to remind the person on the other end that they are not alone, and help is available if needed. I have sat with people, prayed with and for them, done my best to listen more than I speak, and avoided making insensitive and condescending comments.

Now, the role seems reversed. I am the one receiving phone calls, emails, text messages, cards and notes, sympathetic embraces, and tearful conversations. Our family is in need, and compassionate and loving people are meeting those needs.

These reversed roles remind me of words I have used to help others.

It’s okay to ask for help. Asking for help does not mean you are a failure. It means you are human.

When you let others help you, you allow them to receive the blessing of serving you.

When you get through this, you’ll be able to use this experience to help someone else.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, NIV)

Thank you.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

The Open Window

A Norvell Note for June 1, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 21

The Open Window

Well-intentioned encouragers often say, “When God closes one door, he always opens another.” An alternate version: “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” A less optimistic response: “Unless you’re me. Then he closes all doors, bars all windows, and sets the house on fire.”

I admit I’m not a fan of the first two statements. Regardless of the hopeful truths, they convey they often seem shallow in the darkness of a crisis. My reality is that all three sentiments might resonate in our hearts on any given day in any given week.

Life hits hard, and nothing makes sense anymore. We have more questions than answers, and our dreams are fading. We struggle to maintain a hopeful attitude. We can’t find the open door, an open window, and it feels like the house is on fire.

We put it all in God’s hands and trust Him to do what is best. At least we try to. But the uncertainty is suffocating. The silence of God drives us crazy. We wish, we hope, and we pray. We long for the open door, and we search for the open window, and we wait.

So, what do we do while we wait? What can we do? We do what we have always done. We turn to the Creator of life to strengthen us, guide us, and sustain us. We rely on the truth in words like these to get through the day.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16, NIV)

When we cannot see the path through the unknown ways, He will provide the light. He is the open window. He will not forsake us. Hold on to Him.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Everything Just Changed

A Norvell Note for May 24, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 20

Everything Just Changed

There are moments in life when you realize something just happened that changed everything. We can’t make sense of it, we can’t believe it is true, and we don’t want to accept it. All we know for sure is that everything just changed, and life will never be the same.

For some, it was a pandemic. For some, it is an accident. For some, it is a decision. For some, it is a cancer diagnosis. At the moment, we cannot process what is happening or what is to come. All we know for sure is that everything just changed.

You suddenly realize that what you once called normal is gone forever. Talking about the new normal only makes you angry, yet you know you must deal with it and face it. You wish you could turn the clock back just for a few minutes, and maybe, just maybe, there will be a different outcome.

Every morning you wake up, assuming you’ve been able to sleep, hoping it was just a bad dream. But it wasn’t. The nightmare continues. You wonder how you are going to do it again. You take a deep breath, put your feet on the floor, and take a step.

You know people are praying, and you know prayer works, but still, your pain is oppressive, your emotions are raw, and your thoughts are rapid and random. You hope for relief, but so far, comfort has not come. All you know for sure is that everything just changed, and you don’t have a clue how to deal with it.

So, you pray.

Father, help me. I don’t know how to deal with life now that everything has changed. You know that right now, I don’t know what or how to pray. So, please, please, please listen to our breaking hearts. When we are exhausted, and we can’t take that next step, help us know that You are holding us in Your arms and will keep us from falling.

[You can find out more on what our Daughter and Son-in-Law are dealing with by following updates at Tom on Facebook]

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Pray. Listen. Walk.

A Norvell Note for May 17, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 19

Pray. Listen. Walk.

I have a deadline on a writing project, so I pray: “Lord, give me words. Give me words that encourage those who are discouraged. Give me words that comfort those who need comforting. Give me words that build up those who are feeling down. Give me words that bring peace and offer hope to those who need it.” That prayer is often followed by sitting down at my computer to a blank screen and start typing. The words come, and I remember these words.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

When I was preaching, there were Sundays when I would be walking to the platform praying with each step, “Lord, I don’t know if what I’ve prepared is what these people need to hear. If not, give me the words You want me to speak.” The message comes. The words come, and I remember these words.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

I’ve been called to the hospital to pray with a family in a crisis. As I drive to the hospital, walk from the parking lot, step in the elevator, and then enter the room, I pray, “Lord, I don’t know what to say to this family. Please give me the right words.” He gives me the words to pray, and I remember these words.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

When I have a significant decision to make, I often pray, “Lord, I don’t have a clue what I am supposed to do. Give me wisdom and discernment. Lord, please give me ears to hear what You are saying to me.” The wisdom comes, the decision I make the decision, and I remember these words.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

Please understand I do not claim to have any special gift or unique ability to hear the voice of God. However, when I pray, God responds with wisdom, words, directions, and peace. His responses are varied in form and timing but real and undeniable.

My purpose in this writing is to remind us that God does listen to us, He will respond to our prayers, and if we pay attention, we can know the way He wants us to go. Then, we can walk in it with confidence and peace.

Pray. Listen. Walk.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

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