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

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.

The Lord’s Favor

A Norvell Note for May 10, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 18

The Lord’s Favor

Using the simple definition of blessing as the Lord’s favor, we can acknowledge it we receive God’s blessing every day.

The air we breathe is a sign of God’s favor. If you do not believe it, ask someone who has difficulty breathing.

The water we drink is a sign of God’s favor. If you do not believe it, ask someone who does not have access to clean, healthy water.

Friends and family are signs of God’s favor. If you do not believe that, ask a lonely person.

Our spiritual community’s relationships are signs for God’s favor. If you do not believe that, ask a person who feels distant, disconnected, and isolated.

I list these everyday blessings to remind us that God shows His favor to all people all the time and in all kinds of ways, but unless we are paying attention, we will miss them and take them for granted. Sometimes it takes a sudden and unexpected blessing to awaken our awareness of His constant loving presence in our lives.

For instance, we needed to replace my wife’s car but were trying to extend the vehicle’s life as far as possible. Then, while servicing the car, they discovered another costly problem. Realizing we needed to make a change, my wife talked to a salesman if there was anything on the lot that might meet our needs. Without going into all the details, and to our utter amazement, the sales and financial departments (yes, car salespeople) made us a deal that was more than we could have ever asked or imagined, and we are now the blessed owners of an almost brand-new car.

We have been the recipients of the Lord’s favor.

Once we receive a blessing and realize that God wants to show us His favor, we may begin to see gifts everywhere we look. Look for signs of His favor this week. Make a list of blessings. Tell someone how God has blessed you. And be sure to thank Him for the kindness He shows you.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

At Just the Right Time

A Norvell Note for May 3, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 17

At Just the Right Time

This sentence from Romans 5 recently captured my attention.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6, NIV)

My first thought is gratitude. I am grateful for the fact that God knew me well enough before I had taken a breath to see that I would need a Savior. I am thankful that although I occasionally struggle to prove my worth to God, to people, and even to myself, He knew that it would be impossible for me to do that. I am grateful that at that moment, when I was utterly powerless, Christ died for me.

Then, my focus camped on the one phrase at just the right time.

At just the right time, when I realized that neither of my parents would be around for college graduation, my wedding, for grandchildren, or for support in making important decisions and how to handle life’s traumas, substitute Mothers and Fathers entered my world.

At just the right time when I was struggling to discover a direction and purpose in life, I met my wife, who has supported me, loved me, encouraged me, and patiently walked with me through all the other times of searching and struggling for over forty-five years.

At just the right times, after waiting for the right time to have children, our son and daughter brought joy and happiness into our world. And at just the right times in both of their lives, when we were at a loss as to how to guide and teach them, God brought just the right people into their lives to provide what we could not.

At just the right times when I have felt lonely, discouraged, insignificant, and discarded, God, sent messengers with echoes of friendship, words of comfort, memories of purpose and value.

At just the right times, when simply trying to help people see Jesus failed because of bureaucracy and pettiness, someone would show up in my path to allow me to fulfill my true calling.

I have learned that God loves to show up in our lives when we need Him most, when we least expect it, and always at just the right time. Be ready to see Him and enjoy what He does.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

On Any Given Day

A Norvell Note for April 26, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 16

On Any Given Day

On any given day, I might pray

I am weak, Lord. Help me find strength in You.

I am fearful, Lord. Help me trust You.

I am strong, Lord. Help me to be gentle.

I am lonely, Lord. Remind me of Your presence.

I am tired, Lord. Help me rest in You.

I am sad, Lord. Help me see the joy around me.

I am empty, Lord. Help me drink of Your Spirit.

I am a sinner, Lord. Help me know Your forgiveness.

I am lazy, Lord. Help me find energy and motivation.

I am confused, Lord. Help me find clarity.

I am foolish, Lord. Help me use the wisdom You give me.

I am discouraged, Lord. Help me find reasons to be hopeful.

I am blessed, Lord. Help me be grateful.

I am selfish, Lord. Help me have a generous heart.

I am blind, Lord. Help me see You more clearly.

Oh, gracious God and Creator of all things, You know everything about me. You know me inside and out, the good and the bad, all my flaws, and all my sins. You know all my successes and failures and all my dreams and disappointments. And, somehow, You love me and want a relationship with me, and You want to bless me.

Thank You.

Help me live to please You.

Amen

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

A Norvell Note for April 19, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 15

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, New International Version)

Sometimes the light and momentary troubles seem bigger than light and not so fleeting moments. Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that these light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Sometimes, even when I try to fix our eyes on what is unseen, seeing the unseen is difficult. Sometimes, even when I am trying to do otherwise, the visible things obstruct my vision for the unseen.

Do you ever struggle with keeping your focus on what is eternal?

When I realize that I am drifting or have drifted, I have found these shifts help me refocus and regroup into a different way of thinking.

I have to understand and accept that I am in that space. I can pretend I am someplace else; I can deny that I am in that frame of mine, and I can ignore what is going on in my head. But, until I am willing to acknowledge where I am and how I am thinking, nothing will change. “Okay, Tom. You need to wake to where you are. Do you want to stay here, or do you want to move to a better way of thinking?” The answer is always yes, but the process is not as simple as admitting it.

I have to focus my thinking intentionally. I have never suddenly snapped out of it. I have never realized that I am in a different state of mind.

Intentionally avoid focusing on temporary things. That may mean that I listen to a different kind of music. That may mean that I change my viewing habits. That may mean I spend time with other people. That almost always means I spend more time journaling, meditating, and calming my soul. The keyword in this is intentional.

Spend time regularly in the Word. Sometimes not being regularly in the Word is a part of the drifting process. I’m not suggesting hours of Bible Study and prayer (though that might be necessary) but simply finding a reading plan that feels right and reestablishes the habit of reading just the Word. John’s Gospel is one that I revert to frequently. Reading and reflecting on a few verses every day helps me remember, “this world is not my home, I’m just a’passin’ through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.”[1] (I can’t believe I just quoted that song.)

Get away from the noise of this life. For me, sitting near the ocean is the best option. When that is not possible, as it hasn’t been for quite a while, I have to find a quiet, comfortable place to walk, or sit, and listen to the sounds of nature and breathe. Quieting the noise needs to be a regular practice. When I fail to do this, my soul suffers.

The Message states it:

These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, The Message)

“Here today, gone tomorrow.” That describes our possessions, our problems, and life in general. That puts it all into perspective. That is the truth, and that is what I believe. I need to remember it, and I need to live as I think.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

It’s Good to Be Together

A Norvell Note for April 12, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 14

It’s Good to Be Together

For only the second time in over a year, we met together with fellow believers. The group was small, and the shady front yard of one of our families was our cathedral. A few white wispy clouds only broke the blue sky, and a gentle breeze brushed our skin. As neighbors strolled, jogged, and biked past us, we sang, listened to the Word, and remembered the sacrifice of the Savior.

These words came to mind.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

None of those attending had given up meeting together on purpose, so being together again was particularly meaningful for these reasons.

I needed to focus on the faithfulness of God. Isolation creates space for doubt to take up residence. The distance can cause suspicion and second-guessing. Doubt, fear, and second-guessing can be killers to the soul without regular opportunities for spiritual fellowship.

I needed the reminder of practicing love and good deeds. Perhaps like you, I’m tired. The last year has been challenging. The last several years have been difficult and tiring. Fatigue can make it hard to be loving and diminish the desire to do good deeds. Listening to others share stories of struggle and victory restore the desire to keep going.

I needed to remember that I am not alone on this journey. Most of us have experienced some level of loneliness. Telephone calls, texting, Facebook, FaceTime, Twitter, and Zoom have been invaluable in helping us stay in touch with each other, but it’s not the same. Being physically present with others who share the faith journey reminds me that I am not alone on this journey.

I need to focus on God’s faithfulness. I needed the reminder to practice loving and doing good deeds. I need to remember that I am not alone on this journey. I am thankful that I met with my brothers and sisters today and look forward to the next opportunity, whenever that might be. I hope you can be back with your spiritual family very soon.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

The Day After Easter

A Norvell Note for April 5, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 13

The Day After Easter

I originally published this several years ago, but it seems appropriate to share it again today.

Luke ends his account of the life of Jesus like this:

44 Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses (Italics mine). What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes. (Luke 24:44-53, The Message)

I hope your Easter Sunday included a time of genuine fellowship, energized and God-focused worship, and a message from the Word that challenged you, encouraged you and inspired you to greater service in the Kingdom of God.

As you spent time over the last week reflecting on the last days of the life of Jesus, you also reflected on how you are living your life and how you would want to spend the last week of your life. I hope, now that we have passed through another Easter season, you and I will accept the same role as that of those who were with Jesus after His Resurrection. In verse 48 of the text above Jesus explains their new identity in the Kingdom: “You are the witnesses.”

A witness sees an event. Jesus told them that they had seen the fulfillment of things He had told them would happen. “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it.” (46-47)

When you are a witness, you can testify as to what you have seen. When you see a crime, you might serve as a witness in court.

When Jesus tells them, “You’re the witnesses” He is challenging them, and giving them an open door to share what they have seen and experienced. He tells them to wait until the Spirit comes to them but be ready to be the witnesses. If you read further in Luke’s writings (the book of Acts), you will see they accept and excel in being His witnesses.

You and I witnessed something yesterday. Because we are witnesses, it is now time for us to share what we saw, what we experienced, or the impact, and why it was so significant. That is what a witness does. That is what we are.

The only question that remains is, will we accept our role as His witnesses?

It is the day after Easter. Will you be His witness?

Tom

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

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