A Norvell Note – Page 28 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Roll Your Sleeves Up When You Must

Vol. 21 No. 06 | February 11, 2019

There is a story in the gospel of John that describes a time when Jesus attended a wedding. During the celebration, Jesus’s mother comes to inform Him that the host is almost out of wine. Mary knows this will embarrass the hosts, so she nudges Jesus to do something about it.

Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”

She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” (John 2:1-5, The Message)

A couple of observations from this short exchange:

First, Jesus’ mother was a classic mother. By this I mean, she had expectations of her son. But she also had confidence in Him. She saw a problem and knew He had the ability to solve it.

An aside. This also brings to light an age-old question. Did Mary know her son had special powers? I suspect she did, and perhaps had witnessed Jesus experiment a time or two…Hey, Mom, watch this!

But to the point, when Mary realized the host was on the verge of humiliation, she turned to Jesus, knowing he would do what needed to be done.

Second, Jesus respected His mother. The reasons why he seemed to dismiss her request aren’t clear. Was he resisting revealing His identity, or was He just teasing her?

Regardless, despite Jesus saying “Not now”, Mary knew He would grant her request.

The story reminds me of a very practical lesson:

Sometimes we just do what needs to be done.

You’re exhausted and looking forward to sleeping in. But your wife and kids what to you to fix pancakes. So you get up and fix pancakes.

You had planned on retiring at fifty-five, but illnesses and college tuitions changed your plans. So you keep showing up and punching the clock.

Your kids can be demanding, lazy, and selfish. You’d like to go on strike to teach them a lesson. But you keep showing up and trying to be the best parent you can.

It seems that most of our lives involve just getting up every day and doing what needs to be done. We cook meals. We work long hours. We do more than our share when others don’t do their part…

Why? Because we care. We care about doing things the right way and not cutting corners. We care about people, about doing what we can to help others in need.

Mom: “Son, they’re running of wine.”

Son: “That’s none of my business, Mom.”

Mom: “Listen to him. He’ll do what needs to be done.”

Maybe you are facing a situation that you wish you didn’t have to. Take a step back and look at your options. Ask for guidance, make changes if you can, and have faith that everything will work out exactly as it should.

And then, go do what needs to be done.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Do I Recognize Him?

Vol. 21 No. 05 | February 4, 2019

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10, NIV)

That’s how John describes what happened when Jesus came into the world.

My first reaction is disbelief. Prophecies about Him had been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Believers were anticipating His arrival. Yet when he finally arrived, they didn’t recognize Him. How could that be?

Many historians indicate that there was nothing distinct about Jesus’s physical appearance to set Him apart from the crowd. But I still don’t understand how they couldn’t recognize Him.

However, before I can launch into a judgmental tirade (Jesus actually deals with that later on), I ask myself, would I have recognized Him? And more importantly, do I recognize Him today?

Do I recognize His love when I see a nurse being gentle and kind with a frightened patient?

Do I recognize His spirit when I overhear a telephone conversation of a friend offering words of comfort to someone going through a difficult time?

Do I recognize His calm and comforting voice in the tech support representative who is saving my whacked-out computer when I’m in the middle of a big project?

Do I recognize Him in the face of a friend among a crowd of strangers when I feel uncomfortable and lonely?

Do I recognize His guidance when I open a blank page on my computer, ask Him for words, and within seconds, they begin to flow?

Do I recognize His beauty when I see the brilliant array of colors when the sun sets in the western sky?

The answer to all those questions is, yes. I recognize Him in all these scenarios when I’m not blinded by my preconceived ideas of how He should act, look, and sound.

But would I have recognized Him when He was here in the flesh? Would I have been any different than those who had been waiting for His arrival?

Probably not. However, as I continue to learn that He shows up in all kinds of situations, expected and unexpected, I am beginning to see Him more clearly.

I encourage you to join me and look for Him throughout your day. I promise you’ll find, even in the unlikeliest of places.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Delays

Vol. 21 No. 04 | January 28, 2019

Traffic delays. Flight delays. Package delivery delays…

No one likes delays, especially when they are because of someone else’s lack of planning or poor judgment.

Most of us don’t plan for delays, just like the airline attendants didn’t plan for my delayed flight.

But delays are inevitable, right? And the sooner we accept this, the easier it will be to make the best of the situation for everyone involved.

As my fellow travelers and I waited for our flight to leave the terminal (interesting name for a place where we are always waiting), we each had different reactions. Some used the time to get work done, some found a place on the floor for a nap…and some grew increasingly irritated. The latter passed the time repeatedly complaining to the airline attendants, even though the flight crew was keeping us updated and were all extremely pleasant. I’m sure the crew was just as anxious to get us on our way, especially those who were complaining.

I think one of the keys to surviving delays without losing our sanity is to have something productive or fulfilling to do. For instance, if you have a child who is getting irritable because their playdate is late, maybe help them fill the time by playing a game, reading a book, or taking a walk. (Note: these activities are equally effective when we find ourselves annoyed and impatient because of delays.)

—

I chose to dedicate this week’s topic on “delays” because, not only did it fill my time while I was waiting, but it also assured me that I won’t delay getting these words to my editor. And sure enough, when the wait was over, I felt more productive and less stressed than if I would have sat waiting impatiently or pacing the terminal fuming about the delay.

This experience actually reminded me of how those living in the time of Jesus must have felt as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. We grow impatient over a ninety-minute flight delay, while people of faith endured four hundred years waiting for Him to appear.

And when He did finally arrive, it was not at all what His followers expected. He wasn’t a King who came to take control of the kingdom. He was a baby who would delay assuming his ministry for thirty years.

The first chapter of the gospel of John reminds us that when He arrived, He came to be with us, to dwell among us. The delay was long and difficult to endure, but it was certainly worth it.

The lesson is this: delays will happen, but they will also come to an end. And waiting for us will be family to greet us, entertaining things to do, projects that will be completed, and delicious meals shared with delightful people…proving once again, if we can learn to endure those “intolerable” delays a little while longer, they will be well worth the wait.

We can even go as far as considering our lives as a temporary delay that will eventually end in a reunion with our loved ones. And we will celebrate joyfully together in the presence of God. This too will definitely be worth the delay.

So, be patient, be productive, have some fun, and do what you can to make the experience better for yourself and those around you.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Why…Just Why

Vol. 21 No. 03 | January 21, 2019

A few weeks ago, my oldest granddaughter, Isabel, was attending a basketball game with her Dad while I was at a different basketball game in another city. Her Dad and I were texting back and forth about the game when I received a text from Isabel.

She texted, “Why…just why.” (Giggles)

I responded, “Because…just because.”

Her response: “That’s funny.”

I smiled, enjoying the first of what I hope to be many texts from my granddaughter(s).

I smile each time I think about our text exchange. And it makes me wonder how many times the word why comes up in everyday conversation.

Curious children love why questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have a belly button?” “Why do I have to eat three more bites before I can have ice cream?” “Why can’t I go to bed when I want to?” Why did you tell me to stop asking why?”

We too, ask why, but our questions are often more serious. “Why did my husband leave me and the children?” “Why did my mother have to die when I needed her most?” “Why must I go through life alone?” “Why can’t I find a job?” “Why did our son do what he did?” “Why can’t we get pregnant?” “Why…just why?”

For some questions, there are easy, logical answers that can be explained scientifically, or by referencing the Bible, or learning from the wisdom and experiences of others. But for other questions, the answers don’t come as easily.

In 2 Corinthians 2:8-10, NIV, Paul searched for answers from God, and He provided them.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the song, The Reason for the World, Matthew West and Matthew Joseph explain why they believe we have to endure pain.

But maybe the reason for the pain
Is so we would pray for strength
And maybe the reason for the strength
Is so that we would not lose hope
And maybe the reason for all hope
Is so that we could face the world
And the reason for the world
Is to make us long for home.

—

“Why…just why.” (Giggles)

“Because…just because.”

Sometimes that’s the only answer we have because we won’t understand what God has planned for us until He chooses to reveal it.

And even then, sometimes we just have to accept the outcome. Even when we question His methods, we have to trust that He is always conspiring for our greatest good.

And that, Isabel, is the undisputable answer to your question…

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

x

Difficult to Fathom

Vol. 21 No. 02 | January 14, 2019

I’ve read The Sheep and the Goats from Matthew 25:31-46 more times than I can count. I’ve studied it during retreats and devotionals, taught it in classes, and written about it in articles.

I admit, I’ve used it to scare people, manipulate them, and make them feel guilty. And I know it has been used to do the same to me. I’ve also been in conversations where we joked about who we thought were the sheep and who we thought were the goats.

The story of The Sheep and the Goats was spoken to the religious people of Jesus’ day as a warning to those who claimed to be righteous, yet failed to put their words into action.

I believe its application is more relevant and important now than it ever has been. And I feel powerless to do anything that will make a difference.

I watch the news coverage of children being separated from their parents on our southern border, hours from where I live, and I am stunned. I listen to the justifications and promises and threats. I watch the talk shows, disgusted by the political pundits who continue to interrupt, dismiss, and disrespect the opposing side to make their point.

I watch, I listen, and my heart breaks.

But then I am reminded of these words:

With what shall I come before the Lord
    and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
    with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:6-8 NIV)

These words remind me that I do my best to act justly, love mercifully, and walk humbly with my God. And I do what I can to help those in need, regardless of who they are, where they are from, or what their skin color is.

You Seem So Holy

I was hungry, and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned, and you crept off to your chapel and prayed for my released.

I was naked, and in your mind you debate the morality of my appearance.

I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless, and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely, and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God

But I am still very hungry — and lonely — and cold.

[Anonymous]

And so I pray.

Lord have mercy on me. Help me do more than just think, listen to and speak words of hope or despair. Instead, from this day forward, give me the courage to take action and live as you would live- with courage, compassion, and above all, with love.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

I Think That’s Real Love

Vol. 21 No. 01 | January 7, 2019

A young man went to an older and wiser man and askes: “How do you know you really love someone? How does it feel when you really love someone?”

The older and wiser man looked at the young man, paused, pondered, and finally answered.

To young man’s great surprise, the older and wiser man started singing,

Some say, “Love. It is a river
That drowns the tender reed.”
Some say, “Love. It is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.”
Some say, “Love. It is a hunger,
An endless aching need.”
I say, “Love. It is a flower,
And you its only seed.”

Once they stopped laughing he said, some say love is a decision not a feeling.

Others would say love is a choice.

Then he said, someone has said you know you really love someone when you feel you are feeling a feeling you feel you’ve never felt before!

Needless to say, the young man is still very confused…maybe even before he asked the question.

Then, the older and wiser man spoke again and said, “Well, Jesus said this: ‘This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.’” (John 15:12-13, The Message)

The young man listened intently looking off into the distance.

Then the older and wiser man spoke again and said, “If you really love someone you will know what is best for that person, and you will do it, or become it, or help them do it.” Then, he paused and with a very serious tone said, “Even when it is painful for you and it’s not what you really want to do.”

After letting that thought sink in the younger man said, “Can you give me some examples?”

The older and wiser man said, “Well, remember when you were young and you and your little brother got into a fight because you both wanted the same toy and eventually, even though you wanted it really bad, you let your little brother have it. I think that is real love.”

He thought a little longer and said, “Remember when in high school and you and your best friend were trying out for the lead role in the school. You wanted it really bad, but it seemed mean so much to your friend that you withdrew and let him get the lead. I think that’s real love.”

Then he said, “Do you remember when you were growing up and your Dad would get up early in the morning and head off the work, some days he came home late and tired, but he almost always made it to your games and special things you were involved in? And do you remember how your mother worked as well and still was able to be home for you when you needed her to be and did everything, she could to make sure you had anything you needed? I think that’s real love.

Then he said, “Think about this young lady you are in love with. What happens when the two you disagree with each other some big decision?”

The young questioner said, “Well, we talk about it. Consider all the options as best we can, then we make a decision on what is best for us as a couple, and that’s what we do even if it’s not necessarily what I want or she wants. We try to do what is best for us.”

The older and wiser man smiled and said, “I think that’s real love.” “And, if you are ready to keep doing…even when it really difficult, you will do well.”

Then, the older and wiser man said, “Jesus knew that we were all in need of a Savior, a way to live beyond our sinful human nature, so He came to earth, lived for a while and then went through all He went through with the limitations of a human, and finally died on a cross to free us from our sins. I think that is real love.”

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Love By Listening

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.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

God is With Us

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.

____________

Too late to get it for Christmas, but what about a New Year’s gift to read in 2019? Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

[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]

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.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

[i] John 16:33, New International Version

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

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

Things I Take for Granted

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.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Remembering

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.

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.

______________

Subscribe @ A Norvell Note

Subscribe to A Norvell Note