Well, the first two weeks back in school, I think, are a success! The transition has been pretty smooth, and the kids seem to like their teachers. I think it's good. And calm. So far, so good!
I think it's important to totally focus on the positive things... Too much around here (here being planet Earth) is so negative. It's so easy to be swept up in the doom and gloom (imagine the Imperial March music that accompanies Darth Vader, here). War, poverty, elections. Nothing seems good anymore, or even safe or desirable.
I am (admitting to being) sad about so many things right now... and truly, it makes me question:
"why?"
And... I don't really get a clear answer, but I do get a few vague ones...
We need to totally rely on Christ. For some of us, apparently, that means being in a place with no other options, which probably equals desperation. It isn't pretty to be in these places. Sometimes, though, that's what it takes.
We need to give it up for Christ. Let go. Believe. Release control. Control is just an allusion, anyway. How we react to situations is probably going to show our character and our faith more than just the words and sentences we use to describe our faith (and our character, for that matter).
Work for Christ. He used people, ordinary and flawed people to spread His ministry, His church, and His message. Two thousand years ago, people were not just sitting around using phones and TV news to spread the news that Christ had risen... There wasn't Google, or Facebook to check the status or get information about the Resurrection... People had to walk, and travel, and preach, and communicate and talk about what had happened!
I know because of my relationship with my Lord and Savior I am able to bear a lot of things. I can not do anything on my own.... -- are you kidding, me? -- Really, I have three kids, two with special needs, and a husband that works (so hard for us, and thank you, Mark, because without you I know this would be even way more difficult...) and many days it really is just me here wrangling, I mean raising my children and trying to be a good example, and to not lose my cool, and I'm trying to find a new job (one that generates income, not consumes it)... get the picture? Through the perspective of eternity... I know it's all going to be OK, even when it doesn't feel OK.
No where does it say faith in God and accepting Jesus as your savior makes life easy, and that bad things can't happen to you or your loved ones. The promise, though, of redemption and the hope of a greater future and purpose are yours to experience. Everything (everything: laundry, mopping, working, toiling...) takes on a new meaning when you're able to offer it to further God's kingdom. My life and work are a mission... an offering...
My heart is broken for our country right now... prayers for the families of the victims in the embassy raids, prayers for the soldiers and their families as the violence and fighting continues... Prayers for our President... because I am so not happy with him right now, so I'll just pray for him. Really, that's all I'll say about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment