Monday, September 24, 2007

Simple thoughts for today

As I think about the past year and all that it has brought, I am amazed at each of us have grown. David completed his first few classes of seminary, and even taught a year of Spanish. He took his first appointment at a Methodist church in GA, and is doing a great job. Every Sunday the Lord seems to take him to a new place in preaching. It is so exciting to see the changes from week to week. Samuel has done a lot in the past year as well. He went from sleeping all day, to not wanting to take any naps! He is learning to feed himself, but yet still wants to be our baby. He went from barely rolling over, to crawling and cruising everywhere. His cries are becoming gibberish which are beginning to take the form of words. A hug or kiss that he gives now is not out of imitation, but out of love for the one whom receives it. Books are no longer just empty pages, but now they have shapes, colors, and sounds. My little guy is such a profound teacher in the most simplistic ways. Small things are so amazing, like laughter or clapping your hands. He doesn't know about the newest technological advances that seem to cause us to forget about the simple things in life. He is a reminder of the joy that comes when someone just calls out your name. I am reminded of the joy that Christians should take in hearing the Lord simply call out to them. As I become older it is easy for me to forget the sheer pleasure in being pursued and loved by the Creator of the Universe. My son constantly reminds me that God is a loving Father, who knows what is best for me. This is easy to forget as I deal with the whys? and how comes? that life may bring. It is difficult to trust God all of the time, and to believe that prayers make a difference. My family is experiencing this all to well. With a sick father-in-law, and a deceased nephew, it seems that God is not always listening. Quickly I have to rebuke such thoughts, for I know that my God is a good God, and His ways are higher than mine. But even more than that, I know that we do not live in a perfect world, and sometimes things such as death seem to be the best answer. In fallen world, this idea would seem to be heartless and a cope out, but as a Christian there is hope for I see only dimly. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that it helps us learn about God, who He is, what His heart yearns for, and even how it breaks when He has been rejected. I am reminded of the story of David, a man after God's own heart. Because of sin, even this righteous man suffered. The closer we become to God doesn't mean that we will get a "get out of jail" card for suffering, it just makes it easier to understand the Lord and move on from whatever may be hurting us. I am reminded of the prophets in the Old Testament, time and time again they cried out to the Lord on behalf of there city. Prayer changes things but we may not fully know what we are having to pray against. An angel was on his way to visit Daniel, but it was 23 days until he could reach him because of the stronghold that was over the city. I can sit in my own self pity and be offended when the Lord does not answer me the way that I wish or thought was best, or I can trust His goodness and continue to press into Him so that I may know Him more. I pray that the fullness of God would be revealed to you, and that you might know how high, how wide, how long, and how deep His love is for you. Keep praying and keep seeking, for you never know how full the bowl of intercession is before it becomes so full that it overflows!

2 comments:

Grandpa said...

Jessica, what a wonderful way you have putting into words life's teachings! I wish I had had the wisdom you have when I was that age. You are a joy to me! I enjoyed all my children growing up but what a joy it is to see you all growing up to be such wonderful adults! I love you all so much! mom

Aunt Jean said...

I love your blog. Samuel is such abeautiful little boy. What a wonderful way to tell about your family and your love for God. You are truly blessed.
We love you all