Monday, July 25, 2011

Step By Step



Life has been happening.
And that is a good thing.
So, pardon me for not being a better blogger this summer.
On our recent travels together as a family, I realized again just how important play is.
To break away, to rest, to just be.
..together...
Because let's be real, how often does that really happen?
All together--with no agenda, nothing to do, nowhere to go.
No prodding, hustling, (and well, threatening).
It just is.
And it is good.
We climbed dunes--crystal sand high as mountains (and as hot as the Sahara),
with cheers of encouragement coming from the youngest of the group that gave strength and chuckles to the older ones.
"We can do it--together--we can do anything!  Just one step at a time...that's all it takes!"
Just one step.
Just one step at a time.
Owen, you are so wise.
So why do I feel the compulsion to run, to sprint--only to burn out?
Or become completely overwhelmed at the task before, seeing the mountain ahead--and paralysis sets in.
But really, life is only needing to take one step at a time.
And I'm not alone.
Never alone.
Big hands and little ones grasp together, pulling and steadying.  The mountain is steep, but we are together.
High fives and sky high emotions as we tower over Lake Michigan proud of the feat we accomplished--and Mama prouder still of her babe that did it with such grace, insight, and determination.
He is a special kid.
As we sat in the shade catching our breath just to lose it again at the expanse of the view, I caught glimpse of Shawn's shirt--"Life is Good."
Yes, life is good.
Even in the struggle of the mountains that we face each day--and for some, each hour, minute or second--we struggle forward together, sweaty hands grasped tight.
For it is on the mountain that we encounter the Creator--the one who gave us all things, who reminds us that even still,
life. is. good.
No wonder mountains are holy places.
For it is from this place, we are given a new perspective.
God, thank you for this life.
Thank you for not only meeting me on the mountain, but even in the journey of struggle to the peak. For you walk with me all along--just as you always do.  Sometimes I am just so blinded by the sun and heat and wind, I fail to notice those blessings you place within my hands, both big and small helping me forward,
step by step.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Time Out


The other morning as the boys jumped into and promptly began tossing and turning, kicking and wiggling in our bed,
--no need for an alarm clock here, good morning 6am--
Connor sat straight up, looked at me in the eyes and said (I kid you not): 
"Jesus wants you to have a time out."
 Perhaps this came from wanting to exert his own power in control in discipline, or out of his amazingly sly and dry sense of humor, but it took me off guard.
And I saw that he was absolutely right.  Jesus does want me to have a time out.  Because life just gets too busy, too complicated, too dark, too confusing sometimes.  Just within the last month my life and the lives of those I care about have been full of cancer reports, child custody hearings, moving dilemmas, job losses, theology debates, pregnancy disappointments.  As the cares and concerns compound, I find myself feeling swept over by the inability to take away hurt, pain, disappointment.  My heart bleeds.  Overtime, what do you do with it all this?  
Take a time out.
Of course.  Thanks, Connor.
Being still, instead of trying to rationalize, overanalyze. Releasing the need to fix situations, or feeling guilty for not knowing what to say.
Because sometimes...there just aren't any words to say.
The only thing, the best thing, that I can do is to be still and release these hurts and pains to the One who loves and cares for these even more that I.
Far greater.
My job is not to fix. It is to help where I can, offer support and continued love...and to release them into the greater Light that shines forth peace beyond understanding and comfort beyond measure.
For this is the greatest gift I can offer.