Over these weeks of Lent, we’ve tried to be mindful of the words and ways we speak to others.
Our wearied souls are soothed when we use the Bible’s rich advice to perfect the pause, measure our motives, monitor our methods, build our brothers, and learn to leave.
When our words are kind and gentle, our spirits will be, too. We have fewer regrets and become more charitable and peaceful.
Today, let’s wield our words well, confident in the guidance of God’s Word.
Yes, He is risen, and with that joy, we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us even if we haven’t perfected the challenge of using our words well. He knows we’re not perfect.
Earlier this month, my grandson was quite sick. He was in the ICU, treated with IV fluids, oxygen machines, suctioning, and frequent breathing treatments. It had to be difficult for him to understand.
With each new torture, he signed, “All done, all done!” willing it to be over. As each torture finished, he clapped his hands, “Yay, yay!” And often, he followed that clapping with his simple word, “Tanku,” aka, thank you.
I’ve reflected on this now that he is home, safe and healthy. Yes, he’s a happy baby with a big heart, but that couldn’t explain all his reactions.
Finally, I realized it was trust. He trusted his parents and me, and therefore also the hospital staff. He had no idea why we were doing things he didn’t like or understand, but he knew we loved him and wouldn’t hurt him.
It reminds me of God’s words in Jeremiah: I know full well the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare and not for your misfortune, plans that will offer you a future filled with hope (29:11, NCB).
We want to trust God because we know he loves us and wants the best for us – but it’s not easy.
We question his wisdom: “God, I have a better idea…” We second guess his plans: “Are you sure God? This doesn’t seem right to me.” And we doubt his love: “If you really cared about me, you wouldn’t put me through this.”
We all go through tough times. It’s part of the human experience. But just because we’re struggling doesn’t mean God abandoned us. Just because life gets difficult doesn’t mean God isn’t right here, walking us through it.
So next time I have trouble trusting God’s plans, I will remember my grandson’s example and say, “Tanku, God.”
Have you watched the TV series “The Chosen? All three seasons are on Angel Network for free, and the first season is on Netflix. I don’t usually write about books or shows, but I felt compelled to share about this.
(photo “The Chosen” promotional image)
First, the bad news. A lot of it was hard to hear, some of it was hard to see, and some was just so slow I almost fell asleep.
However, once I got past all that, I loved it.
It’s based on the Gospels, but a lot of it is imagined. If you’ve read any of my meditations, you know I love to pray with my imagination. I’ve envisioned Jesus smiling more often than frowning, laughing with his friends, and dancing at weddings. He has his serious moments and his angry ones, and he can see whatever untruths I tell myself, but he understands and is quick to forgive when I am ready to be forgiven. The show portrays him that way, too; it often feels like a prayer.
I also love the way it depicts the apostles. They are prideful, stubborn, annoying, and sometimes downright mean. Peter is bossy and unkind. Matthew hardly knows any of the Old Testament and annoys all the others (but he’s my favorite!). Philip is kind of crazy, and James and John are convinced they’re better than everyone else. What a bunch! A friend said, “I hate that they’re like that,” but I love it! It comforts me to remember that we are all human, and not a single one of us is perfect. Jesus loves us anyway – and chooses us.
These are not the only chosen ones; we all are.
Consider making some time during this Holy Week to check it out. Then come back and let me know what you think!
