Finding Christmas Hope

Mom, who had been a very unhappy camper after breaking a hip, remained gloomy as she was transported to a rehab facility on Christmas Eve. Upon entering the building, I asked the medics to stop for a few seconds so she could observe the lovely décor, yet she gave no reaction to the tastefulness of the interior decorating.  Similarly, she showed no reaction to the window of her room which overlooked a forest. It was like a scene in a bad Hallmark holiday movie.

I made haste to bring Christmas cheer to her spacious room posting holiday cards on a small bulletin board and dropping bouquets into vases. Mancave decorating – hold the bouquet over the vase, cut the rubber band, quickly drop the flowers into the vase.  Mom perked up saying: “I want to design it.”  Imagine a 94-year hold lady in a hospital bed, the narrow dinner table rolled over that bed, creating with delight.  Mom smiled for the first time in months, satisfied by again enjoying a hobby she had engaged in for a lifetime.  Mom, after hitting the bottom in a medical crisis, was a phoenix rising above the ashes of despair. A Christmas, almost missed, had arrived in fragrant glory.

 

Thoughts from a Traveler

 In my role as a ‘contributing alumnus’ of my graduate school, Georgia State University, I was in Atlanta poised to make contributions as a member of the College of Education’s Advancement Council and co-leader of the Alumni Network for Charlotte area folks. The other leader was my buddy for a quick, but enjoyable road trip.  The night before, we ended our conversation by joining together for our bedtime prayers.  His prayer request was for peace.

Early the next morning I was up early, thus was the first to shower.  Afterwards I decided to search the Scriptures for verses on ‘peace.’  I delighted in what I found:  statements of fact that the peace of Christ is unique and special, promises given that this peace is readily available to believers, and reminders not to forget the great gift of that peace.  Yet one verse, from Luke 1, stood out from the others.  It seemed to be the one to share before breakfast; the one to ponder before beginning a day of service and purposeful contributions.

As it was time to go down for breakfast, I looked out the window at the skyline of the jewel of the New South and discovered an interesting sunrise.  I asked my colleague to come look, suggesting that we have our table grace at the window in order to bask in the dawn of a new day.  Usually inspirational sunrises occur over the ocean or mountains.  Yet our light from heaven was basking on offices, apartments and hotels, yet most importantly into our room.  Observing this was the man seeking extra peace.  It was as if Luke’s observation that God’s sunlight would shine on people, in pain and challenging circumstances, was being displayed for us.  It became obvious to me that that light is available to the multitudes of people who have a reason to be in the city.  I desired for the light to guide both of us to walk in a pathway of peace, further understanding from Luke that this is possible.  After a few moments, our feet began to move, first to breakfast, later to the places where we had committed to make contributions.  In those offices we encountered warm people with listening ears, helpful suggestions, and supportive attitudes. Our contributions bore fruit; we journeyed home feeling peace about that gift of fruit.

Later, my feet were guided to Raleigh in order to attend a fundraiser for a Christian mission attempting to lead impoverished children towards becoming whole people.  I had the opportunity to interact with former classmates.  We need to move towards being whole people as well.  One was my first friend, a person whom I have known since earliest childhood.  We shared stories from our lives in the past 40 years. I began to bear her burden as she related the loss of her mother and two sisters; all had made their heavenly journey too young.  Amid a crowd of 300, I tried to be an agent of God’s tender mercies by intently listening, giving gentle backrubs, and later hugs.  I was bearing her burden as I listened to details of her pilgrimage and of the contributions, she had made to family members. I was encountering a lady of great strength and resilience, yet whose life was still tainted by pain.

Always, the tender mercy of God is available as we encounter the rough edges of life.  The rising sun will shine on us as we seek additional peace in our lives.  Luke relates God’s promise to shine light on our grief and broken emotions.  I claim these promises for two special friends who are dear to me.  I look forward to standing with them, as I stood by a hotel window observing the beauty of a sunrise, to make useful contributions and observe how their feet will be guided into paths of peace.

 

 

 

 

 Reflection on Brokenness 

During the winter, while awaiting a green light on a major thoroughfare in my city, I would repeatedly bemoan the fact that a cherry tree had been broken, resulting in its crown laying on the grass.  My ponderance was: “Why isn’t this eyesore removed for it no long aligns with the other trees in the row?”  Then I would wonder what calamity had caused the unsightly brokenness.

Spring arrived; the cherries bloomed.  To my utter delight the broken tree remained alive.  Seeing that its blooms were fuller and more brilliant than the others caused me to rejoice.  Out of brokenness and pain arose new life, joy, and a vivid announcement that spring had arrived.

Recently a urologist said to me: “You have prostate cancer.”  The words hit me as if they were from an errant driver who had haphazardly driven off the road, or a stormy wind which had inflicted damage.  I was a broken cherry tree by a busy road.  In the days that followed I felt as if I was amidst a plague that destroys at midday.  I realized that I was living east of Eden.

Yet, buds began forming as special people served me. Carolyn and Fred see that I have transportation to medical appointments, then delicious meals afterwards.  Matt begins every phone call with a concerned question followed by a listening ear. Kate and Dave invite me to lunch, as does Steven; I rejoice in meaningful conversations with like-minded folks.  Luis provides much encouragement & continues to practically support me, even laughing at my jokes.  My whimsical nature now includes humor about cancer.

Last week, as I began radiation beam therapy, I did so with the determination to bloom again.  Brokenness was far behind me.   Walking by faith, not feelings, I anticipate seeing God’s beauty in my circumstances and trusting in Him.  I am seeking to find a profound hope to be faithful and keep going forward as I rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Forms of Prayer

Being selected to serve on the discernment team for a church member seeking ordination was a totally new avenue of service for me and a fantastic learning experience.  Chosen to be the recorder of the sessions, I decided to conclude my written minutes with a prayer which summarized the needs, challenges and visions of the inquirer.  The intercessions are included here for they address the petitions of any leader, or lay person, who aims to serve others and desires transformation and growth in their faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the recovery of a sick person

Lord Jesus, who was risen with healing in His wings, grant good health to those who are afflicted with illness and consequently walk through valleys, so that they may be effective servants, celebratory, complete, and equipped for every good work.  We ask in the name of our mediator, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Prayer for grace to reform & grow better

Almighty and everlasting God, who repeatedly said “peace, do not be afraid”, be with us as we remember both days of pain with suffering, and times of ministry blessed by your Spirit. While we contemplate the future, restore and revive us so that our churches and communities will yield an increase; in the name of Jesus who with steadfast love establishes righteousness.  Amen.

For inner healing

Almighty God, whose Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the Devil:  Come with speed to aid us who are assaulted by toxic relationships, people who do not listen to our visions, poor health, plus failures in life and ministry.  Let us find you mighty to save so that our lives and labors may establish your kingdom; through our Lord Jesus.  Amen.

For the increase of ministry

Gracious God, who desires to make a covenant with us, enable us to do all for Your glory, and to not seek our own good, but the good of others, so that you may glorify Yourself in our lives as well as those in our spheres of influence.  We ask in the name of the One who is faithful, Jesus Christ. Amen.