Gambler’s Choice

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (2 Tim. 1.7)

Having a horse loving little girl means that we have spent our fair share of time seated upon bleachers as spectators at equestrian competitions.  The riders and horses work as a team and the feats performed vary.

Among the competitive events offered is one called “Gamblers Choice.”  In Gamblers Choice there are a multitude of “obstacles” for the horse and rider to maneuver through and around.  In one particular competition we observed obstacles such as a “Tickle Me Elmo” in all of its giggling glory, a caged rooster and a path of colorful swimming pool “noodles” that had to be walked through. These items that would typically draw the close-up interest of even the smallest human child have the ability to instill pure terror in a horse.

Timid by nature, horses have a tendency to be extremely wary of anything new, different or unknown that they happen to encounter.  The “fight or flight” instinct within them is perpetually set to “flight” and when feeling afraid, their favored response is to turn tail and run. Literally.

As horse and rider attempt to overtake each obstacle before them several important elements come to light.  It’s understood that it is impossible to for a rider to force an equine to do anything that it does not want to do.  With no less than an 800 pound advantage, a horse only does ultimately what it decides it is willing to do.  When asked to maneuver around an object that it would rather have nothing to do with,  it is ultimately trust that encourages a horse to “walk on.”

With no confidence in themselves, it is confidence in the one who leads them which spurs a horse to overcome their fear of those things which seem insurmountable.  I continue to be amazed at these  majestic creatures who are obviously clueless of their own strength.  Even one mild kick of their hoof would obliterate any of the obstacles that oftentimes render them paralyzed, balking in fear.

The trust that exists between a horse and its rider is one that has been developed over long rides, long talks and sometimes long battles of the will.  A skilled equestrian is one who has worked with their four legged friend faithfully and patiently enough to assure them that they will never lead them into danger.  A horse was created to feel most comfortable when it is being led.  The one who leads must endure the process of proving themselves confident, consistent and courageous enough for both of them when courage is in question.

As a child of God I can identify with an all around fear of the unknown.  So much more comfortable to me are those things which are familiar, safe and known.  And yet, life continues to be one great big “Gambler’s Choice” event.  One unknown obstacle after another presents itself before me.  Often I balk at that which seems insurmountable, sometimes paralyzed even by fear.  And yet, consistently, it is my reliance upon the one who leads me that helps me overcome each time.  I tend to forget 1 John 4:4 which states “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Whatever obstacle is set before you Child of God, be encouraged…the one who leads you loves you more than you could ever fathom.  He is trustworthy and faithful and as you submit to His leading, you will be strengthened by the Joy which you find in Him.

Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit which leads and guides me into all truth.

Frogs

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Each year in my classroom there has been a theme.  For years it was bees.  I referred to my students as “busy bees” and encouraged them to be kind to one another. After two years of bee references and be-ing surrounded by yellow and black I decided that it was time for a change.  This year lily-pads replaced bee hives and we embraced all things FROG.  Besides reminding them to “Fully Rely On God,”  I can also sprinkle throughout the day encouragements to “hop to it,”   and the praise them for “toad-a-lly awesome behavior.”

With every theme comes a behavior chart.  Each day, my student’s frogs begin on the “first” lily pad on the back of our classroom door.  With any major infraction of the rules, they must “hop their frog” to subsequent lily pads, each being attached to their own set of consequences.  Once your frog has been hopped, there is no redemption.  As well, each student has within their take-home folder a sheet upon which they receive a daily frog sticker if they do not have to hop their frog that day.  This helps me to easily communicate with parents the type of day their child had.  After eight frog stickers earned, a student is allowed a trip to Mrs. Glanzman’s treasure chest.  That being said, frog stickers are a daily topic of conversation and a really big deal.

The unfortunate hopping of a frog has been known to catapult a child into tears or a tantrum.  A trip to the treasure chest will seldom illicit anything less than an excited whoop and involuntary jumping up and down in excitement.  Each day the big question from parents in the car loop is….”did you get your frog?”

So, the frog chart is completely works based.  It is when the children do everything that they are suppose to, and nothing that they are not, that they receive the frog that they have earned and deserve.

We all have frogs in our life.

Our frogs at work come through kudos  and paychecks with an occasional promotion.  Our frogs within relationships come when we treat others the way we should and meet the expectations that they have for us.  The body of Christ even has frogs to earn.  They come when you serve, humbly and faithfully all the while jumping through the man made hoops held by those who endue themselves with the right to judge and condemn.  Frogs are everywhere and they have become such an ingrained part of our thinking and way of living that we don’t even recognize them anymore.   What is life without frogs?

So foreign is it to consider a life not embodied by works that when we come to Christ our whole way of thinking must be revamped.  Almost from birth we are trained and molded to “be good” and “do good” so that we are able to partake in whatever  earthly benefit abounds. In the Kingdom of God however there are no frog charts.  When we accept Jesus Christ into our heart as our Lord and Savior we are gifted with righteousness.  This is likened to an eternally filled frog chart stating that the debt is paid, the mark is met and the work is done.  No longer are we forced to strive to earn acceptance, love or forgiveness and the treasure to be had is far more magnificent than anything found in Mrs. Glanzman’s treasure chest.

Father, thank you for the gift of salvation.  Thank you Lord that your love for me is unconditional. I am blessed to remember that my righteousness is based on my acceptance of what Christ has done on the cross. 

Being Neighborly

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-3(NKJ)

I was late! Grabbing a cup of coffee and a breakfast bar I jumped in the car, backed full speed out of the driveway and was on my way.  Inwardly I groaned when I saw my neighbor from several doors down waving at me.  It wasn’t a casual, friendly wave, but instead a more demanding beckoning kind of wave directing me to pull into his driveway.

I glanced at the dash in irritation that now I was going to be even later and obediently pulled in. Rolling down my window with a forced smile to see what he needed I began our conversation with “Good morning! I’m late so I only have a sec, how are you this morning?”

This elderly gentleman had been one of the first  of our neighbors to greet our family when we moved into the neighborhood several years ago.  Always eager to talk, each time the kids and I would take a walk  he would typically intercept us at the edge of his yard both coming and going.  The weather, gardening, our dogs….the topics of conversation varied but consistent was his desire to engage.  Two individuals on opposite ends of life we only had the “generals” in common.  Obliging when possible my heart hurt for him recognizing that as an elderly widow his social opportunities were limited.  When my younger children would later express frustration at these unintended pauses in our agenda I would try to help them understand.  They became skilled at smiling and waiting patiently while I talked to “the old man.”

Although we probably exchanged names the first time we met, we never used them again; a smile and a “hey” were all that were necessary in our informal neighborly acquaintance.  We made him cookies at Christmas.  He bought chocolate bars from my son to support Boy Scouts.  In the summer we exchanged goodies from our garden.  Over the years we spoke less and less as life became busier for us and the children’s sports teams, lessons and social engagements replaced our leisurely strolls around the neighborhood.  Our “relationship” had become one of simply waving and smiling as we drove down the road.

This made this morning’s events unusual.  “I’m sorry to keep you, I just wanted to let you know that I have cancer….I’m dying.”  I was completely unprepared and sat, staring at his humble frailty in stunned silence.  “I’m so sorry” was all I could muster.  He went on to tell me what the doctors had shared, the medical difficulties he had been having for months, and how long they said he had to live.  I hadn’t even known he was sick.

“I made my peace with the Lord, I heard Him tell me everything was gonna be okay.  My preacher told me to make peace with the other people in my life…so…I just wanted to tell you if I have ever done anything to offend you– I’m sorry.”

Conviction washed over me.  My own heart’s contradiction slapped me in the face as I contemplated the fact that I was so initially irritated by his interruption because I was going to be late….to intercessory prayer.

Having gone on to be with the Lord only a few months later, my neighborly friend left me with a gift.  He served as a tangible reminder of what I would have already said that I knew.  In the Kingdom of God relationship trumps religion every single time.

Father, help me to love my neighbor as I love myself.

Amish-y

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)

I’m not sure what I expected exactly…something primitive perhaps?  I felt shy and awkward as we entered the quaint yet beautiful home. Lingering in the doorway I stared back at the colorful array of flowers in the well manicured yard.

My dear friend greeted them as dear friends; smiling, embracing and laughing all at the same time.  I stood back tentatively feeling a little awkward; a stranger in an unfamiliar place concerned I was going to do or say something out of place.

Formal introductions were made.  I was “Tanya, the girl from Virginia who is fascinated by the Amish.”  The room erupted in giggles emerging from the five very Amish women before me.  Every bit of shy within me took over causing my face to fill with color. Genuine Smiles were coupled with their quiet and confident gentle presence.

It was true- I was fascinated by the Amish culture.  Fascinated that they chose to live so very different than the “rest” of us.  Fascinated that in a world full of conveniences they chose to live without them.  Fascinated that they would purposely forgo that which was modern, current and easy for the beauty and simplicity that their lifestyle seemed to represent.

I had spent the week visiting heart friends who just happened to live in the heart of Amish Country.  Knowing of my particular fondness of all things Amish, they had gone out of their way to give me the full tourist treatment.  Red barns nestled among beautiful rolling green hills,  clear blue skies, fresh country air and a town so small that there seemed to be no strangers.

Around every corner there was a surprise that delighted my soul. To my friends, the clip clopping of horse hooves was nothing to get excited about yet I would stop just to listen and watch in anticipation of the soon to be approaching buggy .  Beautiful Amish children clad head to toe in their well known garb walking to church behind their parents was a splendid sight to me, but simply commonplace to them.

Not only had a real Amish buggy ride been arranged by two sweet sisters earlier in the week, but now this very special traditional Amish luncheon had been planned in my honor.  I was simply overwhelmed not only by the kindness of my friends, but by the kindness of strangers who would go out of their way to bless me with both their time and hospitality.

Sitting around the table for five hours-which felt like 5 minutes- we enjoyed sweet fellowship.  We ate, talked and laughed.  My hosts were so very gracious opening up conversation with the invitation to ask anything I cared to or was curious about.  What an education I received!  Marriage, family, church and everyday life were among our topics of discussion.  Answers were offered in a down to earth and honest manner.  At times we laughed till we cried.

Later, thinking of each sweet woman of God I had had the pleasure to meet, I marveled at our likeness… wives, mothers, women.  We faced so many similar life experiences.  And yet, clearly, those places where we differed were profound.

Summing it all up however I decided that never had I seen a more tangible example of being “in the world but not of it” as these women’s lives offered.  There was something beautiful in that to me.

I pray too that my life can speak beauty to others as I demonstrate this characteristic.  That the way I live will speak of  difference in the places that matter.

Father help me to live a life that is set apart for you.

Pulled

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.  Prov. 14:12 (NKJ)

For as long as I can remember my teeth have “bugged” me.  Tremendous overcrowding meant that  really I needed braces when I was younger,  but having never gotten them, was left with a smile that offered two very crooked protruding teeth on my right side.  This consistently caused me to feel self conscious about my smile.

Finally, after years of dealing with it, I decided to do something about it.  Consulting with a new dentist, he told me that these teeth were not serving their intended function and should have been pulled “long ago.”  Once pulled, he assured, my other teeth would shift into place and it would be barely noticeable that these teeth had ever existed at all!  This sounded too good to be true!

The big day arrived.  The anticipation of having the procedure done was exchanged for the nervousness that accompanied the reality of what the procedure involved…and that it was probably going to hurt. Somehow, prior to that morning I had only focused on the outcome and not the process.  With a kind friend by my side holding my hand, about 15 shots of Novocain and a process of prolonged pulling  by my persistent dentist, the teeth did indeed come out.  Left in their place were two gaping holes that would, after time I was told, close up and heal.

I was sent home with pain meds, the professional advice of the dentist to “take it easy” and a list of what to expect.  In a post pulling daze, I was kind of out of it and already beginning to hurt due to the medication wearing off so I’m not sure how much I actually heard of his post-op spiel.

After waking up from a nap later I immediately went to the sink to rinse.  I’m not sure where I picked up the knowledge that rinsing was important or that Hydrogen Peroxide was a “healing agent” but it was in my reserve and so water mixed with a few spurts of it seemed like an even better idea than water alone.  Rinse, swish, spit.  Rinse, swish, spit.  A few days later I got even braver, wanting to expedite my healing and thought that rinsing with Listerine would be a super idea.  It burned…oh my it burned!  But, I figured it was a good, cleansing type of burn and swished on.

Everything was going lovely and I was weaning off of my pain meds.  Slowly but surely however, within a 24 hour period, a dull ache began to radiate along my lower jaw and the pain increased until I was forced to return to the dentist.  Trying not to be dramatic about the whole thing I summed up my pain level with “I feel like I’m dying.”

Turns out I developed a complication called dry socket.  Possibly caused by?  Too much rinsing after having a tooth pulled. The very thing that I thought was going to help me heal more quickly ended up causing more pain and discomfort and prolonged the healing process.

What we think is best isn’t always what’s best.  We tend to be pulled in certain directions based on our thoughts, our feelings and our experiences.  With a heart to make things better we can often make things worse when we walk in our own wisdom instead of Biblical wisdom and truth.  We must remember that in Isaiah 55:8 He reminds us “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways my ways,” says the Lord.  The only way to be sure that we are making wise choices is to seek Him and exchange our wisdom for His.

Father, thank you for the wisdom that you give liberally to all who ask in faith.