I have had a few experiences of contact with tragedy--heartbreaking and untimely death. It is life-changing and life-shattering. Only by the grace of God can people continue on the journey after losing a close loved one in an unexpected and seemingly untimely way. I usually feel there is almost nothing to say, and that is a fact.
The human mind and heart needs some level of understanding and hope to proceed after mind-boggling loss. This can come from our understanding and knowledge of God. In accepting the idea of free will, I can accept, with great difficulty at times, that God does allow bad things to happen to good people. We live in a dangerous world and life is so fragile.
Yet God does intervene sometimes to thwart natural laws. Miracles still do happen by many reports. Why they happen there and not here, for example, is a great conflict in Christian thinking. This apparent randomness can be justified by various reasonings, but, in the human mind, it is not quite adequate to explain the terrible loss of a beloved one. This loss is not quantifiable and it is not overcome. The grief fades in small measures over time.
Ultimately, dealing with an excruciating tragedy is an act of trust in God. We go through a documented process of grief, whether or not the the articulated particulars are accurate. The anger, for example, should be felt and released. The act of productively continuing in life becomes a default of time and a reluctance of will. The thought that things will be okay in the end is the act of trust. It is so important. This is hope.
The hope that a loved one is safe with God is often kept at a distance and not fully embraced due to the immediate grief, the suffocating loss. In reality, this is an essence of our faith. Agreeing that death is a consequence of separation from God is basic. Accepting in one's heart the well-being of a deceased loved one is an advancement of faith. It really does show some maturity. We need this. If God was permissive for Jesus to be killed on the earth, it allows us, I believe, to be hopeful following unthinkable tragedy.
The untimely loss of a loved one is a severe challenge to our humanity...and sanity. It is rather amazing that family and friends can continue in this life and eventually appear to live a life that is somewhat "normal." I know this is an evidence of the grace of God. Faith is vital here. God chooses to enact principles and laws that govern our lives and our world. Sometimes, the consequences are very harsh. Without a doubt, we may yell at God, "Why?!" That is understandable. His characteristics, His greatness, and His salvation, though, are equally confounding. These are the balm for the wounded soul.
Indeed, there often is a reasonable or logical or natural explanation for someone's death. If the person is young, the response is quite different. We tend to think the child, the 30 year-old, or the 55 year-old missed out on life. Notably, Jesus did not express this lament. In fact, he expressed the imminence of paradise to the repentant criminal. Going on to be with God is good. When I say "good," I expect this is God's definition of "good" rather than our own. This is a thought which can somehow allow mourning to turn into joy.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Mercy of Christ
Josh McDowell's book More Than A Carpenter is a great staple in Christian apologetics. With respect to McDowell's insight, much of my proceeding thoughts echo his analysis. Most people want to believe no one will be in a bad place apart from heaven. Few people really are comfortable pondering the concept and uttering the word "hell." Nevertheless, the Bible clearly indicates the existence of a place of suffering apart from God's presence and mercy. This is a challenge of Christianity.
The concept of hell challenges the ideals of humanity. Our ideals concerning afterlife are based on our knowledge and judgment. Our knowledge is limited. Our judgments are known to be flawed. And we are too skeptical, collectively, to trust God. Jesus, an undeniable historical figure on this planet, made claims to be the "Way," "Truth," and "Life." Additionally, he said that no one comes to God except by him. Whoa. This sets Jesus apart from being just a very wise man. (Again, see McDowell's book to understand the ramifications of Jesus' claims and teachings.) No other leader of a religion with a significant active following has made such claims. These words and this person, Jesus Christ, must be carefully considered and a judgment must be made.
Meanwhile, there are the doings of Jesus. His fame was solidified by the miracles he caused. Just as Muhammad Ali claimed to be "the greatest," he is still regarded and known because he was a champion boxer. Jesus backed up his claims with some impressive actions. If you ultimately decide to believe Jesus is who he said he was, you are moved and amazed by one of his last acts. On the cross, he forgives a penitent criminal and declares the sinful man will be in paradise with Jesus that day. It is a final example of great compassion and mercy in Christ's life recorded in the Bible.
This mercy may seem to balance what is thought to be a lack of fairness in the words and actions of the Christian God. To some people, it may seem to contradict a punitive, merciless God shown at other times. The fact is that there are examples of God's mercy and desire to be forgiving throughout the Bible. The common denominator is a person's faith in God along with God's love. David trusted God, Daniel trusted God, and Paul trusted God. It doesn't mean life shall be perfect; it never is. We are to trust God, ask for his mercy (forgiveness of sin), and demonstrate that faith in word and action.
As shown in an instant by the example at Calvary, Jesus desires to be merciful. While we must heed God's Word and expect there will be punishment for those who reject God, trust in God must be sincere. Our concerns and questions about the faith of loved ones must not be allowed to rupture our belief in God. Indeed, faith is personal, but truth is not relative. Jesus' compassion and mercy are noticeable, along with some of the challenging things he said. Know the difference between Christ and other religious icons. Jesus is unique.
We all have that decision to make about how we will prepare for what happens when we die. Consider both the claims and the mercy of Jesus Christ. The result will be, as McDowell brilliantly concluded, that Jesus must be Lord, a deceiver, or a deluded person (i.e. cuckoo). Thus, Christianity is distinct from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam; Jesus presumes to forgive sin and claims to be God. With respect to Judaism, Jesus seems to fulfill the characteristics of the Messiah. One only must believe. There is amazing mercy for those who believe.
The concept of hell challenges the ideals of humanity. Our ideals concerning afterlife are based on our knowledge and judgment. Our knowledge is limited. Our judgments are known to be flawed. And we are too skeptical, collectively, to trust God. Jesus, an undeniable historical figure on this planet, made claims to be the "Way," "Truth," and "Life." Additionally, he said that no one comes to God except by him. Whoa. This sets Jesus apart from being just a very wise man. (Again, see McDowell's book to understand the ramifications of Jesus' claims and teachings.) No other leader of a religion with a significant active following has made such claims. These words and this person, Jesus Christ, must be carefully considered and a judgment must be made.
Meanwhile, there are the doings of Jesus. His fame was solidified by the miracles he caused. Just as Muhammad Ali claimed to be "the greatest," he is still regarded and known because he was a champion boxer. Jesus backed up his claims with some impressive actions. If you ultimately decide to believe Jesus is who he said he was, you are moved and amazed by one of his last acts. On the cross, he forgives a penitent criminal and declares the sinful man will be in paradise with Jesus that day. It is a final example of great compassion and mercy in Christ's life recorded in the Bible.
This mercy may seem to balance what is thought to be a lack of fairness in the words and actions of the Christian God. To some people, it may seem to contradict a punitive, merciless God shown at other times. The fact is that there are examples of God's mercy and desire to be forgiving throughout the Bible. The common denominator is a person's faith in God along with God's love. David trusted God, Daniel trusted God, and Paul trusted God. It doesn't mean life shall be perfect; it never is. We are to trust God, ask for his mercy (forgiveness of sin), and demonstrate that faith in word and action.
As shown in an instant by the example at Calvary, Jesus desires to be merciful. While we must heed God's Word and expect there will be punishment for those who reject God, trust in God must be sincere. Our concerns and questions about the faith of loved ones must not be allowed to rupture our belief in God. Indeed, faith is personal, but truth is not relative. Jesus' compassion and mercy are noticeable, along with some of the challenging things he said. Know the difference between Christ and other religious icons. Jesus is unique.
We all have that decision to make about how we will prepare for what happens when we die. Consider both the claims and the mercy of Jesus Christ. The result will be, as McDowell brilliantly concluded, that Jesus must be Lord, a deceiver, or a deluded person (i.e. cuckoo). Thus, Christianity is distinct from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam; Jesus presumes to forgive sin and claims to be God. With respect to Judaism, Jesus seems to fulfill the characteristics of the Messiah. One only must believe. There is amazing mercy for those who believe.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In This Time
In 90 minutes little has changed.
Quiet and dark in the house,
The birds are now singing that first morning song.
Chirps at once and again break through
The wonderings, wanderings in my head.
Nature's notes get my attention again,
and I want to stay.
There is work to be done, too.
The stillness of the neighborhood and house
Holds me back.
I continue to dwell in this cocoon
Of solitude and limited freedom.
No one needs me now.
I listen again for the birds.
They are faithful.
Ninety minutes of sitting here
has stretched into more than 100.
How much of that time
it took me to still and quiet?
Oh, I would moan or weep at that,
but the life I've allowed
has its demands.
I'm compelled to move about
and do something.
I wonder if,
at day's end,
I will remember these 90 minutes.
Quiet and dark in the house,
The birds are now singing that first morning song.
Chirps at once and again break through
The wonderings, wanderings in my head.
Nature's notes get my attention again,
and I want to stay.
There is work to be done, too.
The stillness of the neighborhood and house
Holds me back.
I continue to dwell in this cocoon
Of solitude and limited freedom.
No one needs me now.
I listen again for the birds.
They are faithful.
Ninety minutes of sitting here
has stretched into more than 100.
How much of that time
it took me to still and quiet?
Oh, I would moan or weep at that,
but the life I've allowed
has its demands.
I'm compelled to move about
and do something.
I wonder if,
at day's end,
I will remember these 90 minutes.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Glimpses of Paradise
Today was a spectacular day. Really, it was a spectacle. On March 20, 2010, it was truly a late spring day rather than a late winter day in western Virginia. The temperature was into the 70s and the sky showed a true deep blue much of the day. Even yesterday, I knew, based on the forecast, I needed to spend most of the Saturday outside, preferably doing something fun. This morning, I decided to try the hike we attempted two weeks ago.
On Sunday, March 7, another gorgeous day, the four of us tried to hike the 0.8 miles to the Hanging Rock Observatory in Monroe County, West Virginia. Snow drifts two to five feet ultimately thwarted our intention to make it to the perched hut used as a raptor observatory and, supposedly, a fire tower. We had to turn back, because it was too difficult for short legs. Our daughters were troopers that day, though. I expected much of the snow to be gone today, following two weeks of warmer weather and some rain.
I took our youngest daughter, and we began the reasonable journey with snacks, drinks, and eagerness. We just enjoyed the whole experience. Elyn had a few moments of grumbling, wondering how much further to the hut. I coaxed her with the promise of snacks and a juice box. It was well worth it. Waiting two weeks was worth it. The view we saw, the fifteen minutes of having the hut to ourselves, the warmth and gentle breeze...wow!
It was, in my estimation, one of those glimpses of eternity, a little taste of paradise. In the midst of some wilderness, it was serene and majestic. I realize part of my love of hiking is the experience of moments like this. My daughter, not quite five years old, seemed to be content and a bit awestruck. (Maybe it was the uniqueness of the hut, the novelty of its features that got her attention.) We could see for 100 miles easily. I snapped various pictures, but I could not gather the fullness of the moment.
This contemplation reminds me of the dialogue on the cross between Christ and the repentant criminal. I was reminded of it this week at a chapel meeting at the school. The humble sinner, believing in the Messiah, asked for mercy. It was granted, and Jesus' words to him offer me hope on a regular basis in this life. Jesus immediately offered him a promise that he would be in paradise with Jesus that day. Wow! Words cannot express the power and love expressed in this moment. It was a moment of amazing intimacy, mercy, and hope.
On that mountain, away from much of what man has made, my heart was kindled. I was not in Paradise, of course, but I experienced a glimpse of it. If I had time, I would have stayed there all day, soaking in the views and the sun. That place and time offered some serenity. Meanwhile true serenity and security is to be with God. May God help me abide in Him daily and hourly.
On Sunday, March 7, another gorgeous day, the four of us tried to hike the 0.8 miles to the Hanging Rock Observatory in Monroe County, West Virginia. Snow drifts two to five feet ultimately thwarted our intention to make it to the perched hut used as a raptor observatory and, supposedly, a fire tower. We had to turn back, because it was too difficult for short legs. Our daughters were troopers that day, though. I expected much of the snow to be gone today, following two weeks of warmer weather and some rain.
I took our youngest daughter, and we began the reasonable journey with snacks, drinks, and eagerness. We just enjoyed the whole experience. Elyn had a few moments of grumbling, wondering how much further to the hut. I coaxed her with the promise of snacks and a juice box. It was well worth it. Waiting two weeks was worth it. The view we saw, the fifteen minutes of having the hut to ourselves, the warmth and gentle breeze...wow!
It was, in my estimation, one of those glimpses of eternity, a little taste of paradise. In the midst of some wilderness, it was serene and majestic. I realize part of my love of hiking is the experience of moments like this. My daughter, not quite five years old, seemed to be content and a bit awestruck. (Maybe it was the uniqueness of the hut, the novelty of its features that got her attention.) We could see for 100 miles easily. I snapped various pictures, but I could not gather the fullness of the moment.
This contemplation reminds me of the dialogue on the cross between Christ and the repentant criminal. I was reminded of it this week at a chapel meeting at the school. The humble sinner, believing in the Messiah, asked for mercy. It was granted, and Jesus' words to him offer me hope on a regular basis in this life. Jesus immediately offered him a promise that he would be in paradise with Jesus that day. Wow! Words cannot express the power and love expressed in this moment. It was a moment of amazing intimacy, mercy, and hope.
On that mountain, away from much of what man has made, my heart was kindled. I was not in Paradise, of course, but I experienced a glimpse of it. If I had time, I would have stayed there all day, soaking in the views and the sun. That place and time offered some serenity. Meanwhile true serenity and security is to be with God. May God help me abide in Him daily and hourly.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Through the Rapid
Last summer, I began to explore kayaking. I took several trips on rivers here in western Virginia on a kayak. One day, I was out on a float with about a dozen other people, including my brother-in-law. Jason is experienced in a kayak. He has enough skills to help people who are not very good in a kayak...and people who roll over in kayaks. He was helping me, giving me tips, watching. He mentioned one particular place he had concerns about. The fact that Jason claimed to be nervous about it made me a bit anxious.
In fact, I had already rolled once--when I first tried to get in the kayak that day. This was humbling, since I had already enjoyed a smooth trip previously. The rest of the group with a number of novices decided to walk around this rapid. I knew I could choose to try it. Jason and a few of the more experienced paddlers went through. I had faced moments like this before.
I knew if I did not go through the rapid, I would face the same moment--the same obstacle--again later. It would not be any easier then. I knew I could do it, if I did what I needed to do. I had some good counsel on this one. Did I mention I had some angst about this situation? When one is on the water, in a kayak, challenging rapids do appear challenging. I decided to go through, and I aimed for the ideal entry point.
I went into the rapid, accelerating and descending into its turbulent force. I paddled hard on the right. Otherwise, I faced a collision with an untamed bank. The kayak turned reluctantly back to the left. I felt the bump of a rock. The kayak slipped past. I was through. I was relieved and glad.
While I received the affirmation of some skilled kayakers, I knew I had not suddenly become a good paddler. I did, though, take a step toward being capable in this sport. I crossed a little threshold. I saw the challenge, felt the fear, and went through it. That is an essence of life, of progress, and of achievement. God helps us at those moments, but it takes a personal willingness to take a risk.
In fact, I had already rolled once--when I first tried to get in the kayak that day. This was humbling, since I had already enjoyed a smooth trip previously. The rest of the group with a number of novices decided to walk around this rapid. I knew I could choose to try it. Jason and a few of the more experienced paddlers went through. I had faced moments like this before.
I knew if I did not go through the rapid, I would face the same moment--the same obstacle--again later. It would not be any easier then. I knew I could do it, if I did what I needed to do. I had some good counsel on this one. Did I mention I had some angst about this situation? When one is on the water, in a kayak, challenging rapids do appear challenging. I decided to go through, and I aimed for the ideal entry point.
I went into the rapid, accelerating and descending into its turbulent force. I paddled hard on the right. Otherwise, I faced a collision with an untamed bank. The kayak turned reluctantly back to the left. I felt the bump of a rock. The kayak slipped past. I was through. I was relieved and glad.
While I received the affirmation of some skilled kayakers, I knew I had not suddenly become a good paddler. I did, though, take a step toward being capable in this sport. I crossed a little threshold. I saw the challenge, felt the fear, and went through it. That is an essence of life, of progress, and of achievement. God helps us at those moments, but it takes a personal willingness to take a risk.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Stirred by the Great Commission
Recently, I have been unsettled. There is a stirring within. As I've just passed the 35-year mark on the earth, I am close to the halfway point, Lord willing. And I am fully submerged in life in this world.
Now I am sure I could be busier. My children are not into first grade yet, and I do not have a full slate of volunteer commitments. I know there is potentially much more to come...soccer games, recitals, coaching, and God only knows what else. More and more, I see the appropriateness of all these things. And that is part of the problem.
Our world has its own processes and routines, and these are often NOT in sync with God's desires. Jesus led a relatively simple life back in the day. I know there was not internet and there were no smartphones, but I am sure Jesus could have led a very busy "normal" life if He had so chosen. Just before he left the planet, He gave the disciples a job to do. It still applies to those of us known as Christians.
That task is to tell the story about Jesus Christ to all people. Of course, there are many ways to do this, but the ultimate end is that people are exposed to certain facts and urged to respond to those facts. (Of course, God does the "miracle" part of this, and there is a "miracle" part.) I am not very involved in this undertaking. In fact, in my estimation, I am not much of a factor in this enterprise. Perhaps God knows I am doing more than I know so that people may know Him. Yet I have this nagging conviction that I could be more deliberate about leading others into truth. It is a saving knowledge of Jesus, a repentance for wrong things done, a believing and trusting in God to be all we really need.
Recently, I have been stirred. I need to be more consistent in praying for my neighbors and family. I want to have God put me in situations where I can gladly and effectively sow seeds of His truth. I want to be an integral part of Jesus' final request...where I am...in my little sphere. God help me.
Now I am sure I could be busier. My children are not into first grade yet, and I do not have a full slate of volunteer commitments. I know there is potentially much more to come...soccer games, recitals, coaching, and God only knows what else. More and more, I see the appropriateness of all these things. And that is part of the problem.
Our world has its own processes and routines, and these are often NOT in sync with God's desires. Jesus led a relatively simple life back in the day. I know there was not internet and there were no smartphones, but I am sure Jesus could have led a very busy "normal" life if He had so chosen. Just before he left the planet, He gave the disciples a job to do. It still applies to those of us known as Christians.
That task is to tell the story about Jesus Christ to all people. Of course, there are many ways to do this, but the ultimate end is that people are exposed to certain facts and urged to respond to those facts. (Of course, God does the "miracle" part of this, and there is a "miracle" part.) I am not very involved in this undertaking. In fact, in my estimation, I am not much of a factor in this enterprise. Perhaps God knows I am doing more than I know so that people may know Him. Yet I have this nagging conviction that I could be more deliberate about leading others into truth. It is a saving knowledge of Jesus, a repentance for wrong things done, a believing and trusting in God to be all we really need.
Recently, I have been stirred. I need to be more consistent in praying for my neighbors and family. I want to have God put me in situations where I can gladly and effectively sow seeds of His truth. I want to be an integral part of Jesus' final request...where I am...in my little sphere. God help me.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lovers of Snow Rejoice
Since I have not gotten into the routine of blogging regularly, I thought I should at least respond to my blog from last year (nearly a year ago) about the scarcity of snow. If you live in the vicinity of the East coast, you know this winter has included a lot of snow. I am glad. Of course, I am in that small group of professionals called teachers. Therefore, I have benefited from more than a couple "snow days." I've not had to deal with getting to an office every day with snowstorm after snowstorm hindering that progress.
This has been a special winter in my eyes. We have had about forty inches of snow so far. I expect to see more accumulate on the ground. It is so symbolic of the season. A lingering coat of snow indicates the presence of a real legitimate winter. This has not been so for several years. My disappointment has been replaced with gladness. While I do not get outside most days to ski, snowshoe, or sled, I like having that option. May this be the beginning of many more winters with significant snowfall.
This has been a special winter in my eyes. We have had about forty inches of snow so far. I expect to see more accumulate on the ground. It is so symbolic of the season. A lingering coat of snow indicates the presence of a real legitimate winter. This has not been so for several years. My disappointment has been replaced with gladness. While I do not get outside most days to ski, snowshoe, or sled, I like having that option. May this be the beginning of many more winters with significant snowfall.
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