Such a Time

Here we are. Enclosed by an invisible force wrecking havoc upon the mind and challenging the heart. An enemy floating within and without our walls. Replacing our vibrant lives with colorless fear all while stripping away our individual and collective dignity. We find ourselves fenced in, “for such a time as this.”

It’s an interesting call to action, “for such a time as this”*, but what is this phrase really calling us to do? Originally it was stated in a scolding manner to a young woman. She was being challenged by her uncle to take into consideration all that lay beyond herself. Her location and position in society were called into question by having her reflect on what it truly is that she is called to do. Esther’s uncle was reminding her that she was chosen to set aside her self interests and step up to face uncertainty and a looming enemy head on. She didn’t create her circumstances. She didn’t desire to be involved. She didn’t even think she could make a difference. But Esther realized she was part of a much larger story line and knew that as a follower of the one true God, she had been created and given the voice for such a time as this.

The oppressive beast of today may look different from what Esther faced, but it stems from the same brokenness of humanity. And so we are still left to ask ourselves, “What have we been called for?” It’s a good question, but it’s also a hard question. It’s easy to be a follower of something when all is well, but what about when life is full of uncertainties and revulsion? What about when monstrous systemic viruses rear their ugly head?

As a follower of the one true God, there is little option of what we must do. We may not be the final voice that slays the beast, but we are all called to speak out in truth as we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.** And we are called to this action, for such a time as this.

 

* Esther 4:14

**Micah 6:8

 

Returning Home

With evening rapidly approaching, my young son ran up to me holding a book my mother use to read me. It’s a book full of short little poems and although it is not a new book by any means, the lessons it taught hold truer than I could ever have imagined. Joshua opened it up for me, saying, “Here. Start on this page.” The first little poem titled Near and Far* began softly with the words,

Little children far away,

“Cross the ocean wide,

“Though they do not look like us

Are the same inside.”

Initially I wondered if my five year old is understanding current events. Simultaneously my mind thought back to lessons learned at home. Lessons about right and wrong and humanity. With the Golden Rule** as a constant guide, it’s no wonder poems like Near and Far and TV shows like Mr. Rogers Neighborhood helped me grasp the greater command of Love your neighbor as yourself.*** A command of action.

Living out these lessons and sharing them with others does not require grand gestures and dramatic statements, but it does require action in love to step up and step out. After all, treating our neighbor as we want to be treated, in love and dignity, is necessary to restore our road home toward the reconciliation that God had in mind before the world began.

 

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Reconciliation and Foot-Washing in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

* Near and Far by Kate Cox Goddard

**Matthew 7:12

*** Mark 12:30-31—-Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Place of Peace

“I’ve been through the wasteland and it’s only a mile ago from here.“*

Recently I had the opportunity to leave home behind and venture southwest of Nairobi into land traditionally inhabited by Maasai. It is a short distance yet one that can feel of complete isolation. Given the increase of temperatures, dryness, and a myriad of cattle and other obstacles encountered along the rugged road, the journey can be intense. It’s a road of personalized specific location, yet one we all travel.

“And now it’s a memory, but it’s only a smile ago from here.”*

After traveling the path of pitfalls and potholes a slight incline in the road suddenly clears opening up into what at first appears to be a dusty little civilization. At first glance the tiny red particles clinging to all living things give the illusion of decay, however, upon clearing the vision, a broken down sign reading Kiserian can be seen.

Kiserian in Maasai language means “place of peace.”

Living in the desert is not so much about living independently as it is about learning dependency. A journey to learn dependency upon a life sustaining source.

Treks into dryness can be full of extreme hardships. The desert, with its abrasive and biting methods, has a way of humbling and stripping away at our core. Showing our perceived strengths as the mirages they truly are. A sojourner in barren lands seeks rest, life giving water, and ultimately a place of peace.

The journey is often one of extreme hardships, but in learning dependency upon a life sustaining source, it is not a journey of waste leading to death. Perhaps this was in part why the Israelites needed to spend so long in the desert. They stood on their metaphorical mountain top having seen the the awesomeness of God yet still seemed to miss the deeper more personal connection He offered. Mountain top experiences are truly uplifting and inspiring but many times it’s in the shadowed valleys of dryness and isolation where deeper dependency and growth are learned.

Whether or not we’re on top of a mountain or huddled in the valley of shadows, the place of peace is near. It’s only a mile or so away. Our lasting Kiserian journeys to a tree and exits an empty cave.

“Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross”**

*Wasteland by Dakota Motor Company

** Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong United

 

 

Don’t Put Stickers On The Cat

 

Do you ever see what you’re saying? I mean really stop and soak in the things that come out of your mouth, then pause and reflect upon what you’ve just said? I’m not entirely sure what this communicates about myself, however in the past week I’ve heard unusual phrases uttered, such as “Don’t put stickers on the cat.” bursting forth from my mouth. It seems common sense to me that one should not put sticky adhesive things all over a hairy creature, yet those were the words I heard myself say. I can concede that curiosity was the motivating force behind the sticker scenario, but what about this phrase?

“Don’t jump on your brother’s head.”

And how many times must it be said before the message is understood? Apparently, my attempts to leave a lasting impression are not readily grasped. Ok, I’ll admit, the jumping was probably more about curiosity again. Or perhaps, “Don’t put the diaper pail on your head. It’s not a helmet.” Or “Don’t stretch out your brother’s underwear. Get it off your head.”  Or “Don’t put the lollipop back in your mouth.” after it fell sticky side down in the ant infested dust. And then there’s yesterday’s fun little exchange, “Don’t talk about poop in public.” Michael’s retort, in much too loud of a voice was, “But Papa. You’re talking about poop right now.” We were standing in the middle of the grocery store with a plethora of people around us watching out of either curiosity or some strange sense of humor. Or both.

As I hear what I’m saying, I see what I’m communicating. Naturally, my intentions are to instruct and keep the house from falling apart, but I’m not sure my intentions are as visible as I think. Of course if one should fail to notice a pattern there is always evidence of the sickening realization that the message was misinterpreted when you hear your own words boomerang upon you or others.

“Joshua. The Bible says to listen to your elders. I’m your elder. So don’t move around so much. And don’t take my pillow. And don’t keep pulling the blanket.”

See the theme? At least Michael got a little rationale woven into the message, right? He took the theme “Don’t” that I provided, and polished it with a little biblical wording. Given his tone and delivery I find it hard to believe that he was truly trying to better his brother with instruction on the proper way to go to sleep. Furthermore, I seriously doubt the two-year old learned anything other than “don’t” from that little interaction. All the right wording does nothing to change the motives that lie underneath the surface.

“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” Matthew 15:18

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

From Hope To Freedom

Benjamin came home with a poem. Although he completed the assignment, he did it in such an unsuspecting way. Through blood. “Really, Benjamin? You wrote about blood?”

“Yes Papa. There was hurting and pain and it was everywhere. But don’t worry, it is finished now.”

After Friday’s blood was finished,

and Saturday’s journey completed,

the emptiness of Sunday rang forth.

His words echoed from our memories

our confusion dissipated to delight.

Death did not pass over, the bitter herbs and salt consumed,

the lamb was slain, the cup was passed, broken bread for everyone.

Promises remembered, hope held fast, the world took a collective breath.

Yet the tomb was empty and the world began to spin, it all made sense again,

Atonement had been made complete.

 

The hollowness of the cross, where our tainted blood was set free

The powerlessness of death, prisoners shouting forth in glee

The emptiness of a tomb, and joy unspeakably

Freedom so lasting, empowering, complete, for all eternity.

 

Not The Christmas Christmas

“It’s the real Christmas. Not the Christmas Christmas.” Said Michael excitedly upon finding a book for Benjamin to read to him about the first Christmas.

Calculations are taken. Calendars are rearranged. Checklists are made. And the cramming of grades, cookies, and ideas begin. Yes, it’s the time of the year when words like good and tidings go together without people looking at you strange. Family traditions are upheld, new traditions are forged, twice as much food is consumed, and pop culture takes a break from the norm. It can be a wonderful time to press pause and reflect upon what really matters most. Yet, sometimes it feels like we’re merely moving pieces of our lives around trying to stay one step ahead, in preparation for the next event. When it feels like we are merely ticking off boxes in a checklist of activities, events, and productions it can be easy to loose focus on the plot.

When told that we would be putting Christmas decorations up Benjamin excitedly exclaimed that he would make a Christmas decoration out of Lego blocks.

Either he is confused over the time of year it is or else he really gets what it’s all about.

Lessons Revisited

 

“Lesson one: Do not hide.”*

Kuja! Kuja hapa! Kuuujaaa!! Come here!  And there he goes again. Out the gate and down the lane. Seeing me coming he ducked beside the bushes, almost crouching, humorously hiding. His bright orange shirt contrasting clearly with the green foliage around him. As he peered out to see if I was watching him we made eye contact and made clear the fact that he could not truly hide from me. Yet he crouched down again with delusional notions of hiding from his father.

We hide in shame, fear, and disobedience. We hide to escape the inevitable. Yet we can not hide.

Lesson two: There are right ways to fight. And if you have questions we can talk through the night”*

“But Papa. He wasn’t listening to my idea. And I don’t want to do what he says. So that’s why I hit him.”

When in doubt, aggression. When insecure, aggression. When not in control, aggression. Not necessarily the best response to things, but sadly enough one that is all too common. Lashing out rarely is the right response.

“Lesson three: You’re not alone.”*

Sitting on the single step in our house with my oldest listening as he tells me how no one will listen to him. His plight is one of despair and is dripping in sorrow at his perceived loneliness. Although so many are around him, even talking to him with invitations of companionship, he is lost in himself and feels alone.

There truly is nothing new under the sun. Did not Adam try to hide? or Jacob wrestle? or David feel all alone? So while my boys are learning basic lessons that are not new to humanity, these lessons seem to be ones we all need to revisit from time to time. To attempt to hide from an omniscient one, or have the gall to wrestle with an omnipotent one, or claim isolation in the presence of the omnipresent one is clearly missing the big picture. Wasn’t there something about not seeing a forest due to all the trees?  Perhaps it is the focal point within these lessons. Maybe, just maybe, the view should not be directed at oneself at all.

“Just remember, lesson one.”*

 

* Italicized lyrics from Boys (Lesson One) by Jars of Clay

Say Something Serious

While creating delicious treats over Spring/Easter Break, the boys began to interview each other between sneaking sugary bites of white chocolate and sprinkles.

Michael holding an imaginary microphone out to his older brother. . .

Michael: “Ben-a-min. (which is his pronunciation when speaking quickly) Say something serious.”

Benjamin: “Jesus died on a cross for our sins and he rose three days later.”

Michael: “No. Say something more serious.”

Benjamin: “That’s the most serious.”

 

 

And since it’s serious, shouldn’t we tell everyone around us?

Three

 

Three chapels spoke I this week

It allowed me in depth the Word to seek

Stepping away with passion anew

Amazingly insightful Ephesians 2

Answering the age old big three

(Who am I? How did I get here? Where am I going?)

A gift of grace absolutely free

It spoke of Identity, Good vs Evil, Metaphysics, and Purpose

Simplistic yet tiered complexity in surplus

Eyes wide open and pushed to the brink

Another wake up call to keep in sync

***

Three lads parented I this week

It allowed me in depth the Word to speak

Stepping away with passion anew

To continuously love the little crew

Evil tendencies poured out from the three

And I remembered love unconditionally

To give free will yet show they have a valued purpose

Simplistic yet tiered complexity in surplus

Created to create a workmanship on the brink

A bond of love waiting for us to link

***

Three messages heard I this week

Saved only by faith they speak

Nothing in our power can make us new

Only the grace of God brings spiritual renew’al

Genuine faith exudes evidence of life abundantly

Together in Christ with impunity

Three parts one message taught I

Three lads watching my own demise

There but for the grace of God go I

There but for the grace of God go I

 

Concealed

 

As a parent calling out after a fleeing child who is barefoot, and seemingly free knows, the battle is not always won. But it is always fought. The two older boys know not to run around outside without shoes but inevitably I’ll look up and see one of them standing in the dirt. White feet turned rusty-red.

It seems much of the compound we live in is built upon a past life that has left much behind. Yet in spite of being cleaned and made new, the land continues to hold on to its refuse. Nothing remains concealed. It’s a regular occurrence to find bits of metal or shards of glass protruding up from beneath our outwardly green and cheery little compound.

A simplistic analogy perhaps but, when it was red that washed us white, there is no need to hold onto the rusty brokenness of the past.