Saturday, April 30, 2022

Not Perfect

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 121: Today, I am grateful we don't have to be perfect... just perfect for each other.  

The Love-Of-My-Life has discovered a German music group called "VoXXclub". Their song "Rock Mi" is fun. You don't have to know German to feel the fun. 

Rock Mi - The Maestro and EPO with VoXXclub

Fun song, right? You can't help but smile when you watch it. The YouTube rabbit hole has many different performances. Most of their music is in their native German language, but they do a cover of Ed Sheeran's Perfect that is excellent. 

Take a minute to play some music you enjoy, or discover something new. Music helps us enjoy the journey. 

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Voxxclub+Perfect&atb=v314-1&iar=videos&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXq99fisllV4

What would life be without music? I can't imagine it. I am glad Randy enjoys it, too. He joked that being musical was one of the reasons he chose to date me. Maybe he wasn't joking. 

One of our first purchases as newlyweds was a used piano. I think we paid about $400 for it 35 years ago. At the time, it felt like an extravagant purchase. I love my Cabinet Grand Piano. 

It came with a broken bench because the two little girls it was purchased for had a scuffle at the piano. The bench was the only casualty. Randy fixed the bench. 

I can't look at my piano without remembering how he searched for a good one we could afford. That piano is still beautiful. She is a part of our story.

We aren't perfect... but we work well together. 

Today, I am grateful we don't have to be perfect... just perfect for each other.




Friday, April 29, 2022

Choose Laughter

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 120: Today, I am grateful we can choose laughter over distress.

As Randy reframed the story... Clara Jo threw a shoe at work today. A shoe? Clara Jo isn't a horse. She is a dear and treasured friend after 10 years of working together.

Her shoes were not new, but she had no idea the glue in the soles had completely given up. It would be the start of a new adventure, too. 

Clara Jo will soon be retiring and today was her last MJHS Grandparents Day as a staff person. The next time she comes, it will most likely be in the role of Grandma. 

She had many miles to go and I am tied to my desk for most of the day... so we traded. We made a memory and we laughed and we laughed. 

"He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." -Proverbs 15:13

Laughter is good for the soul. Clara Jo is good for my soul. 

Today, I am grateful we can choose laughter over distress.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Storm Proofing

 Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 119: Today, I am grateful for storm proofing. 


A special friend posted this today.  It is from "The Afters". The song is "I Will Fear No More". 
Take a listen and then listen again. 

It is truly a great song. This line jumped out and wrapped my heart in comfort:
“Even though I’m in the storm, the storm is not in me!”

Fear and anxiety are smothering. This world is filled with it. There is a mental health crisis at every turn. This song is fear and anxiety busting. Listen. Let it sit on your soul and know that it speaks truth.

The world wants us to tremble when the storms come. The media is obsessed with troubles and woes. Find a media that gives you the Good News. 

I do not suggest we put our heads in the sand and put on a pair of rose colored glasses. We are to stand firm in the confidence that this world is not our home. 

We are commanded to love God with all of our might, we are to do good, act with justice, show mercy and to spread the Word of our Lord. We have a Savior who was willing to live in alien skin so he might really understand all of the things we see, hear, smell, taste and feel. He took on all of our senses and emotions... and lived without sin. 

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross."  -Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus chose service and sacrifice over devine privilege. Think about it? Who does that? 

It is so rare to meet a human that doesn't expect "knowing someone" to give them special privilege or an exemption from whatever procedure is an inconvenience or beneath them. Jesus gave up the privilege of heaven and in addition, took on my punishment and my sin debt. He paid yours, too. 

This world is FULL of troubles. I want to say to my troubles... "Troubles...  you don't know my Jesus!" 

Don't be defeated or discouraged. Trust your storm proofing. 

In Him, we can find our storm proofing. Take a deep breath my friend. 

Today, I am grateful for storm proofing. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmmbJlWhtk


Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Building Something New

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 118: Today, I am grateful for opportunities to build something new.

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." -Socrates

Change is rarely easy, but it is not always bad. Building new things keeps our minds sharp, our bodies engaged and there is joy on the journey. So, why do we fight change? 

Comfort is probably the main reason. A fair number of humans prefer to stay in their comfort zones. Some with entrepreneurial spirits... they will step out and into the unknown. It is hard for me at times. 

A part of my personality fears failure. The truth is we learn more from our failures than our successes.  

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:8

How easy it is to forget that He goes before us! He is our strength and our source. We can build something new with confidence because the Lord goes with us. 

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Today, I am grateful for opportunities to build something new.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Not For a Moment

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 117: Today, I am grateful we don't live one moment unloved.

The magnitude of God's love for  us hard to comprehend. 

"You have never gone one moment unloved." -Max Lucado

The idea of it is a bit overwhelming, but it is backed by scripture. When we were at our worst, He loved us. 

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. - Romans 5:6

Yes, for sinners he died. He saw us at our worst and loved us anyway. What a wonderful Savior and King. 

This thought is simple, but profound. "You have never lived a moment unloved."

That is good news!

Today, I am grateful we don't live one moment unloved.


Monday, April 25, 2022

The Secret Ingredient

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 116: Today, I am grateful for the "secret ingredient". 

Mama was the oldest of 10 kids. She married at 18. My dad was 28. Many of their farm friends were Dad's age. She couldn't wait to be a grandma. She had a chance to practice when her sister, my Aunt Kathy, married a man with three sons... including a set of identical twin boys. Then, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave had Molly and another set of ... wait for it.. identical twin boys. (You can't make this stuff up.)  Paul, Ed, Andy, Molly, James and David were Mama's practice grandchildren in many ways. 

Molly was outnumbered, but the girl learned to hold her own in the middle of the pack. She is fierce in the most beautiful ways. I was off to college when Molly was born, but April was around more. She loved Molly like a little sister. The kitchen was the heart of our home, and the music room the heartbeat. Mama, April and Molly could often be found in the kitchen. 

 When Molly shared the picture of this spice tin she had found, I knew it had to be today's gratitude post. When Mama died last November, Molly shared some beautiful memories of Mama for her service. This excerpt is worth sharing. Molly, I hope you don't mind:

"My fondest memory of Aunt Ina was with regard to her “Love spice”.  She sprinkled it on EVERYTHING whether it was a sweet or savory dish.  Everything always tasted better when she sprinkled it on.  We could always tell if she "forgot" and would bring our plate back and ask for some spice.  I remember asking her what kind of spice it was.  She responded with "oh it's a secret".  It wasn't until I was an adult that realized that the spices were actually nothing at all.  The jar was and always had been empty.  It was her "love" that made everything better, and that is the one thing I will miss the most.  Her love." -Molly Maisonneuve Clyden

I can picture Mama sprinkling it with dramatic flair. Now, Molly can continue the tradition with her family, too. Mama lived the Gospel more than she preached it. Her faithful walk spoke volumes. If one verse summed her up it would be 1 Corinthians 16:14-

"Let all that you do be done in love."

It truly is the secret ingredient. Love changes everything.

Today, I am grateful for the "secret ingredient". 

Sunday, April 24, 2022

A Tin Full of Buttons

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 115: Today, I am grateful for a tin full of buttons.

"There's a 50% chance these are full of buttons." 

Hilarious because it is true. Growing up, I remember button tins at my grandmother's and Great-Aunt Elin's home. Mama had one, too. Mine is a glass bottle, so I can see the pretty colors inside. 

A dear gal from church, "Aunt Wilma Sheldon" as we called her, kept string in her button tin for us to use when we played at her house during the ladies circle. April and I would make jewelry. Then we would unstring the buttons for next time. The button tin provided entertainment much like Legos do today. You could build something, then unstring the buttons and build something new the next time. 

For those who lived through the Great Depression, they recycled before recycling was cool. When a shirt could no longer be worn, the buttons were cut off and saved. Many of today's clothing items provide extra buttons. The extras fill my button jar. Occasionally, it comes in very handy for a missing button.  

"a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;" Ecclesiastes 3:7

There is a time to sew and a time to cut off buttons to save for later projects. We never know when a need may strike. It is good to be prepared. 

Today, I am grateful for a tin full of buttons.

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Wonderfully Common Moments

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 114: Today, I am grateful for the wonderfully common moments.

They are the moments that go by without really being noticed, treasured or savored. Hanging out with family on a Sunday afternoon or sitting in familiar chairs with your favorite people, these are the moments that make up our lives. Ordinary is often what we remember as extraordinary. 

When the girls were little, Matt and Jennifer would camp fairly regularly at a campground by our house. It was perfect. We could visit and enjoy the camping experience, then return home to sleep in our own comfy beds. It was the best of both worlds. Even better, the boys would often receive the invitation to stay with them overnight. The camper had plenty of room. 

I once, jokingly, asked Matthew why he never invited us to bring our tent for an overnight. My little brother is no dummy. He replied, "On, no! I know how that would go. Somehow... you'd end up in my comfortable bed and I'd be in the tent sleeping on the ground."   I laughed, because I knew he was right. 

This weekend has had gorgeous temperatures in the 70's. 75 degrees is my favorite. The windows are open and the breeze smells fresh. We have had some seasonal firsts, including sitting under the pergola out back for a little while. 

Today, I was thinking back on Jesus' time on earth. He often connected with people in very deep ways in the most ordinary moments. Walking down a road, going to a friend's home for dinner, a woman drawing water from a well or casual encounters at church or in the street. Ordinary days with extraordinary moments. Some of them are life changing. 

"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. " -Matthew 9:9-10

Matthew went. No drama. No big scene. He simply got up and followed Jesus. Matthew quickly realized that Jesus was happy to make room at the table for all.  

A shared meal or snack is a wonderfully common moment. Jesus can take that kind of moment and change a life.

Today, I am grateful for the wonderfully common moments.

Friday, April 22, 2022

Little Brothers



Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 113: Today, I am grateful for little brothers.

The best gift Mama ever received for her birthday was a son... a day late in true Mama fashion, at least that is what Dad used to say. Matthew arrived to complete our family of five and life was never the same. I can't imagine growing up without him. Today, we celebrate Matthew as he celebrates the completion of another trip around the sun! 

I married a little brother, too. Note, I do not say "the baby". They are the youngest, but not babies. It seems to be a consensus amongst younger siblings that they prefer the title of "youngest". Our own "youngest" was a gift when he completed our family. Chase waited a long time for a little brother, and Walker did not disappoint. 

Marc Brown once wrote, "Sometimes, being a brother is even better than being a superhero." in his "Arthur" series. I've always loved that quote. 

Jesus had little brothers, too.

“Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?  And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” -Matthew 13:54b-56

I cannot imagine what it was like to be a sibling to Jesus during his days on earth! He had at least six. Siblings make all of four other relationships richer. We learn about life, shared spaces, compromise, shared joys and divided sorrows with our siblings. 

Brothers teach us about guy things. Males and females have some definite differences in communication patterns. Research shows that women typically use many more words in a day than their male counterparts. Someone put it very succinctly... men run out of their "words for the day" when women are just getting warmed up. I think there is truth in that statement. 

Some of my favorite little brother moments involve a sunrise and a pot of coffee. It can be on a beach, a sunporch or at the kitchen table. 

I am grateful for the many colors our brothers add to the tapestry of our lives. Life would be much duller without them.

Today, I am grateful for little brothers.


Thursday, April 21, 2022

Mama's Birthday





 Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 112: Today, I am grateful for Mama Ina Mae's birthday.  

Mama is having her first heavenly birthday. She is happy, whole and delighting in fellowship with her Lord and loved ones there. I don't pretend to understand how it all works in Heaven's time... but I know she is singing, dancing , playing instruments and delighting in all things joyful and lovely. 

I wanted to share a few pictures...intending on images before Huntington's took its toll on her life and body. When I was going through the pictures, I ended up grabbing images that are mostly recent. She was so pretty in some of the images from her  youth, but my heart was drawn to these more current photos. She showed a rare kind of beauty... beauty in the face of suffering and health challenges. 

The picture with our arms in the air was going down a ramp up at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago where Mama went for treatment. I am so glad Jennifer snapped this image. When you can't control your circumstances, you still get to choose your attitude! People were watching us, but we didn't care. Mama didn't get out much, so we made the most of every moment. 

Huntington's Disease took a toll on her body, but it could not stop her joy. It still bubbled over and on her best days, we saw her wit and her wisdom. 

Today might be  her birthday, but Mama did her best to treat each day as a gift. She loved to serve and she loved to sing, dance and play musical instruments. She loved God's Word and knew it well... but more importantly she lived it. She was generous and the sweetest human I've ever known. 

Today, we miss her more than words can express, but we celebrate her Heavenly healing. We will always miss her... but we cannot help but smile knowing the fullness of her joy and freedom in heaven. 

Today, I am grateful for Mama's birthday.  

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Price Check

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 111: Today, I am grateful for price checks.

The Love-of-my-Life and I are usually pretty frugal. Occasionally, we will make a big expenditure, but we really weigh the cost. For our wedding anniversaries, we made a decision early on in our marriage to buy something for our home we would not normally purchase. Something for our "nest" has been a great way to celebrate our love, family and life together.

We spend time deciding. He loves the hunt. I love the conversations. There are always price checks.

I love this quote:

"The price of anything is the amount of life you are willing to exchange for it." -Henry David Thoreau

Such wise words presented with a poetic flair. How much life are you willing to exchange? Time is precious. Time together with loved ones is priceless. We are only gifted one day at a time. It is up to us to evaluate how we will spend our time.

Our USA culture is obsessed with being busy. We intellectually know that down time with deep breaths is very healthy. We don't need to fill every minute. We find ourselves trapped by our schedules. The struggle is real... for me, too.

I loved finding this verse today. It fits perfectly.

"For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits." 1 Corinthians 16:7

Isn't that a great verse? "I do not want to see you just in passing, but to spend real time with you!" Real relationships take time. It isn't always easy but it is worth it.

"Thank you Jesus for the people you place in our paths. Help us create and protect margins that allow us to spend our days together as we live, love, laugh, grow and seek your face in our ordinary days. Remind us to do frequent "price checks" that honor you. " - Amen

Today, I am grateful for price checks.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

No Sting

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 110: Today, I am grateful for no sting.

I remember an old product called "Bactine". Apparently, it is still on the market.

Bactine is an antiseptic treatment that offers pain relief, too. (Lidocaine is a local anesthetic ... a numbing medication). I'm pretty sure we used it on sunburn after some long days in the fields walking beans. Mama Ina Mae would grab it for bug bites, too.

They must have done some great marketing to get her to purchase it. Mama mostly treated us with more homeopathic things like teas, vinegar, honey, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon... and a little whiskey, too.

I remember the immediate comfort from the Bactine treatment and the extended relief from discomfort. Comfort, sweet comfort! Bactine took the sting out!

It reminds me of one of my very favorite scriptures.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthian 15:54-57

Swallowed up in victory!!! No sting. Not power. Death... you lose again. Our frail, human bodies transformed into something made to last. 

Amy Grant sang a song years ago called "In A Little While".  Earworm still sings it frequently. Some days are good. Some days are a far cry from good, but they remind us this temporary life is not without purpose. We are here to learn to love Him. 

"In A Little while"

In a little while
We'll be with the Father

Can't you see him smile? (Ooooooh...)
In a little while
We'll be home forever
In a while...
We're just here to learn to love him
We'll be home in just a little...

We're just here to learn to love him. What a great reminder. 

He purchased our sin debt, took the cross, conquered death and rose again, so we might have life abundant and full, with no fear of  tomorrow... even when death comes. Jesus took the sting out! He is better than Bactine. 

Today, I am grateful for no sting.


Monday, April 18, 2022

My Will Undone

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 109: Today, I am grateful for lessons in "Thy will" over "my will".

"To pray 'Thy will be done' I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone." - Elisabeth Elliot

With Easter comes the reminder Jesus was willing to pray, "Thy will be done." and he followed through, all the way to the cross. He taught us to pray in that manner, but then he lived it.

"He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”-Matthew 26:39

His example is flawless. How do we follow His perfect ways?

He is well aware of our imperfections. Still, it is His heart's desire for us to seek Him daily. He longs for us to chase his heart and to see with his eyes the world around us. Does it seem too lofty of a goal?

He has the ability to work things out, even though we are imperfect. What about the times submitting to His will means my will must be undone? It is easy to be stubborn. We want to dig our heels in when we are sent a plot twist.

Noah never imagined boat building and animal husbandry would be his "retirement job". Joseph didn't see himself as an assistant to a Pharaoh and managing a nation's food supply. Paul, formerly known as Saul, changed his name as a result of submitting fully to Christ. There are so many adventures to be had when we say, "Thy will be done." and let Him lead.

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." -Matthew 6:10

He knows the number of our earth days. He wants to walk with us for the journey in celebrations and in sorrows. One day at a time.

Today, I am grateful for lessons in "Thy will" over "my will".

Sunday, April 17, 2022

He Is Risen!

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 108: Today, I am grateful He is risen!

Keeping it simple today.

He is risen. He is not here. He has defeated death. Love won!

"He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." -Matthew 28:6

An instrument of torture has become a symbol of forgiveness, love beyond measure and hope.

A few years back I had a conversation with a friend. I told him I rarely wore a cross... not because I was ashamed of it... but the exact opposite. I held a deep fear of bringing shame to my Lord.

Worse... what if my behaviors stood in the way of someone else taking a closer look at life in Jesus? I get so many things wrong.

My friend replied that he looked at it differently. He said, "I think of it as a price tag." Wearing a cross is a constant reminder of what we cost Jesus.

I've never forgotten the conversation. In fact, I began to rethink my wearing of a cross. A cross is not a talisman of protection. It is not magical. It is a very real reminder of the price Christ paid for each one of us. His love was so deep and wide it carried him through the beatings, the betrayal, the abandonment and up to the hill we call Calvary.

Nails didn't hold him on that cross. Love did. He conquered death for us. Now, we can face the future fearlessly. That is Good News!

Wearing my price tag.

Today, I am grateful He is risen!

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Holy Saturday: Be Still

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 107: Today, I am grateful for Saturday's stillness.

Holy Saturday. Was God really silent?

How many times do we feel we are in a waiting place because human eyes have no idea what God is doing behind the scenes... and in other places and other spaces. Our God is not limited by time or space.

We cannot even begin to truly know what God is up to each and every day. He does not sleep. He holds the universe in His Holy hands. He sends living waters to soften the seeds that burst forth into life from hard, lifeless nothingness. Think of the mustard seed or a personal favorite... zinnia seeds.

Aren't seeds a miracle every time? To this farmer's daughter and sister... yes! The definition of a miracle is when something "acts outside the laws of nature". In those places and spaces, we glimpse the face of God.

When dead things come to life, behold the One with power over life and death. Remember, Jesus "gave up" his Spirit. It was not taken from him. The suffering ended when he decided enough was enough. My sins added to his suffering. I hate it, but it is the truth.

For those who are parents, self-employed or have leadership positions, are there days you feel like everyone needs something from you right now? Do you have days that you could ask someone else to do the work, but it is easier to do it yourself? Do you ever long for stillness? I do.

I have, perhaps, an odd scripture for the day, but it is one that gives me breath:

“Be still, and know that I am God! (Did you know that is only one third of the verse? )

"I will be honored by every nation." (Every knee will bow and every tongue confess.)

 "I will be honored throughout the world.” -"Psalm 46:10

He longs for the hearts of those who feel lost at sea to return to Him. Walking with Jesus is not a list of "can't do's"; it is discovering that in Him there is such fullness of life there is no need to fill the emptiness. I love this scripture:

"He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” -Luke 19:40

Do we still grieve? Absolutely! Our grief plate has been pretty full this year, but we have something many don't. We have this amazing hope. Death is not an end. It is a door.

We have no idea the limitations of this earthly body. Jesus did. That makes his willingness to endure it... for us... even more amazing.

In stillness, there is healing, trust and God's peace.

In the stillness, we silently anticipate the sunrise... and the sound of a rolling stone.

Today, I am grateful for Saturday's stillness.


Friday, April 15, 2022

Good Friday

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 106: Today, I am grateful for the good in "Good Friday". (Warning: long post.)

As a child, as the reality of Christ's sacrifice became more clear. My childlike heart didn't feel there was much to celebrate on "Good Friday". He took the beating for my transgressions. He wore my shame. He carried my cross. Mine. Yours. Ours.

How is there anything "fair" in that transaction? I can answer that one! There's not. Nothing fair, but a huge debt to be reconciled. Our God is love, but HE is holy and just, too. Justice demanded the debt be paid. Holiness demanded the sacrifice.

I am no longer a child. I have celebrated a few more Easters with every trip around the sun. My boys are men. Perhaps things become a little more clear with each passing year. Although they are men, I would still die for them. In their place... without hesitation... if it came to a choice. Call it a mother's love, but their father would do the same. To spare them suffering and give them more life, it is more of a reflexive response than a choice.

What if you must allow one suffer to save the rest? How do you choose "The One"? God sent His Son. Sent him! Remember, Christmas? At the perfect time, by HIS perfect design.

As Max Lucado wrote in his book, "He chose the nails." Nothing but love carried Jesus through the betrayal in the olive grove, the farce of a trial, the whippings, the journey up the hill with the heavy wooden cross. Only love could have carried that burden. Only love.

The same angels, who tended him in the desert after his battle with Satan, were on standby... ready to do His bidding. Jesus didn't call them. Jesus spent his time on the cross concerned with the lost souls to his left and to his right. In His brokenness, He was still handing out life rafts. Only Jesus!

I can't imagine the Father's pain, too. In the wee hours of the morning Jesus prayed for him to "remove the cup" if there was another way. Today, it might have sounded more like, "Dad, surely you have a better idea." The answer meant He would suffer a day like no other. Most humans would have died from the beatings alone. He suffered... and then suffered some more.

His time in Gethsemane was unique. In the scriptures, when Jesus really needed time alone with the Father, he would go alone. He went into the desert to fast and pray before dueling with Satan. Jesus went into the wilderness to pray after his beloved cousin, John, was beheaded because of testimony to Jesus as the Messiah. He chose to spend time with the Father alone when the load was extra heavy. Not the night he was taken. That night, he took his closest friends.

Why did he take them on that night? They were obviously not able to stay awake. Still, he brought them along. Were they there to help record the events of the evening? Perhaps, partially, but his frustration at their sleeping makes me wonder if his human beating heart longed to have close friends near as the burden grew heavier and heavier... and the plan for redemption was unfolding. Only He could stop it. Only He could complete the assignment. His choice.

I do not know the answers, but pondering the questions helps me see Jesus more clearly. 33 years in human skin was about over, but the exit strategy was not going to be easy. In fact, it was going to be brutal.

When Jesus was arrested, there was not a struggle.

The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove -John 18:3

Judas! Peter was angry. Peter went rogue and sliced off the ear of the servant to the High Priest.

"Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave." -John 18:10

Oh, passionate Peter! Jesus wasn't an orphan, child or a widow to be defended. Jesus was a soldier on a mission. Jesus healed the servant's ear.

One more tiny little healing miracle before He went willingly into custody. One more look into Judas's betraying eyes before the suffering began. Don't we all have a little Judas in us? Do we offer a kiss before we betray Him, too? Is it for less than 30 pieces of silver?

Jesus willingly went to the cross. He did it for you, for me and for all of the other souls who need forgiveness and mercy. We can look to the cross and live, if we say yes to the gift.

How can we not celebrate knowing one cross paid all of our debts? Not just paid in full but into the future, too! Gentiles and Jews can be redeemed. For all who look and live... believe, seek forgiveness and receive?

One God-man endured the punishment and took our place out of the purest love this world has ever known. That, my gratitude chasing friend, is the "good" in "Good Friday". When Jesus said, "It is finished.", he meant it!

The temple curtain ripped. The earth shook. The shofar blew. The Passover lamb was slain in the temple, but the Lamb on the hill on the cross changed everything. To God be the Glory! (Thanks Earworm for singing that song!)

Today, I am grateful for the good in "Good Friday".

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Maundy Thursday

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 105: Today, I am grateful for Maundy Thursday.

It is the day we remember the Thursday evening Jesus spent with his closest friends. These men were his disciples and his friends. They would share a Passover meal in a borrowed room.

Today, we remember the meal they shared and Jesus' words as he broke bread and served them wine.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.  -Mark 14:22-25

They did not want to hear what he had to say. Did they miss the point or could they simply not understand? Jesus spoke clearly.

Jesus said "One of you will betray me." Most asked, "Is it me?"

What were they feeling? What were they thinking? We only know bits and pieces.

This verse from John's perspective struck me today.

"He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end." -John 13:1b

He loved them to the very end. All of them. Even Judas. Those we love have the power to break our hearts. Jesus gave us a perfect and holy example; love them anyway, until the very end.

Today, I am grateful for Maundy Thursday.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

The One & Only

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 104: Today, I am grateful for the One and Only.

Imagine the scene.

There was unrest in the public square. Soldiers scattered watching the activity. People hustling to complete preparations for their Passover celebrations. Business transactions happening in the streets. Men discussing church business and city politics. Dishonest vendors in and out of places of worship. In some ways, the scenarios were probably not that different from today.

There are times I read the scriptures and am amazed by how little has really changed in the way people behave and treat each other. I am grateful for better sanitation and clean water, but man's inhumanity to man never ceases to amaze me.

"Only one man could turn a week of betrayal, intrigue and murder into the most holy week of the year."

Hated by the religious ones in His midst, Jesus stayed the course. He could out quote them with reference to the scriptures and from his hands there were amazing happenings. They didn't care. They refused to recognize His true identity. They mocked him. Spat in his face. They laughed and joked about his suffering as his mother looked on.

How did Mary bear watching his agony? Was John really a comfort or was he too busy trying to manage his own sorrow? We can only imagine it and frankly, it hurts my heart. We don't know the exact scene. Only bits and pieces.

What seemed hopeless would prove to be a victory over darkness and death. Our sins were crucified and buried with him. His blood, the flawless Lamb of God, shed for us. Love and light would win. The grave could not keep him.

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." -Romans 3:23-24

He freely makes us right in His sight. Good stuff.

Today, I am grateful for the One and Only.