Skin That Didn't Fit

Year 8-Day 98:Today, I am grateful for skin that didn't fit. 

Don't you love shoes that fit in a way that allows for comfort and purpose? How about a soft pair of jeans that fits like a glove? And that ever illusive perfect fitting swimsuit? We all love items that are a "good fit". 

As I was contemplating some items in my closet I need to give up... because they don't fit quite right anymore, I came upon this verse in my inbox:

"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," -Philippians 2:7

I was suddenly filled with awe. What I know intellectually... somehow felt different wrapped up in the common analogy of misfitting clothes. Jesus chose our inferior human form so that he could know what it was like to be one of us. Our skin didn't really fit His deity and His Holiness... but he chose to wear it to save our skins... literally and spiritually. 

As I was looking up the Philippians verse, I had one of those moments when I KNOW He is guiding my hand. This was the "Verse of the Day" at Biblegateway. It connects the dots and lands the plane:

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me".-Galations 2:20

Because Jesus took on our human skin to be the offering for our sin pardon, we, too, can invite His Spirit to reside in us, so we no longer feel bound to this earth. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. We can love the earth and care for it as He instructed, but our souls belong to Him. 

When we abide in Him... it is absolutely normal to feel like aliens in our own skin. Our desires change. How we spend our day changes. We live to love, serve and share the wonder and miracle of new life in Christ. 

Who knew there could be a gratitude lesson in a closet cleaning?

Today, I am grateful for skin that didn't fit. 

White

Year 8-Day 97:Today, I am grateful for white.

A quick art lesson for those who may have forgotten. White is the presence of all color. It is the true balance of all colors. White on television and computer screens is created by a mixture of red, blue and green light. The important factors are light and balance. All of the colors together create white. Crazy, right? But it is true. 

White has long symbolized purity, holiness and innocence. It is clean and simple. "White space" in art give the sense of being able to breathe with a portion of a piece being a blank space. I love white walls. I don't see sterile. I see fresh and light.

I've seen white impatiens mixed in with various shades of green hostas. It is a stunning sight on a landscape. You never go wrong with white. 

In fact, a bouquet of babies breath is not only gorgeous, it is long lasting. In a simple clear glass jar, it can look elegant or friendly. The charm of a white bouquet makes it perfect for almost any occasion. Pops of color seem even more spectacular when surrounded by white. 

White is in the scriptures many times. Today, the one that stood out is from what we remember as "The Transfiguration" of Jesus. He goes up a mountain with Peter, James and John and suddenly, Jesus's appearance begins to change:

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. -Matthew 17:1-2

What a sight that must have been. Then to hear the voice of God speak and see Moses and Elijah alive and talking to Jesus... breathtaking to say the least. His clothes became as white as light. 

I do not think our human minds can truly grasp the glory of God. We can take in the wonder of something that is pristine and white. 

Today, I am grateful for white.

Those Who Wash Our Feet

Year 8-Day 96:Today, I am grateful for those who "wash our feet". 

Today, I am missing one of my favorite Sundays of the year. It is the Sunday, every Lenten season when my dear "sister" Julie and I return to leading Children's worship to teach the children about foot-washing. 

Julie and I did Children's lessons together... 48 Sundays a year... for about 9 years. We learned so much while teaching them. When the time came to pass the torch, we asked if we could continue teaching the foot-washing lesson on Palm Sunday. We were grateful for all who supported our request to return for one Sunday a year.

We always teach the lesson dressed as sisters, Mary & Martha. We take them on a trip back through time. We invite them into our "home" and always speak of our brother, Lazarus. We tell how Jesus was a frequent guest in our home. We quote scripture about Jesus washing his disciples feet. We share how Mary was allowed to sit with the men to learn from the teacher, counter-culture, but exactly where Jesus wanted her to be. We talk about the goodness in Martha who wanted everything just right for their special guest, but let that get in the way of learning all she could from Jesus. He knew his time with them was short, and she would be a disciple, just like the men. 

At lesson's end, Julie and I wash each others feet first... and then we invite the children into the opportunity to have their feet washed. No pressure. Most all accept.

The first year, the children were a bit hesitant, but in most cases... the littlest children led with faith and confidence. In recent years, most of the youth cannot wait for their turn. 

One year, they asked if they could wash each other's feet. Of course, we said "Yes". What better way to learn to serve? We have some of the most amazing kids. Some of them grasp quite young the blessing of a servant's heart. They melt my heart, and I understand why Jesus always said to let the children come to Him. 

The whole morning is a lesson in servant-hood. In recent years, Brayton Boss has helped us carry the hot and heavy water to the room where we do the foot-washing. In a sense, he was washing our feet. 

Julie... who plays Martha... always prepares our costumes by making sure they are fresh. She gathers any props she thinks will add to the "Village of Bethany". Julie constantly washes my feet with her organizational skills and generous heart. I am blessed to serve with her. 

I gather some snacks so we can "break bread" together... children thrive on snacks. Some of the older youth will help at times with water for our "guests". Honestly, by the time the morning is over, everyone has served and been served. 

There is a holy humility in having your feet washed. There is a special feeling in the reciprocity of foot-washing that brings people together. It is agape love in action. Powerful and special.

My favorite foot-washing story is of one little girl who had a little foot issue the day of foot- washing. (I will not name names unless she discloses it herself) Her dear Mama told her that her feet were not healthy enough to be washed with the others that day. It wasn't leprosy, but it was thoughtful and wise on her mother's part. The trouble is... we had a heartbroken little girl who fully understood the special occasion of foot-washing... and she was missing out. We could not have that!

Since Julie and I were teaching on Wednesday evenings, too, we told her mother we would have a private foot-washing for her when her feet were healthy. It wasn't too many Wednesdays later that we were able to provide her... and the friend she brought with her... a private foot-washing. I will never forget her bright, blue eyes and eager heart. It was such an honor and blessing to make the time to wash her feet that evening. I will carry that memory to my grave and heaven's gate. 

Today, that young lady is on her way to being a nurse where she will wash feet literally and figuratively every day. She will be salt and light wherever the Lord leads her. 

Because we cannot gather, I am missing our church family, Julie and the children.There is wisdom in following the recommendations about social distancing to prevent unnecessary spread of this relentless virus. It gives us time to reflect on how Jesus humbled himself to die on a cross that we could be set free of our sins... not just a virus. 

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." -Philippians 2:8

Obedience is rarely glamorous. In truth, it often looks unappealing, but the peace, love, joy and soul-felt rewards are endless. Whose feet can we wash at a distance today? Whose feet need washing in our small circle at home? Simple acts of kindness can change someone else's day. 

Today, I am grateful for those who "wash our feet". 

The House is Clean

Year 8-Day 95:Today, I am grateful the house is clean. 

I love a clean house. It needed a good cleaning. Now, the house "smells like mopped", as Walker used to say when he would walk in the door after I had cleaned. It is a sweet memory of the season when our sons were just boys. 

So often, our biggest cleaning happens before we entertain or have guests in "the inn". Today, with the stay-in-place order, it is truly for us. 

This meme made me laugh. "Instead of cleaning, I just watched an episode of hoarders. I didn't realize how fantastic my house really looks." I think Randy turns that show on occasionally to get me motivated to pitch stuff. The thing about cleaning and purging stuff, both acts make us feel better. Refreshed in a unique way. A clean empty space is a lovely sight to behold. 

I am reminded of the time Jesus walked into the temple, His Father's House, and saw people acting less than honorable. He flipped the tables and spoke his mind:

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”-Matthew 21:12-13 

In the next verse, Jesus was healing the blind and lame that came to him in the temple. His moment of anger was over the disrespect for God's house. They were making money, stealing money and focusing on profit, not the fact they were in a holy place. He cleaned house... and then went back to serving, healing and teaching.

I appreciate the reminder that there are times we need to "clean house". Literally, and in our heads and in our hearts. We don't always get it right. We clean house and it gets dirty again with our daily living. Our hearts, too. They both need regular cleaning. 

The week leading up to Easter, it is good to ponder what needs cleaning... spiritually and in our homes. 

Today, I am grateful the house is clean... and the heart is a work in progress. 

Fix My Eyes

Year 8-Day 94:Today, I am grateful for a place to fix my eyes. 

The news is confusing; so much seems uncertain. Plans are adapted. Life has kind of paused, for those who are well. Some are in the thick of battles for their health or the health of their patients. Others are adjusting their lives to make the best decisions they can. 

The For King and Country song, "Fix My Eyes" has been a favorite of my buddy, Earworm, lately. You know, the one who sings the songs you can't get out of your head.  Here is the chorus:

"Love like I'm not scared;
Give when it's not fair
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all
Fix my eyes on You

On You"

If you don't have this song in your music collection, you are missing out. If you love drumming... you are really missing out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBkwthUuhyY

In these uncertain days, we can be certain God is still on the throne. He longs for His people to return to him, so we can fully live. We can live like we're not scared. The victory is already won. Circumstance, pestilence, famine, war and disease do not change who His is. 

This scripture is about fixing our eyes:

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne." -Hebrews 12:2

Today, I am grateful for a place to fix my eyes. 

Essential Workers

Year 8-Day 93:Today, I am grateful for the essential workers who keep working. 

While many of us can find ways to continue working form home, there are a select group of people who are get up and go into work every day. Many of them are not making premium salaries. Some are not much more than minimum wage, but our expectations are high that they show up and do their jobs.

I was so excited to hear Aldi's and some of the grocery stores are doing bonuses for their employees who are working through this season of Covid-19. Where would we be without them? 

Yesterday, I focused on the healthcare and first responders... but today, the pharmacy staff, delivery drivers, restaurant workers, truck drivers and grocery employees have my deepest gratitude. Where would we be without them? 

"Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people." -Proverb 22:29 

It is true. Competent, capable, energetic workers stand out from the crowd and are often rewarded with opportunities. It is, also, true that sometimes, doing humble, servants work is in service to a king... the King of Kings. 

"I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously." -1 Chronicles 29:17

I am grateful for the essential workers who continue to show up with integrity, with courage, compassion and kindness. May God protect you and bless your hands that serve. "That which you did to the the least of these, you did, also, unto me."

Today, I am grateful for the essential workers who keep working. 

Healthcare Professionals

Year 8-Day 92:Today, I am grateful for healthcare professionals. 

So many of our family and friends are involved in healthcare as first responders in one way or another. It is humbling to think that most of them is putting their own health and families at risk because they show up to work to keep their oaths to protect, serve and heal. 

Love is doing the right thing, even when it is hard. Even when it seems beyond what should be expected of any one human being. Love is washing the feet of another... and the back and in some cases... wiping the bottom. 

The trenches of healthcare and rescue services isn't pretty. It can be exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. Still, they go. In the wee hours of the morning and answering midnight calls... they are there for help and comfort.

Tonight, we can say a special prayer for those who must triage, assess and evaluate how care for the masses of sick people around them. Tonight, we can leave a light on for them. 

I borrowed this picture from my cousin, Angie. Four of her five children are in healthcare or first responders. Our future daughter-in-law is on her way to being a nurse, but as she works her way there, she serves as a CNA with a tenderness her nursing home residents desperately need, as most cannot have visitors at this time. We are grateful for the ones who care for my Mama while she is not allowed visitors. 

Those who care of the sick and weakened by age are doing important work, from the custodial staff to the administrators making weighty decisions. I am always reminded of this passage:

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ "And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,] you were doing it to me!’" -Matthew 25:37-40

Thank you for your service to the sick and hurting... and to the King. 

Today, I am grateful for healthcare professionals.