Come on...The Case of the Untied Shoe

I saw him hesitate.  He was almost at the front of the church.  The congregation was singing the invitation hymn, and a father and his young son stepped out of the pew, making their way down the aisle.  As they neared the end of the aisle, the boy glanced at his feet to see that his shoe was untied.  In a moment that seemed to stand still, I could see the young boy deliberating the situation.  Should he stop and tie his shoe? Or should he just keep going.  The preacher waiting at the front moved over to greet them at the exact moment the boy made his decision.  As the preacher reached out his hand to greet the boy, the boy kneeled down to tie his shoe.

He was coming forward with a purpose.  But he felt his shoe had to be tied first.  His father gave an embarrassed grin and shook the preacher's hand.  The congregation continued to sing.  Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.  I, however, ceased singing.  It was in that brief moment I received a glimpse of my own life, of my own heart.  This young man was making public the most important decision of his life, to follow Jesus Christ.  But he had to be ready.  His shoe had to be tied.  Or did it?

How many times do I stop just short of Jesus' bid for me to come to Him, to stop and fix things before I reach Him? Yes, Lord, I feel you drawing me in your presence, but before I can sit down and dive into Your Word, the house must be clean.  The dishes must be washed.  I must go to bed so I can sleep and awaken refreshed, ready for You to pour into me.  Yes, Lord, I see that person in need.  I can help meet the need.  Or I can even just be a listening ear.  But I'm so busy, God.  Maybe when life slows down a bit.  Yes, Lord, that is an amazing ministry opportunity.  But I'm not good enough.  Let me work on teaching, singing, repairing, cooking, serving...and the list of excuses goes on and on.

My Savior is gently calling to me, inviting me into His presence, into His work, but I so often stop short.  I get so close, ready to surrender, but my imperfection or the mess of my life distracts me.  Sadly, one distraction leads to another.  Many times, I miss the opportunity completely.  And what an opportunity it is.  The opportunity to be in the loving arms of my Heavenly Father.  The opportunity to be involved in His work and ministry.  The opportunity to simply bask in His glory.  The examples of God calling us to Himself in scripture are numerous.  And for almost every situation.

Coming into His presence:
Enter into His gates with singing and into His courts with praise.  Psalm 100:4

Coming with our sin:
"Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  Isaiah 1:18

Coming with our burdens:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Coming with our fears:
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  Matthew 14:25-29

Coming with our future as designed by His will:
"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people."  Mark 1:17

Coming with our complaints:
Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’” While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud. The Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”  Exodus 16:9-12

Coming in our weakness:
Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.  Mark 6:31

Coming in our need:
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."  Revelation 22:17

As we celebrate Christmas and the season of advent, we focus on the coming of Jesus, both as a baby in a humble stall and His promise that He will one day come again.  The truth of the matter is, Jesus came to us, so that we might come to Him.  And He waits.  Patiently pleading, "come on."

Climb Every Mountain

It happened every summer.  It's a tradition.  One that continues to this day.  Every camper, former camper, staffer, former staff, is invited to come forward at the end of closing program to sing the song together.  To remember the lessons of camp.  To inspire others as you walk out the door, leaving the safety and seclusion of Camp Crestridge, going back into the world beyond.  I wonder what it was like to sit in the audience and hear three to four generations singing that song.  I wonder if it felt anything like what I felt last night when watching The Sound of Music Live!  The movie with Julie Andrews has always been my favorite, but I've never picked up on the spiritual significance of the story until last night.  Maybe it's because I'm older and I've climbed a few mountains.  Maybe it's because of Audra McDonald's performance as the Reverend Mother.  I'm not sure what it was, but last night, something was different.  I was moved to tears.  Sobbing tears.  Tears that won't stop, even as I type this right now.

I don't know if I ever really stopped to think about what the words to the song really mean.  I think I just sung them.  I never really stopped and let them sink in.  But as I reflect on the place that gave that song such significance in my life, I am thankful for the people there who prayed this prayer over my life, who helped me understand the importance of never being satisfied with mediocrity, even though I probably didn't realize the timeliness of their message.  I used to think everyone had someone in their life constantly telling them these things, constantly encouraging them, constantly cheering them on.  I was so blessed to have many people in my life who have done that for me.  Maybe my tears today come from the realization that many people don't have them.  No one is there to encourage them to work hard.  No one is there to tell them they are talented and they have a lot to offer.  No one is there to give them that little push of encouragement.  How could I have so many when many have no one? I am overwhelmed.  I think this song could be made into a wonderful children's book.  And here's the message.

Climb every mountain:
Life is hard.  Many days it's going to feel like an uphill battle.  There will be times you climb with vigor and excitement.  There will be days when each step is a struggle.  But know that the top of the mountain is worth it.  The view will make the climb seem like nothing in comparison.  And remember, it's rare for a mountain to stand alone.  There are very few singular mountains.  Most of the time, when you get to the top of one mountain, another one is waiting in the distance.  And that's okay.  Climb it just like you did the others.  One step at a time.  And don't be afraid to ask for help.  There will be other climbers who pass by that can reach out and pull you on.  Just as you will be there to reach out and help someone else.

Search high and low:
We don't like to search.  Think about the last time you misplaced something.  The search for it was probably not a pleasant experience.  The search may have made you late for something.  It may have caused you to have to switch gears and change plans.  These are not pleasant feelings.  But think about the last time you participated in an Easter Egg Hunt, especially when there were prize eggs.  The search was fun!  You were probably determined.  If only we could search ourselves and our lives that way and not look at the search as something dreadful.

Follow every byway:
The dictionary defines a byway as a secluded, private, or obscure road.  Life will definitely take you down these roads.  And your first instinct might be to turn around.  Your fear may lead you to believe this isn't safe.  But don't let your fear overtake you.  Trust the Lord to make straight your path.  Trust Him as you explore the byways of life.  And remember, you never really walk alone.  Think about roads that are labeled scenic byways.  We have several in the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  These roads are usually two-lane, winding, paths with some of the most beautiful views.  Enjoy the byways.  Learn from them.  Don't get upset if someone in front of you is going too slow and blocking your way.  Stop and smell the roses.  Just take everything in.  Stop at the scenic overlooks and enjoy the view.  Marvel at the mountains you've climbed already, and thank God for the mountains that still lie ahead.

Every path you know:
There's more to life than mountains.  There are familiar roads that conjure up feelings of safety and happiness.  (The road up to Camp Crestridge is one of these for me.)  Follow them.  Let those roads remind you of home, of safety, of harmony.

Ford every stream:
A ford is a place in the river or body of water where it is shallow enough to cross by wading.  To ford a stream is the cross at a ford.  Don't be afraid to get your feet wet.  Jump in.  Trust God to guide your steps.  Streams do exist, not to keep you from the other side, but to drive you on to the other side. Also, make wise decisions.  Crossing a river at its deepest part with rolling rapids is often a dangerous choice.  This doesn't mean you take the easy way out or you are lazy.  It means that it's important to know what you can handle.  Know your skills.  Know your limitations.  And constantly seek ways to overcome those limitations.  Sometimes, that involves getting your feet wet and exploring.  Sometimes that involves falling down a slippery bank.  Sometimes it simply involves perseverance to keep searching for the place the river fords and to never give up.  Never let the stream keep you from the other side.

Follow every rainbow:
There are also beautiful rainbows.  Many want to follow rainbows because of the legendary pot of gold waiting at the end.  But if you follow rainbows with this intent, you will be disappointed.  To follow rainbows is to trust in God's promises.  That's what a rainbow is, right?  God's promise.

Til you find your dream:
A passion very rarely just presents itself.  It must be discovered.  For it's in the discovery that the passion becomes just that.  


A dream that will need all the love you can give, every day of your life, for as long as you live:
Feed your passion.  Continue to dream dreams.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you.  And find someone you can encourage.  Love your passion.  Spend time pursuing it.  Spend time learning all that you can.  Immerse yourself.  Find ways to use your passion to glorify God.  Don't give up!  Press on!



Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39



So climb every mountain. Search high and low.  Follow every byway.  Every path you know.  Climb every mountain.  Ford every stream.  Follow every rainbow.  'Til you find your dream.  A dream that will need all the love you can give, everyday of your life, for as long as you live.  Climb every mountain.  Ford every stream.  Follow every rainbow.  Til you find your dream!

A Mess of Ornaments...A Message of Hope

My husband doesn't like our Christmas tree. Well, I guess he just doesn't understand it. While there are a few sets of ornaments, none of them match. There are no brightly colored balls. No pretty ribbon. No theme. Just random ornaments collected from years past. I have friends who decorate multiple trees throughout their home. I don't care for artificial trees, and I can barely remember to water our one live tree, so I think I'll just stick to one. I have friends who change the theme of their trees from year to year. But that's an added expense I've never been able to justify. My ornaments have been the same, year after year. New ornaments are added each year, but not because I bought them. These are special ornaments given by friends. And each one has meaning. Each one has a story. Each one has a memory. And for me, that's what makes my Christmas tree so very special.

 Decorating the tree each year is like taking a walk down memory lane. I spend a few moments with each ornament, remembering who gave it, remembering that time in my life, remembering it's story. I often think of people I haven't spoken with or seen in ages. I cherish the time in our lives that we shared together. I am thankful for those moments, for those memories.

 There's the piano ornament, given to me by my piano teacher, Mrs. Rosalyn Taylor, in 1987.

There's an ornament given to me at work in 2008. The house. There is a matching house that belongs to my sister. This was my ornament in 1981 from my mom and dad. They still buy my sister and I a new ornament each year. They go on the tree at their home. But my mom let me take a few of mine. This is one of them. It's comforting to know this ornament's match is also being treasured on a special tree.

 The Joy to the World ornament from Julie. This was given in a year where we had to learn 3 or 4 different arrangements of Joy to the World for choir and praise team music at church. It was a challenge to keep them all straight.

The ornament I made Jay in 2011, the first Christmas together when we started dating.

The ornament that was the favor at my sister's wedding. My mom and I made so many of these!!!! Such happy memories.

 The Camp Crestridge Ornament... from the place I spent so many summers as a child and teenager. The ornament itself doesn't hold special memories, but the place it represents holds more memories than I can wrap my brain around.

 The cow ornament...well, one of many cow ornaments. From 1994-199 I was obsessed with cows. I loved them. I thought they were adorable. I still think they're pretty adorable. Some may think it's odd that I still hang the cow ornaments. But each year it just reminds me that I have friends and family who know me so well that they know exactly what ornament to give. That's pretty special in life...to have those kind of friends. So the cows stay!

 And there are so many more. The ornaments from Mexico I bought on a cruise. Ornaments from my former students. Ornaments I bought the first Christmas I spent in Spartanburg. Ornaments from friends. The set of three ornaments given to me in 1979 from my babysitter, Mrs. Haynes. If you haven't figured out...I keep track of where each ornament came from. The name of the giver and the year it was given is written either on the ornament or on the box. I figure one day I won't be able to remember each ornament's story. I'm preparing a cheat sheet of sorts for myself.

Like I said, they don't match. They don't make a jaw-droppingly, beautiful tree. It would never win a contest. To some, it may look a mess. But that's okay. It's my mess. They tell my story. And they are a reflection of life and a reflection of the true meaning of Christmas. When Jesus was born, it wasn't in a spick and span hospital all decorated with beautiful ribbons and bows. It was in a dirty stable. His birth took place after a long journey. An uncomfortable journey. There was pain. But, oh, there was joy! I wonder if Mary was worried about the messy stable as she was experiencing the pains of labor. Or was she just happy to have a place of privacy in that moment? If she was worried, I the worries faded away when Jesus arrived and she held him in her arms. The world He was born into was a mess, as well. God's people had confused His message. They had waited so long for the promised Messiah, they may have even forgotten what they were waiting for.

 Jesus came into a messy world, in a messy way, and He takes our mess and makes it His message. It might not look like what we imagined. It might be completely different from anything else we've seen. But to God, it's beautiful. It's unique. It's His creation. His handiwork. And His message is one of hope. Hope for a lost world. Hope for salvation and eternal life. Hope in knowing that He is in control. Ecclesiastes 3:11a says, "He makes all things beautiful in His time." My life is beautiful, not because of anything I do, but because of Jesus' handiwork with my mess. And while my tree might not be beautiful to everyone, it's beautiful to me. It's the story of my mess. And more importantly, the story of His message.