Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Tidal Wave

Those times when it appears that the world is completely falling apart are those times when the precious seeds of the Word of God receive life-giving water which tenderizes our hearts.


 

Once upon a time, there was a young man of seventeen who lived with his mother, father, and brothers and sister. He was a good fellow, but he had very little time, or need, for God. Or so he thought.

It was the most difficult year of his life in school. Not only was he being picked on mercilessly because of a bad acne problem, he was also having trouble with his classes. Although he was highly intelligent, his grades were poor because he could hardly concentrate on his lessons. But all of that paled in comparison to the tidal wave of trouble that came crashing down on him one day after school.

Arriving home one day, he saw his mother sitting at the dining room table. Sitting. She never does that! He thought to himself when he came in the door. He stopped and gaped at her. It seemed to take her forever to turn a weary, care-worn face to him.

"Mom!" he blurted out. "Is something wrong?"

Her face contorted, and she slowly told him. "I was at the doctor's today," she said wearily. "I have cancer. I have about a year to live."

The massive wave struck with all its fury, driving him up to his room.

The next few months went by in a blur. Doctor's visits, reports, surgery, radiation. Why, God, why?? He cried. Why my mother??

The Heavens were brass, and his heart ached. He simply couldn't imagine life without her.

He didn't realize it at the time, but God needed to use a forceful wave to reach his heart. Through the months that followed, the water from that tide continued to soak into his heart, and penetrate like nothing else could. For the first time in his life, he began to realize that he needed God.

Seeds were planted through the monstrous surge that began to take root. Slowly, almost miraculously, his mother began to get better, and within the next few months they were relieved to hear the words, "Cancer-free!" Oh, could any words be more wonderful?? He wondered. Soon he would know.

The Lord showed his love to him in many special ways in the aftermath of the wave, and the young man sought God. He needed God. God was real, and He loved him. Slowly, carefully at first, the young man began to crave after the presence of Lord.

It was through this experience, in combination with the Word of God and a sensitivity to Him, that this young man came to know Christ. His bedroom, which was before a sanctuary from the fury of the tempest, became the place of rest and peace for eternity. He got saved a few months before his eighteenth birthday, and life has never been the same!

I must add that all of us who know him well have benefitted from the effects of that tidal wave. In fact, the ripple effects are felt all over the country as the young man, who has grown up, married and has a family, preaches the wonderful love of our Savior all over the country.

Who is this young man, you're wondering?

He's now my husband, and I'm thankful that my mother-in-law is the perfect picture of health today!

…and they all lived happily ever after!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

What Life is All About

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.


 

While my husband and I were finishing up our weekly financial meeting at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant last night, some other folks came in and took the booth in front of us. It was a man of about fifty, a lady which I assume to be his wife, and their daughter. I was unable to determine her age, because she was shriveled up in a large jogging-stroller sort of thing. I would say she was at least in her older teens, possibly in her twenties.

I watched as the man tenderly patted her on the leg and said some affectionate things to her. Her hands were held very stiffly, somewhat like a claw, and her tongue stuck out of her mouth most of the time. Her eyes looked at him and there was a glimmer of appreciation there.

I tried not to stare, but when I saw the lady, I was surprised. Her features were exquisite and her bearing regal. Her beauty was striking, perhaps even irritatingly so. She was beautiful, and she knew it. Still, I was struck by the dichotomy which appeared in the family.

I noticed how the dear girl simply stared at her mother. You could almost see wonder in her eyes.

The family was served the traditional chips and salsa, and mom and dad began to eat. But she simply stared.

Or was she simply staring?

Her mouth began to work, and very slowly she raised her hand to her mouth, all the while staring at her beautiful mother.

Oh, I wish I could do that! She's beautiful. Does she like me? Mom, do you love me?

Mom got up, and walked away for a few minutes, eyes following her all the time.

What would it be like to just be able to get up and walk?

Mom, is there anything I can do to make you pleased with me?

When I left the restaurant, I walked out using my two good legs and went home to my healthy, happy, loving children. But I couldn't forget her longing stare.

What's it like to walk? Mom, can I just talk to you for a minute? I love you!

Tonight, I was too short with my children, impatient to get them to bed. Now as I'm writing, the tears fall. Did they go to bed staring at me, wishing they could please me? Did they feel that they wanted just a little more time with Mom?

Life is not about schedules, it's about people….

I think I'm going to go see if any of them are still awake.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Tickle Your Thinker

Did you know that happy people are more likely to get married, and married people are more likely to be happy? (Raisinghappiness.com, April, 2011)

And…

Did you know that those who shop daily are more likely to live longer than those who shop only once a week? (msnbc.msn.com, April 2011)

These are some of the recent statistics that have been tickling my thinker this week. Of course, the latter statistic is greeted with great enthusiasm by the thrift store shoppers of my family, and the former statistic I find interesting because I've found it to be true in my own experience.

The lifelong commitment of marriage was intended by God for our benefit, and even for our happiness. God uses such things "for our good always." I know that I have been happier married than I was before I got married.

As for daily shopping, there's nothing in the Bible about it, but it is an amusing statistic. I personally think we could all benefit equally from going out for a daily walk rather than spending money so often. ;)