Early in John the Baptist’s ministry he declared the kingdom of God had come to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Mark records such an event for us in the first chapter of the gospel bearing his name:
"At last the time has come!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!" (Mark 1:15 NLV).
Indeed, if Christmas is about anything, it certainly is the message that the King has been born. Remember the lines from the carol we looked at yesterday? The second verse went, “Let Earth receive her King. Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room.” But what does it mean to “receive the king,” or to “prepare Him room”? Let me make five suggestions today for you to think about.
First, it means a change in our allegiance. If Christ is the King, He deserves our honor, loyalty, and obedience. We put ourselves under His authority and power. Whatever He says, we determine to do. That’s the point of the petition found in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (cf. Mt. 6:10). Kingdom people submit their own will to the will of the King.
Second, it means a change in our expectations. One of the difficulties we have with the idea of a kingdom is that it doesn’t appear to be in place yet. The world seems to grow father away from God by the day. As a result, it’s easy to live for the here and now, as if this present life is all that matters. But the hope of the kingdom is that there is far more to life than what we see right now. Jesus made extraordinary promises in regard to a future kingdom, not only for Israel, but also for all that follow Him as King. The kingdom may not yet be fulfilled completely, but it has been established and will last forever.
Third, it means a change in our values. Our culture values achievement, success, independence, and image. Other cultures value other qualities. But the values of the kingdom reflect what matters to the King. Jesus described man of these values in the Beatitudes (or, as some call them, the “beautiful attitudes”). Kingdom people adopt the King’s values and make choices that reflect those values—in their jobs, families, and communities.
Fourth, it means a change in our priorities. The real test of our values is how we spend our time and money. Jesus spoke directly to that issue in terms of the kingdom. He did not demean the value of work or diminish the need for material goods. But He challenged His followers to bring kingdom values into their day-to-day lives.
Fifth, it means a change in our lifelong mission. Some people are driven to accomplish great tasks with their lives. Others live aimlessly from day to day, lacking purpose or direction. Either way, Jesus affects the outlook of a person’s life. He gives His followers purpose and a mission—to live as subjects of the kingdom and promote kingdom values in everyday life and work. Ultimately, He wants His followers to extend His message to the ends of the earth, so that all people have the opportunity to give their allegiance to Him as their Savior and King.
Today, as you begin to reflect on the subject of “Christmas,” remember it really is the birthday of the King of kings! The real Joy to the World only comes to those who recognize and follow the King’s direction!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Joy to the World
At a conference at a Presbyterian church in Omaha, people were given helium-filled balloons and told to release them at some point in the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts. Since they were more reserved in their worship than other traditions, they typically didn’t verbally express themselves. They would not say, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Amen," or any of the other expressions heard in some churches. However, all through the service balloons ascended. However, tragically, when the service was over one-third of the balloons were unreleased. Whether because of embarrassment or that they were not filled with joy in their worship, we cannot know, however like so many people they needed to be able to release their balloons.
And, isn’t it that time of the year? As we prepare for Christmas, joy is a principle factor in all of the activities. Isaac Watts, one of the great Puritan Reformers, wrote the following Christmas carol in the early 1700’s. In the next few days we’ll look at some of the elements it declares. The first is JOY!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let Earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heav'n and Nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Perhaps, like me, you read these words and begin to hum along with familiar melody of this wonderful song. Now read the account from Luke’s gospel of the birth of Christ:
“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiance, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." (Luke 2:1-14 NLV).
F. E. Arn, pastor of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Pomeroy, Washington, wrote the following: “Joy is that which encompasses and transcends both happiness and sadness. Once endowed with joy, a person is not likely to lose it and in fact it grows with awareness of it. Joy is like the sun, always shining even when night falls or clouds cover it. Happiness is like the moon, waxing and waning. Happiness is a kiss, joy a golden wedding anniversary. Happiness is frequently shared but not always -- joy is always. Happiness is born in the mind, joy in the heart. Happiness comes from humans, joy from God. Happiness is exchanging Christmas gifts -- joy is awareness of what Christmas is all about.” Imagine this Christmas you’ve been given a balloon filled with helium – can you let it go? “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
And, isn’t it that time of the year? As we prepare for Christmas, joy is a principle factor in all of the activities. Isaac Watts, one of the great Puritan Reformers, wrote the following Christmas carol in the early 1700’s. In the next few days we’ll look at some of the elements it declares. The first is JOY!
Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let Earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heav'n and Nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Perhaps, like me, you read these words and begin to hum along with familiar melody of this wonderful song. Now read the account from Luke’s gospel of the birth of Christ:
“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiance, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." (Luke 2:1-14 NLV).
F. E. Arn, pastor of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Pomeroy, Washington, wrote the following: “Joy is that which encompasses and transcends both happiness and sadness. Once endowed with joy, a person is not likely to lose it and in fact it grows with awareness of it. Joy is like the sun, always shining even when night falls or clouds cover it. Happiness is like the moon, waxing and waning. Happiness is a kiss, joy a golden wedding anniversary. Happiness is frequently shared but not always -- joy is always. Happiness is born in the mind, joy in the heart. Happiness comes from humans, joy from God. Happiness is exchanging Christmas gifts -- joy is awareness of what Christmas is all about.” Imagine this Christmas you’ve been given a balloon filled with helium – can you let it go? “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Unfolding the Rosebud
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. (Philippians 3:8-9 NLV).
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact...It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem titled “Unfolding the Rosebud.” I think it will challenge and bless you as you read it.
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Trust and obey! Those familiar words from an old hymn seem so appropriate in these days of uncertainty! Trust in Him today. He will not fail you.
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact...It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem titled “Unfolding the Rosebud.” I think it will challenge and bless you as you read it.
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Trust and obey! Those familiar words from an old hymn seem so appropriate in these days of uncertainty! Trust in Him today. He will not fail you.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Dressing in Layers
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 ESV).
It’s that time of the year when I receive a lot of comments and questions about the way I dress. The one that always amuses me is the one that goes, “How many layers do you have on anyway?” It is not that unusual for me to have four or five layers on during the winter. I suppose that is a little difficult for most folks to understand since they rarely need to have that many layers to stay warm in our relatively moderate climate. However, for me, that’s the only way to stay comfortably warm while others around me stay comfortable too. I could reset the thermostat for higher heat, but most everyone else would melt! So, turtlenecks and sweaters are a common part of my daily dress during the winter.
My closet reflects the different seasons. The same is true in a spiritual sense also. God has given us different types of clothing. There is clothing appropriate for living, and that which we need for war. Actually, it is a layered look we have with our heavenly wardrobe, for we need both kinds of clothing to live our lives as God has planned for us to do. The battle wardrobe is used to fight spiritual warfare, for we are always in an unseen struggle with Satan. God told us to put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. We must also carry the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. These items will keep Satan at bay as he tries to invade our thoughts and lives. He also tells us in our reading this morning that we should put on tenderhearted mercies and kindness to others. We must wear gentleness, forgiveness and humbleness. Now, each morning when I mentally put on my armor from God, I need to remember the second layer of clothing God wants me to put on. This is the one that that will radiate Christ's love through me.
It’s the layered look for the Christian. Are you dressing in those layers of love and forgiveness? Change your clothes today! Start the new season in Christ’s love and compassion toward others. It will make you warm inside!
It’s that time of the year when I receive a lot of comments and questions about the way I dress. The one that always amuses me is the one that goes, “How many layers do you have on anyway?” It is not that unusual for me to have four or five layers on during the winter. I suppose that is a little difficult for most folks to understand since they rarely need to have that many layers to stay warm in our relatively moderate climate. However, for me, that’s the only way to stay comfortably warm while others around me stay comfortable too. I could reset the thermostat for higher heat, but most everyone else would melt! So, turtlenecks and sweaters are a common part of my daily dress during the winter.
My closet reflects the different seasons. The same is true in a spiritual sense also. God has given us different types of clothing. There is clothing appropriate for living, and that which we need for war. Actually, it is a layered look we have with our heavenly wardrobe, for we need both kinds of clothing to live our lives as God has planned for us to do. The battle wardrobe is used to fight spiritual warfare, for we are always in an unseen struggle with Satan. God told us to put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. We must also carry the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. These items will keep Satan at bay as he tries to invade our thoughts and lives. He also tells us in our reading this morning that we should put on tenderhearted mercies and kindness to others. We must wear gentleness, forgiveness and humbleness. Now, each morning when I mentally put on my armor from God, I need to remember the second layer of clothing God wants me to put on. This is the one that that will radiate Christ's love through me.
It’s the layered look for the Christian. Are you dressing in those layers of love and forgiveness? Change your clothes today! Start the new season in Christ’s love and compassion toward others. It will make you warm inside!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Guards in the Alley
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:1-11 ESV).
Adrian Mathews tells a wonderful story that illustrates the incredible protection of God. Following the Halloween symbols, I thought you might enjoy a more positive expression of the spirits of the other realm. Here it is:
Diane, a young Christian university student, was home for the summer. She had gone to visit some friends one evening and the time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked "God" to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for "God's" protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the paper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley, just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could of been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line-up to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if their was anything they could do for her, she asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."
There are demons and evil spirits, however there are also angelic beings whom God has given to us for our protection. You access that protection through prayer. They are our guardian angels!
Adrian Mathews tells a wonderful story that illustrates the incredible protection of God. Following the Halloween symbols, I thought you might enjoy a more positive expression of the spirits of the other realm. Here it is:
Diane, a young Christian university student, was home for the summer. She had gone to visit some friends one evening and the time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked "God" to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for "God's" protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the paper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley, just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could of been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line-up to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if their was anything they could do for her, she asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."
There are demons and evil spirits, however there are also angelic beings whom God has given to us for our protection. You access that protection through prayer. They are our guardian angels!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Happy Birthday Faith and Logan!
As I get older time passes so much more quickly! Just eight years ago I was standing in front of the basinet in the NICU looking at my hours old grandchildren. They were so small being six weeks premature! Today they have grown so much! As we celebrate their birthday I wanted to call your attention to another birth. Matthew recalls it for us with the visitation of the Magi:
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 ESV).
Often we wonder when Jesus was born. There is some indication in the Scripture that it was during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is called "the season of our joy" and "the feast of the nations." The terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Jesus were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.
But there is another matter that I would like to explore. It is the matter of gift giving. Imagine what would happen if everyone invited to Faith and Logan’s birthday arrived with their arms full of presents and suddenly began to exchange these gifts with each other instead of giving anything to them? By the way, birthday celebrations are mentioned only twice in Scripture. In both instances the celebration resulted in a beheading. The first is in Genesis chapter 40 when the Pharaoh had the baker's head removed just as Joseph had foretold. The second mention of a birthday is recorded in Matthew 14:6 and Mark 6:21. It was the birthday celebration of Herod and you may recall that at the bidding of Herodias, John the Baptist was beheaded.
Jesus came into the world to give mankind the greatest gift that anyone could ever imagine—eternal life! The sad thing is that so many have neglected this precious gift. It is there for anyone who will accept it, but many people ignore it or reject it. They prefer other “gifts” offered by our enemy.
Since the Christmas celebration is less than a month away, may I encourage you to focus on the message that it is not the "day" we worship, but Jesus who became flesh and lived for a time as a man in order that He might redeem us with His shed blood and give us the precious gift of eternal life! That is the real gift!
When Mary and I gather to give Faith and Logan their birthday presents, I hope the most important present they receive will be a continued growth into the knowledge of THE gift of Christ on their behalf. And I pray that gift will be yours as well.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 ESV).
Often we wonder when Jesus was born. There is some indication in the Scripture that it was during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is called "the season of our joy" and "the feast of the nations." The terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Jesus were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.
But there is another matter that I would like to explore. It is the matter of gift giving. Imagine what would happen if everyone invited to Faith and Logan’s birthday arrived with their arms full of presents and suddenly began to exchange these gifts with each other instead of giving anything to them? By the way, birthday celebrations are mentioned only twice in Scripture. In both instances the celebration resulted in a beheading. The first is in Genesis chapter 40 when the Pharaoh had the baker's head removed just as Joseph had foretold. The second mention of a birthday is recorded in Matthew 14:6 and Mark 6:21. It was the birthday celebration of Herod and you may recall that at the bidding of Herodias, John the Baptist was beheaded.
Jesus came into the world to give mankind the greatest gift that anyone could ever imagine—eternal life! The sad thing is that so many have neglected this precious gift. It is there for anyone who will accept it, but many people ignore it or reject it. They prefer other “gifts” offered by our enemy.
Since the Christmas celebration is less than a month away, may I encourage you to focus on the message that it is not the "day" we worship, but Jesus who became flesh and lived for a time as a man in order that He might redeem us with His shed blood and give us the precious gift of eternal life! That is the real gift!
When Mary and I gather to give Faith and Logan their birthday presents, I hope the most important present they receive will be a continued growth into the knowledge of THE gift of Christ on their behalf. And I pray that gift will be yours as well.
Sandpipers and Joy
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV).
While reading some of the many emails I get each day from so many thoughtful friends, the following story by Robert Peterson caught my full attention.
She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sandcastle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. "Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. "I'm building," she said. "I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring. "Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand." That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by. "That's a joy," the child said. "It's a what?" "It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy." The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance. "What's your name?" She wouldn't give up. "Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson." "Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me. "Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed. "Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?" "What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance. "I don't know, you say." "How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is." "Then let's just walk." Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do you live?" I asked. "Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter. "Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath. "Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child? "Oh, she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day." "Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!" "Did it hurt?" she inquired. "Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself. "When she died?" "Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. "Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was." "Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies." "Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said. "Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you." Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath. "She loved this beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly," her voice faltered, "She left something for you... if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?" I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with MR. P printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together. 1
I know I need to do a better job of looking for those “sandpipers” in my life. Perhaps you do as well. Sadness and grief are too easy to surrender to. I prefer to live life knowing that God has nothing but my best interests in mind and has promised to see me through every trial until I reach my heavenly home.
1. "THE SANDPIPER" by Robert Peterson
While reading some of the many emails I get each day from so many thoughtful friends, the following story by Robert Peterson caught my full attention.
She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sandcastle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. "Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. "I'm building," she said. "I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring. "Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand." That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by. "That's a joy," the child said. "It's a what?" "It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy." The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance. "What's your name?" She wouldn't give up. "Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson." "Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me. "Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed. "Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?" "What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance. "I don't know, you say." "How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is." "Then let's just walk." Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do you live?" I asked. "Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter. "Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath. "Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child? "Oh, she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day." "Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!" "Did it hurt?" she inquired. "Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself. "When she died?" "Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. "Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was." "Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies." "Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said. "Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you." Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath. "She loved this beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly," her voice faltered, "She left something for you... if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?" I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with MR. P printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together. 1
I know I need to do a better job of looking for those “sandpipers” in my life. Perhaps you do as well. Sadness and grief are too easy to surrender to. I prefer to live life knowing that God has nothing but my best interests in mind and has promised to see me through every trial until I reach my heavenly home.
1. "THE SANDPIPER" by Robert Peterson
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