Geno time.
I adore this part of my day. The last bell has rung, and Geno holds my hand as we wait in the parent pick up line after school. Geno and I have the best conversations. Having a class of 28 six and seven year olds can leave little time for intimate conversation. So Geno and I wait together, just the two of us in our own blissful world of conversation.
Today we are speaking about emergency procedures at school. "Geno, do you know what to do in case of a tornado?" I question. "Yes," he answers. "You stay as far away from the tornado as you can."
"Ok, Geno," I'm smiling, "what about a fire?" He replies, "You stay as far away from the fire as you can." Now it is Geno's turn to identify an emergency. "Teacher, do you know what to do in a flood?" I pause instead of speak. "Teacher, you must stay as far away from the water as possible."
While it looks like we need to fine tune Geno's list of "things to do in an emergency" I must admit I find a certain tranquility in his response to potential disaster. Just stay away from trouble of any kind and all will be well.
In Genesis, I'm reading the life of Joseph. Joseph had impending disaster after disaster. In Joseph's case, he could not just "stay as far away as possible." Joseph's troubles began as his brothers anxiously desired to kill but ultimately sold him into slavery. Joseph momentarily secures a position with Pharoah, then another hardy storm of accusation thrusts him into a prison cell. To me, Joseph's story is tragic. To Joseph, there is no victim.
Joseph's emergency plan included only a trusting reliance that anything God sent His way would be used for good. He was not frightened, he was not alarmed. He was at rest that what might have been intended to harm him, God would intend it for good. Can I trust and not fear when storms come my way?
Geno continues to talk about tsunamis (yes stay away from them), and lightening strikes. and furious Mid-West blizzards. I'd be happy to stay away from them all, sweet boy, but I can't. I have no control over these things. But I can "Stand still and watch the Lord rescue...just stay calm." Exodus 14:13,14
Friday, April 21, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
Holy Week
In the beginning God created.
The Great Creator spoke and began to weave a Great Story. In the beginning God...
I visit my friend Cindy's grave and weep. This week marks two years since her passing. Memories flow, hardy sobs choke away desperate gasps for air. I breathe and my heart aches. Endings upset me. The story can't be over. I do not wish to turn that final page. I prefer "In the beginning God...".
God creates. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I am totally absorbed in the diversity of His story. God takes my journey and intersects my story with His Great Story. I'm so brave at the beginning. God's there. He introduces me to new settings, new characters, new plot conflicts and resolutions. And then we end - sometimes even "happily ever after." I still prefer the beginning.
I love the brave, daring, encouraging pilgrims encountered as He writes my story. I love the opening "Once upon a Time" God created Melody. I love the "First, Second and Third" scenes in my unique and personal play. I love the character flaws and the heroic friends sent my way to help me process. The final curtain? Not a fan.
This week His Story begins with The Main Character entering crowded streets and winding roads while gatherers parade Him with palm branches. It's the beginning of this particular chapter. And it occurs to me that He knows how this story will end. Death.
And then it also occurs to me that death is not the end. It's only the beginning.
It's only the beginning. It's the prologue. His resurrection brings new life and THAT'S where the story begins for us. His Great Story is eternal! "What's next?" my storybook heart wants to know. "Tell me more," my prayers repeat.
And then the God who created beginnings tells me in the book of Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens." (Ruth 3:18) He has me hooked.
The Great Creator spoke and began to weave a Great Story. In the beginning God...
I visit my friend Cindy's grave and weep. This week marks two years since her passing. Memories flow, hardy sobs choke away desperate gasps for air. I breathe and my heart aches. Endings upset me. The story can't be over. I do not wish to turn that final page. I prefer "In the beginning God...".
God creates. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I am totally absorbed in the diversity of His story. God takes my journey and intersects my story with His Great Story. I'm so brave at the beginning. God's there. He introduces me to new settings, new characters, new plot conflicts and resolutions. And then we end - sometimes even "happily ever after." I still prefer the beginning.
I love the brave, daring, encouraging pilgrims encountered as He writes my story. I love the opening "Once upon a Time" God created Melody. I love the "First, Second and Third" scenes in my unique and personal play. I love the character flaws and the heroic friends sent my way to help me process. The final curtain? Not a fan.
This week His Story begins with The Main Character entering crowded streets and winding roads while gatherers parade Him with palm branches. It's the beginning of this particular chapter. And it occurs to me that He knows how this story will end. Death.
And then it also occurs to me that death is not the end. It's only the beginning.
It's only the beginning. It's the prologue. His resurrection brings new life and THAT'S where the story begins for us. His Great Story is eternal! "What's next?" my storybook heart wants to know. "Tell me more," my prayers repeat.
And then the God who created beginnings tells me in the book of Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens." (Ruth 3:18) He has me hooked.
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