BALANCE and personal spiritual meaning, or three times the charm

Psalm 46:1-11

“God is our refuge and strength…the God of Jacob is our refuge…

 the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

The poet of this Psalm wanted to reinforce the image of God as our protection and shelter, and as Rev. Jason pointed out, he repeated the phrase three times in 11 verses. The question is, do we seek God’s help when we confront an obstacle? 

Rev. Jason says that most of us probably adhere to the common mentality- “I’ve got this!”  When I “Googled” the phrase, I got like a zillion entries in .30 seconds.  (If you ever needed any insensitive and rude variations of how to say this- make sure you check and then promptly block UrbanDictionary.com). We are convinced, even when we’re not certain of our abilities or how to control the situation, that each of us “has got this!” 

But are any of us really in control? 

Americans have a CAN DO spirit, and God doesn’t need to help us through the small stuff.  But here is what I imagine- He already is doing just that.  And for the big stuff, God is ready for our prayers, and is ready for us to seek His shelter and His help. 

A teacher would point out that it takes three repetitions before the concept sticks.  Apparently, the poet of this Psalm knew this.

 “Be still, and know I am God”.  Psalm 46:10. 

The challenge for the week:  Take this advice.

I am, a Renewed Christian

NEW Members of our Church and faith

Covenant had its first group of 5 youths who were confirmed as members of our church on Sunday.  It was inspiring to repeat the words of dedication to Covenant and to our faith, and to watch as each of these five solemnly became members.  Each had a mentor, and each is supported by the members of Covenant United Methodist Church. 

It was easy for me to be still, and see what the impact of joining had on these young people.

MAY 12 BALANCE and the wisdom of MOM

John 2: 1-11

³When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ ⁴And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’⁵His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

Mother does know best.

Rev. Jason pointed this out during the sermon, and explained that the translation of “Woman” really is more like the Southern “Ma’am”- so that the tone we might infer from this passage is more respectful and inquisitive than “attitude”.  Actually, Mary was prodding Jesus to reveal himself and demonstrate his abilities by turning water into wine.  This little “push” gives Jesus the freedom to test himself for the very first time.  And Mary was right.

This is the balance a Mother can provide- knowing the right time and place, and giving that signal to her child that now is the time, try your hand at this, don’t worry about failing- I trust you.  I love you.  

Yes, we mothers can be guilty of pushing too hard.  The new term is “helicoptering”.  I find it incredibly difficult NOT to hover, not to double-check. 

But becoming a grandmother has helped me “let go”.  Ben is not my child, and I don’t have the right to correct or comment.  But how great my new role is- I get to love and support and not sweat the small stuff!    

We need to be grateful to Mary.  She did indeed give us a remarkable child.  She knew when Jesus needed to shine.  And Mary ultimately let Jesus go.  All powerful and amazing lessons to the rest of us mothers.

I am, a Renewed Christian  

[By the way- what is in your Mother’s Day Collection of handmade gifts from your kids?  I still have a woven pot holder, a fridge magnet with a drawing of a dog and my daughter’s signature and a small beaded bluebonnet pin from my son.  This naturally goes along with my macaroni Christmas ornament of Texas and a special picture frame- both spray painted gold for the holidays.  I have framed a couple of their drawings over the years, and kept the cards hand-written with “You are the best Mommy ever”.  My kids probably don’t realize how sentimental I am, but I still treasure each of these heart-felt gifts. ]

MAY 5 BALANCE and Work: commitment to work = commitment to faith?

Mark 8: 34-38   

³⁵  “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.”

I agree with Rev. Jason- we are a nation of strivers. 

This is, I think, a cultural “thing”.  Americans have always wanted a better life, and we have held out the promise and the achievement of happiness, success and health.  But this idea of attainment does have its limits.  

The “Mommy Wars” are a good example- women with children have to choose one side of the fence. But do we really need to comment on the choice of which side of the fence?

The media images and perpetuation of success, and the trappings of success are another instance of the “in your face” reward system.  We pay homage to the CEO’s, the professional athletes, the celebrities by way of high salaries and reverence, and then are amazed when the individual proves himself or herself actually human.

But really, as has been said so many times before by writers and commentators and psychologists, will anyone say “I wish I had spent more time at the office” as one of his or her regrets in life?  

I certainly do not have the answers.  When I was working before children, I never thought about “how much was too much”.  Becoming a parent was a choice for us, and we had our share of disappointments and heartache.  There were many moments of wonder, uplifting and satisfaction.  I felt an incessant pull to work- I have an advanced degree and thought I needed to put my brain to good use. 

And now looking back, I did good.  I made the choices that worked for me and my family. I contributed.  I felt the achievement, and I felt satisfied.  Did I know this at the time? Have I gotten rid of the “what ifs?”.  

No. But I feel alright about the world and myself.  I can continue forward.  Now I can give the glory to God for guiding me all these years.  He did not get much from me then- but He knew I would find Him.

“It is what it is”.

“ Do the best you can with what you have got.”

 “Stop and smell the roses, or the coffee …”  

Find your own mantra, or idiom, or saying.  “Let go, and let God.”

I am, a Renewed Christian

Challenge for the week: 

1) What are the consistent commitments to my faith and my family that will keep my work in balance?

2) Calculate how many hours are too many hours?  Look at locale, the level of energy required, the sense of achievement or satisfaction you get from this work.