A moment on the bright side

“Look on the bright side.” they

I probably shouldn’t, but I always get bristly when cliche phrases are said to try to make others feel better. Sometimes things are just dark, and the bright side is too far off in the distance to even imagine what could be there. But if we are in the darkness, and Jesus is the Light of the world, and Jesus is God made flesh, then the bright side would be God’s side. As I looked at this photo, from the dark side, I saw the light reaching over the mountains, reaching over to the dark side.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4-6 (NKJV)

I may not be able to look at or imagine what the bright side is like as I am in the darkness, but knowing there is another side brings me comfort. Let me assure you, there is another side to our pain and our darkness. There is God’s side. And as I notice the light coming over the mountains, I am reminded God’s side is not separate from our side. He has a plan and a purpose for each of us and for all the events in our lives. His purpose is to draw us ever closer to Him. Pain, suffering, and darkness are a necessary part of the process. So that when we glimpse the other side, we long for it, we move toward it. We open our hearts and trust in it. And the light that may seem distant at the time can settle deeper into our hearts.

As I read the following passage this morning, I was struck by Simeon’s delight at seeing the Messiah and what must have been compassion as he tells Mary of her future suffering.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
    according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
    which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:25-35 (NRSV)

Though we may not be able to fully comprehend these things. And though it may not soften the blows of our individual suffering any more than I imagine it could have for Mary. Perhaps like Mary, we can trust the bright side, knowing the bright side is on our side.

In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:4-5 (NRSV)

A moment for enjoyment

What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 (NRSV)

What if we operated at 80%?

We live in a world where we are taught to give it our all. In the words of Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights “If you are not first you are last.” We have wonderful expressions like, “Hang in there,” “Be strong,” “Keep fighting,” and “Never give up.” So, we press on and try to present an image of being tireless. Yet we are all quite tired, aren’t we? We have set our goals at the highest level. “Reach for the moon, and you will fall among the stars.” That all sounds great. Except, I don’t have rocket boots. And, I am tired. As a result, the unattainable goal of the moon just makes me feel deflated and unmotivated.

But, if I am shooting for 80%? Well, that is doable! In school, 80% is a “B.” “B” is above average. That’s a good grade, right? Quite possibly, at the end of an 80% day, I have successfully achieved what I set out to do. I am calmer. And, I have a little left over for someone who might need me. The friend who called. The spouse who had a rough day. My kids who need a last minute hand with a project. Or, even better, a slow, relaxed dinner with a great conversation about our 80% day.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. Ralph Waldo Emerson

A moment of favoritism

As my teenage daughter attends a classmate’s Celebration of Life service today, I am reminded of why I am working through my issues with computers and technology to send a message of God’s love out into the world. I don’t have any idea where this will land, or if anyone will hear the message, but it is in my heart, and I don’t want to contain it.

My head is filled this morning with thoughts of teenagers and parenting and my own personal successes and failures. I have found the only way to stop the spinning is to focus on God’s love for all of us. A dear friend of mine always says, “I’m His favorite.” My response to that is, “Me too!” If I could say anything to the young man who is being wept for this very minute, it would be. “You are God’s favorite.” It doesn’t matter what we have done in the past when we look into God’s eyes, our successes and our failures are enfolded into His loving embrace, and we, in that moment, are His favorite.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to be his children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding…Ephesians 1:1-8 (NIV)

God created us, understands us and loves us in every moment of our lives here and beyond.

Peace,

Alana