Monthly Archives: June 2014

Taking Risks

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Risks motivate me as long as I feel they are safe, in the same way that spontaneity thrills me as long as it is planned.  Needless to say, I need courage to take risks.  Risks to be uncomfortable because of my faith; risks to be truthful and bold when truth may not be appreciated; risks to experience cultures that aren’t known to me; and risks to embrace the lives of others when they complicate mine.

Yesterday, I learned a lesson from the birds that took residence in my hanging geranium plant on my front porch.  I was blessed, a few days before I left for a European business trip, to peek into the recently built nest as mama bird laid her eggs, one by one. IMG_5075 As I twice daily climbed onto a chair to peer into the nest when it seemed time for the eggs to hatch—I just happened to glance at the exact time the first bird was hatching.  I marveled at the process that took place. 0609141313a As I checked the nest throughout the day, one  bird after another hatched—until all five eggs were replaced by five tiny, bald, awkward looking,  bird-like creatures.  For several days I watched the mother and father bird feed the babies as they oversaw their little brood while perched on the utility wire above the nest.  Then, I had to leave town for ten days.

When I returned, I realized that while I had flown nearly 10,000 miles— the baby birds had flown nowhere.  They remained on the nest, even though they looked like fully developed little birds.  They ventured beyond the nest on the branches of the  plant, but did not go beyond the safety of their known geranium-world—into the wild, blue, and unknown sky. IMG_5253

I wondered how long they would stay safe in their nest, and what it would feel like to fly for the first time.  Would their wings be strong enough?  Would they be able to survive on their own?  What would it feel like to face the first thunderstorm?

In the meantime, my sad little geranium was thirsting for water.  I had at times carefully watered around the nest, but yesterday’s heat was showing stress on the plant.  So, with water pot in hand, I stood atop the chair and carefully watered around the little birds—assuring them I wouldn’t hurt them.

Evidently,  the looming prospect of “death by geranium drowning” was all the motivation this little family needed to take the risk—to fly away.  Suddenly, one of the little ones “just did it.”  It successfully  flew away to the nearby tree.  As soon as this little bird left the nest and hit the airways—the others followed.  Poof—they were gone, not to return.  It will be a whole new world for them, complete with today’s thunderstorm. IMG_5255

While I would like to think I am always motivated to “fly” and take new, scary steps  because of deep faith and the thrill of the unknown — too  often it is because I realize what might happen if I don’t fly.  While I likely won’t be submerged in geranium water—I realize that when I don’t step out on faith there are consequences.  Most importantly, I can’t please God without faith.  People I could serve may not be helped if I hesitate; I’ll withhold truth; and someone who may be searching for the life that God offers  may not hear about it.  While I realize each person is responsible for their own life, I am also called to live by faith—faith  that allow God to work through my life.  If I don’t, my faith will atrophy and I’ll “die in the nest.”  That’s motivation to fly with.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel …

…And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:1-4, 6

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3

What holds you back from taking a fresh leap of faith?  As I remember the scriptures and those who have courageously stepped out before me, I am encouraged to take new steps of faith, even though it’s scary.  I realize there are always risks….but the risks are even greater if I don’t leave the nest.   Thankfully, God will always be the air that lifts my wings—and Jesus “flew first.”

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31  

(As the pictures chronicle the bird experience, be assured that no birds or geraniums were harmed in the process.) 

 

How to Have a Good Day

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My husband drove his car into the driveway as I opened the front door. I was  heading out to join him for our weekly extra-long prayer walk. On the way to the car I thought I’d take a quick look at the bird’s nest in my hanging geranium, as has been my custom over the past several weeks. As I pulled the chair over, (I have to stand on a chair in order to see the nest) I felt a sense of disappointment.  I thought the eggs should have already hatched, and was feeling a  bit concerned that perhaps something had gone wrong with them. Maybe the mother didn’t sit on the eggs long enough each day…or maybe I had messed them all up by looking at them.  Sigh.

Just as I peeked into the nest, I saw a creature (hardly bird-like) coming out of an egg.0609141313  Yes, God smiled on me and let me arrive at the exact timing of the hatching!  Gradually, this creature began to take the shape of a tiny bald bird with really large eyes.0609141313a Throughout the day, in intervals between errands and appointments, I peered into the nest.  Each time I looked, another bird was being born! ~577894306091415300609141734a  I returned home from a meeting late tonight and haven’t yet seen #5.  I wanted to look, but mama bird was covering her babies.  All was quiet and calm in the nest.

I do realize thousands of birds are born every day all over the world…but this still thrilled me. How incredible is this–that just a few weeks ago a bird laid some eggs in my mother’s day gift…and now five tiny little birds are living creatures!  Soon, they will fly away. Births never cease to amaze me.  They are all miracles.  Commonplace, yet profound–too wonderful to fully understand.

I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.  Psalm 131:1-2 

This verse so well describes how I felt today.

And to update yesterday’s post… I had such great fun finding ways to “pay it forward.”  I learned anew just how much joy comes from  random acts of kindness. I am determined to make this a habit.  I decided not to stick around to see responses from the recipients. So,  I don’t know what the response was, but I sure know how I felt.  It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Any day we are filled with the wonder of God’s creation–accompanied by a deeper sense of how big God is….is a good day.

And–a day focused on random acts of kindness…is a good day.

The cool thing is–we can choose to have this perspective any day of the week.  That said…have a good day!

Random Acts of Kindness

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The young man with eyeglasses too big and mismatched socks under his sandals stood on the median of the busy road this afternoon.  I tried to assess his situation, as I eyed him a few car lengths ahead of me.  I felt sad that such a young man would need to beg on the street.  As I think back, he wasn’t actually begging.  He was simply holding a cardboard sign that said, “Kindness brings karma,” or something like that.

I was in the left hand turn lane and the light had just changed, giving me a green arrow.  Cars moved on ahead of me as I hurriedly scrounged around my purse for a bill of some kind.  I found a dollar, called him over and put it in his hand.  Quickly, before I even knew what was happening he looked at me, gave back the dollar and told me he wasn’t homeless—but thanks for being a kind person.  He stuffed something into my hand along with the dollar bill.  It was a ten dollar bill! On the back of the bill a note was taped that read, “Random Acts Revolution.” IMG_5100

That little event was certainly random and it made my day.  I put this ten dollar bill in my pocket so I could “show and tell” this story to everyone I spent time with today.  This young man’s actions got me thinking… Can a simple act of kindness really begin a revolution?  Our world certainly needs a kindness revolution.  That is not what I usually experience on a typical day in traffic. Certainly, a kindness revolution has to start somewhere.   Why not with a ten dollar bill?  I’ve heard of numerous people purposely doing random acts of kindness and have always been inspired by their deeds—I’ve just never been “all in.”

I began to feel giddy as I thought of ways I could “invest” this ten dollars by “paying it forward.”  I’ve never actually taken a day to specifically focus on “random acts of kindness.”  However, this one young man’s action inspired me to do just that tomorrow.   I could pay for some someone’s groceries, a meal, some coffees, a haircut (yes I’d have to add to the bill.) I will pray about the opportunities and hope the recipients will be likewise inspired to “pay it forward.” IMG_5098

This is not a new idea.  Jesus taught this concept many years ago.  The scriptures are numerous that teach these truths.  One truth is that Jesus went about doing good, and so we will do the same as we follow him.  Secondly, whatever we give because of what we have been given by God—we will be blessed.  We can never outgive God.  Consider these verses:

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached– how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.  Acts 10:36-38  

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”    Luke 6:38  

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”    Acts 20:35

I’ll let you know how the day goes, but I’m confident that God will be happy about this plan, and I will be too. If you are so inclined, consider a random act of kindness you could practice today—and do it!  Let Jesus’ example and teaching be your direction and inspiration, praying for opportunities to let others know he is the reason we even know how to give.

As you practice a random act of kindness, feel free to post a comment about the experience.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Eggs

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My hanging geranium plant has a guest.  A mama bird made a nest, moved in and laid five eggs. IMG_5075 The plant hangs on my front porch, and the anxious mama bird stays busy darting back and forth between an overhanging utility wire and her nest.  She flies back and forth whenever noise or movements startle her.   We go out the front door and drive up the driveway often, so she often comes and goes. According to my calculations, the eggs should hatch in the next couple of days, so I’ve been trying hard to provide her with as much peace and quiet as possible—which, on nights like last night—doesn’t always work so well.

I wasn’t quite sure how to make last evening’s hour-and-a-half impromptu fish fry with my kids, seven grandkids and four dogs—including a five-month-old labradoodle who was joyfully energetic after returning from his first ever grooming—quiet and peaceful.

Perhaps it was my neurotic concern for the bird, a picture of a snake I’d seen on Facebook, and an article about a near fatal accident that prompted my dream last night.  Or, maybe it happened to teach me a spiritual lesson.  Either way, it was one of those dreams that seems so realistic that you wake up exhausted from all the action.

The dream began with one of the grandkids putting the nest (complete with eggs) in his/her (can’t remember which one did this) mouth to see if that would make them hatch.  My daughter, concerned that it wasn’t best for her child to have a bird’s nest in his/her mouth, grabbed the nest and tried to put it back in its seemingly safe place.  However, she had forgotten that it belonged in the plant and instead put it in a crevice in the wall near the roof.  So, I attempted to relocate it back to its original position in the geranium.  As I reached in to grab the nest I realized it was encircled by a very large snake that had made its home in the crevice.  Terrified, I asked my daughter to distract the snake by playing drums on the side of the house.  It worked.  When the snake looked away I quickly (and bravely I might add) grabbed the nest and carried it back to the geranium—phwew—close call. 0604142111

All seemed to be well with the transition until the mother bird excitedly flew back toward her nest.  In her haste she flew into the porch ceiling, went limp and hit the floor with a thud.  I was devastated for the bird, and that after all the drama—this unfortunate series of events would end with a thud.   Of course, I did the only thing that could be done—performed CPR on the bird. It was a complete success as she got up and flew back to the plant and sat on her nest. What a relief!

Soon after waking up from this exhausting dream I went to check on the bird, fearing the worst.  She was there, still waiting and warming her eggs. I was relieved. As one who tends to be fearful and worry too often (hard to tell, I know)— I took this as a reminder of God’s loving care for me. I needed that.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:26-27  

 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31  

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matthew 23:37

God has often rescued me out of the mouth of danger, lovingly lifted me to safe places, and performed spiritual CPR on me again and again. May I, as the scripture above states, always be willing to be gathered under his wings.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8  

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4