Sitting in the shade

I have a flower box on the deck in which small flowers were planted. Right in the middle of the box, a plant with one huge leaf has grown. That leaf is twice the size of any of the plants in the box.

I've resisted yanking it out. It's whimsical for one thing, who leaves a huge weed that takes up residence unannounced???

But every time I look at it I'm reminded of Jonah. Having successfully preached a message of repentance, Jonah wasn't happy. Go figure! But the truth is, he didn't want the Ninevites to repent; he wanted to see God destroy them. So, pouting and angry, he sat down to nurse his grievance. God caused a vine to grow up and provide shade for Jonah. (Jonah 4:5ff) God wanted him to be comfortable while he pouted! (That thought makes me laugh.)

After 24 hours, the vine died. As it shrivelled, Jonah's wrath grew.

God had not done what Jonah expected God to do. News flash! God doesn't need our guidance! (However, I confess, I'm apt to give it anyway!) And (believe it or not) I've been know to pout.

God waits patiently for us to come around and yield. The book of Jonah gives no evidence that he did. That's sad, isn't it? If Jonah could not accept God's mercy for others, could he really accept it for himself?

Listen and Hear

I am amazed anew at how frequently God meets me right where I am. Most recently, I attended a half day retreat. When I arrived, a substitute speaker and topic were the order of the day. Only afterwards, on my way home, it hit me: His message addressed exactly what I've been wrestling with for weeks.

I believe such serendipities reveal God's love and concern. I have a hunch it happens all the time and I miss the message because I'm preoccupied with what I expect or want.

The prayer of the young Samuel, Speak Lord, your servant is listening, echoes in my thoughts and prayers.

Harden not your hearts

Well, as you might guess, as I haven't written in more than 2 weeks, the cold became a serious sinus infection. I finished the antibiotic several days ago and all that remains is a dry cough. Hurray!

On another front, Friday's xray of my ankle/leg revealed significant healing. I concluded physical therapy that day, too. Joy abounds!

In between, I cruised in for my annual visit to my oncologist. All is well. I am so, so, so grateful.

My container garden is flourishing. One tomato plant has 11 tomatoes on it. Apparently, they love this hot and humid weather. The flowers and herbs are doing well, too, especially the basil. I want to try making pesto.

David just returned from a long stint in Texas which ended with his step-father's death. The last six months were pure agony. We mourn his absence, but truly death set him free.

I preached twice last week at the nursing home. I enjoy tailoring a message to the elderly and infirm and I think it shows.

The message? Nothing can separate us from God's love and mercy except ourselves. God will forgive anything if we can bring ourselves to admit we've done wrong and ask. That's all. God wants to welcome us as beloved daughters and sons into the family.

Why, oh why, do we so often refuse?

I have picked up a cold and a wicked sounding cough. I hope the cough means it's on the way out. I'm so grateful I made it through the wedding festivities without getting sick that I'm not complaining too much. I was so exhausted by the time all was said and done, I'm not surprised my body staged a little revolt afterwards.



My ankle is much improved; physical therapy is winding down. The next xray isn't until mid-June, but I'm pretty sure it'll show healing.



I've been working on trusting God for the events and activities of each day, as the day begins. These last five months have reminded me that life carries no guarantees. Only God knows how a day will unfold; only God can empower me to live it with grace, and hope, and love.



Cough and all, I'm going to hear Jeff Cavins tonight and tomorrow. I've experienced him via media through studies of the Gospel of Matthew, Acts, Revelation, and "The Story of Salvation". He is, hands down, the best Bible teacher I've ever known