Words of Wisdom

I found myself wanting to go deeper. We were cabin-camping with our kids this summer, which is always so fun—days filled with delightful chaos and a lot of banter. But I wanted to know what was going on in their hearts. I wanted to hear how they were doing and know they were okay.

Walking to the lake, trying to keep the three-year-old twins headed in the right direction while dodging youngsters driving ATV's way too fast, I sensed an opportunity to ask my son: "What have you learned over the last two decades that you'd like to tell your younger self?" 

There was a long pause, long enough to begin wondering if he heard me.

"Don't get comfortable."

"Don't get comfortable?" I asked.

"Life doesn't go as you think. Things change."

Ah, yes. He was right—things certainly had changed. He, like all of us, entered adulthood with so many dreams. Rarely does life go as we'd expect. His words left me feeling a little sad about all of the changes he'd experienced.

The next morning, we went fishing early. It was one of those glorious mornings as the sun rose over the mountains. Bullfrogs sounding bass notes while chickadees sang the chorus, steam fog rising off the lake—it was so beautiful. But still I felt a mother's sadness lingering from the previous day's conversation. Don't get comfortable. Life takes abrupt turns. Broken dreams. "Lord..." I began, but my prayer was interrupted by Jesus. He spoke to me, louder than audible, right into my soul. "I love him with all my heart."

Yes! That's right. The Lord knows. He's in control. His love allows change—even broken dreams. We aren't victims of random malevolence. He loves my kids. His words were true.

Instantly, my sadness was gone, dissipated as the morning mist by the sun. We didn't catch any fish that morning, but I caught a glimpse of the Lord's work in my kids' lives. He's got them. I walked home different, lighter and full of gratitude. I could release them to his love.

Three words full of wisdom, truth I need to hear as well. Change is constant. Don't get too set, too comfortable. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Contemplate his beauty and hear his words of love. Jesus speaks to our soul's longings, reminding us he loves our loved ones as he loves us, with all his heart. And that's exactly what we need to hear.

Big Rocks

"Be very careful, then, how you live—
not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5: 15-16).

We're all familiar with the story of needing to put the big rocks into the jar first. If we wait too long, they won't fit.

As August arrives, it's time to spend an hour with my calendar planning out the coming year. It's important to get birthday and holiday celebrations scheduled and also plan some time with special friends. We've also learned that taking three retreats a year keeps our relationship with Jesus vibrant and growing. Those days need to get on my calendar now. And it's important to meet regularly with a mentor, a spiritual director, a coach, or a mature, safe friend who can speak into my life.

I like to save room for some special Advent activities (a concert downtown, a trip to see the lights). And I need to block off some days just for me, days I can look forward to watercoloring or going to a local garden with a good book or reflecting on my life like Beckie shares.

What are the big rocks you want to get on your calendar now, so you can make the best use of your time?

NEWIM offers various opportunities for retreats and connection. I hope you'll put them on your calendar as well.