Making Space

In tight spaces, we look for creative ways to optimally utilize the area.  Every hole filled.  Packing in as much as we possibly can.  Packed so tightly nothing else can fit.

When we are bored, we find something to occupy our time.  Looking for entertainment to fill each moment so our minds are full.  We read or watch television or exercise or illuminate our faces with a screen or eat.  Cramming as much into whatever it is we are doing to avoid boredom.

Always needing more.

Or so we think.

My office is a small space.  I sit in it for 8+ hours a day.  There are two screens staring at me for most of that time.  I have them positioned so that I can look out a window.  I need to look out that window occasionally.  I need to stretch my eyes so that the close space of my office can open up a little.

It also allows me to open my mind.  Stretching out a little more space.  Expanding beyond the confines of my tight space.  Knowing there is a little more happening in the world than what is right in front of me.  Allowing perspective to come in and shake me up when an ambulance goes by.

But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with the stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus.  Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."  Luke 5:19-20 (NASB)

Making space and clearing out and looking beyond the clutter and taking time can find you at the feet of Jesus.  All that is needed! 

Lost or Redeemed

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:11-12 (NASB)

When evil invades and takes lives God is still in control.  I know my pea-brained mind struggles knowing the seemingly senseless act stripped loved ones away from families.  Young lives taken so soon.  Parents left without that child.  I can’t wrap my brain around it.

But I do know that evil was behind this act.  I know that there are spiritual forces of wickedness waiting to steal joy.  Desperately wanting to claim something not his.  And evil is running rampant.   

It hangs like a heavy dark cloak plucking out ones to perform on his behalf.  And there are too many performers willing and ready to take the stage as the villain.

But maybe some of those performers enter the back door of the stage without knowing what they are in for.  Maybe ignorance allows for the puppeteer to pull strings and when the puppet is led down that spiraling staircase into dark depths death overcomes that poor ignorant puppet. 

But how can pity be had for such a heinous act.  Because ignorance is not bliss.  Hatred is not a well-spring of life.  Because Jesus died to redeem heinous acts.  

Because we are all guilty of some heinous act.  And if one, well covered on all media outlets, is guilty of some heinous act then redemption still exists for that one.  But if that one doesn’t know……

Lives lost….

For those remaining, hope remains.  Ignorance doesn’t have to continue.  Salvation doesn’t have to be kept a secret.  There is One that died so that all could be redeemed.  Any willing could be redeemed.  To recognize the price that was paid so that love overcame evil.  And it was finished.  The end was written.

But if you don’t read the book how will you know.  Be the book!

Usefulness

There is a deep desire in many to feel useful.  To be busy.  To feel needed.  When that desire is not met it brings great disappointment.

A dear friend of mine walked away from a job because she didn’t feel needed.  Her presence created a sense of comfort for others because the role she filled kept them from being distracted from their work.  But she needed more to do than just be a presence in a place.

She needed to feel needed.  She needed for her hands and mind to be engaged.  She was bored.  She wanted to believe that she was contributing to the value of the organization.  And that didn’t happen.  So she left.  I can’t blame her.  I like to stay busy too.

She is a rare treasure in current times.  She wanted to work.  I have seen and worked with many people through the years.  I have found it more common to find people that wanted to sit and draw a paycheck without making any contribution except to benefit themselves.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)

There are different reasons people have for working.  Hers wasn’t for the money.  Hers was to satisfy the need for feeling useful.  She found excellence in doing and when that was missing, she couldn’t keep going.

She wanted her work to count.  She wanted it to matter.  She wanted it to be needed. 

Do you find yourself working for others or working for the Lord?  Please share.

Mistakes and Forgiveness

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"  Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  Matthew 18:21-22 (NASB)

I am beginning to think the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is true.  I am struggling here.  The brain power it takes to learn new concepts may prove to exhaust all mental aptitude in me.  Zap it right out of me!

I started a new job last year.  Not necessarily new to me in form but new to me as a more “mature” person.  (Clearing my throat to the word “old!”)  And I just keep making mistakes.  Things that I would consider details that really matter that I miss.  Me, the one who has always considered herself a detail-oriented person.  Like a really obsessive detail freak!

Someone else repairing the damage of my mistakes in the office beside me not saying one word as the repairs are made.  And me, sitting, fuming, thinking how mad I am at myself.  Why can’t I do anything right!?!

Those thoughts are paralyzing.  Steals what little brain cells remain.  Exhausts in a moment to the point of tears.  Sends me quickly to a good old hiding place!  The bathroom.

Yep, I am guilty.  Guilty of making mistakes and hiding.  And then sucking it up, opening the door, returning to the scene of the crime and buckling in to see what additional damage I might do.  Oh!!  Not really.  Determining to try harder.  Strive for excellence.  Know that the work I am doing is not for man but for God!  Poor man has to fix my mistakes.  But God!

He reminds me that forgiveness never fades.  It doesn’t shy away from any monumental mishap I can devise.  It constantly waits and lets me figure out that I am prone to fail.  But God!

He picks me up.  Wipes the tears into His bottle.  Cherishes me.  And places me back on dry land.  On a steady footing.  Armed and ready.

Thankful today for His forgiveness.  You?