Thursday, July 05, 2007
I am a spiritual two-year old!
Again, something huge has hit me.... And I mean aside from the projectiles that Jaiden deems appropriate to send my way at the most unexpected moments.
My daughter is two. If that statement does not ring through with enough screaching siren sounds, then I do not know of another statement that will hit you strongly enough.
As I sat comfortably (this is a rare occasion these days) on our sofa, I was watching Jaiden as she explored the living room. It was cute. She was learning about the things around her just has she went about her way. She would ask questions, I would answer them. She would seemingly apply what she had just learned from me and then go on to the next task. But then, out of no where, as if I hadn't taught her a thing, she deliberately disobeys one of my (our) rules.
Then WHACK! it hit me. That is EXACTLY how I must be in the eyes of our Lord. Oh my goodness. I am a spiritual two-year old. Just like Jaiden in her unrelenting disobedience that absolutely wears me out to no end, I must too, do that in the eyes of God. A little sin here, a little sin there. I go about my day, smiling, talking with the Lord, complimenting all that He has done for me (glorifying Him, obeying, making disciples, etc.), but then WHAM! I sin. I worry about things that are not happening in my timing. I wonder about the future (as if He is not going to handle it). Good GRIEF.
It has to be so frustrating to my God that after so many years, so many conversations, so many lessons, the best and biggest How-To-Do Book known to all mankind (the Bible) available to me at all times, that I STILL continuously fail and intentionally disobey God (and His word).
Unbelievable. Although I do not intend to whip a votive candle (which happens to be my favorite home decor ojbect)at our Lord's foreye any time soon, I certainly will be aware of the fact that any little sin I may have at the tip of my fingers or lips will be flying in the face of the God who once told me "No ma'am!"
I'm exhausted and I have to go back to tending to my Jaiden Claire. May our God rest knowing that I am planning to be on my best behavior.
~Jods
4th of July 2007
Fireworks. Pyrotechnics. Whatever you may call them, they are just so amazing to me. Perhaps it is because all of the fireworks shows come out only once a year (or one time of year)? Perhaps it is because the loud bangs, pops, snaps and other sounds are just so unfamiliar yet so unavoidable?
I don't know what it is, but this year, as I stood in our cul-de-sac and watched this year's display of fireworks, I just stood there in awe. More so than the years past.
I was blessed to be able to hold Jaiden during some of the show and it was so amazing to watch her face as she enjoyed the display of lights. She was trembling a bit and with each boom held on to me a little more tightly. But she couldn't get enough. She kept saying, "more! more! more fireworks!" and was delighted each time her request was met.
But then Aden said something and it hit me. He said, "just think, this is what our soldiers hear all day, every night." It sunk in. It's no secret why these displays have grabbed my attention this year. It isn't a surprise that they symbolize something different for me this week. Aden's simple statement rang something so huge, so unexplainable. And he's RIGHT.
I've known since elementary school what Independence Day historically was all about. (Although I do wish I could still recite the Declaration of Independence as we used to in our school plays). But it wasn't until now that I have been able to fully grasp the fact that America is THE country. I am truly proud to be an American. As cliche as it may sound, I will say it again, "I am proud to be an American."
I am boasting with praise for our Father and the founding fathers that recognized Him as the Creator, even in the Declaration of Independence. However, I am afraid for America and where it seems to be headed in this regard. Taking God out of so many things, dismissing the importance He has in our lives, and disregarding Him when trying to do what is right for our great country. I am not surprised, for it is written, but I still do fear for this great nation.
I am saddened to think of all of the families both near and far that have a soldier fighting out there. I am saddened not because I know all of the facts and know what is right for them. I am saddened because as I watched this ominous site, phenomenal display of fireworks, holding my daughter in my arms, I was safe. I am forever grateful to to you brave men and women. We are forever grateful to you. And for all of those who seem to think otherwise, I extend my family's hearts even further.
It has been so easy to forget what this great country has done and where it has come since July 4, 1776, just as it has been easy to forget the text of the Declaration of Independence since I studied it 2 decades ago. America was once a nation "UNDER GOD."
There is a time for war as it was written. Good and bad things will continue to happen in this world and in this country. But it shouldn't be a secret how this country came to be so great. Read the declaration for independence. See that they included God. Know that it isn't coincidence. Yes, war is going to happen for it is written in the word, "There is a time for war, a time for peace." But as Oswald wrote, "Peace is not the absence of trouble, yet the presence of God."
There is a time for war as it was written. Good and bad things will continue to happen in this world and in this country. But it shouldn't be a secret how this country came to be so great. Read the declaration for independence. See that they included God. Know that it isn't coincidence. Yes, war is going to happen for it is written in the word, "There is a time for war, a time for peace." But as Oswald wrote, "Peace is not the absence of trouble, yet the presence of God."
I won't forget that there are men and women who have already gone before me who made it possible for me to sit here in seemingly guaranteed safety today. I won't forget that I have friends and families who are missing their soldiers each day and do not have that confidence. I will not forget the feeling I had when Aden reminded me that although the experience (of the firework display) is spectacular, there is another side to the story. And more importantly, I will not forget that this great nation, this place we call home, AMERICA once believed in the Creator and had Him at its focal point.
May you all be blessed by whatever experience you may have had this 4th of July in 2007. May we all return to this day 231 years ago when our nation had a united dream for this country and its people. May we all keep God as our focal point and not forget what this day is about. God Bless America, or more importantly as some have said, America bless God!
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