I Still Hate Goodbyes

Today was the end. The end of my winter/spring Bible study. The end of a routine that had become predictable and comfortable. The end of seeing friends weekly until fall.

I realized again today that I still hate goodbyes.

However, today is also a beginning.

I started reading a new book. I began a new fresh study of John's gospel, and I feel freedom in my flexible summer schedule.

I realized again today that I still like to start something new. It's energizing, exciting, and full of possibility.

Saying goodbye hurts. Especially when it feels like you are leaving a piece, a tender deep piece of yourself with people you will no longer see.

Starting new heals. It gives hope and expectation and has a way of filling up the holes of grief.

The ebb and flow of life - birth, life, death; birth, life, death. Except there is One who interrupts this cycle. Jesus Christ says that when we believe in Him there is eternal life. We have a second birth, but no second death.

John writes this when he received a new Revelation of Jesus:

"When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'"

He holds the keys. I adore those words. He is in control, and Jesus says later that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

In eternity the ebb and flow will be something we cannot yet comprehend. It will not be a cycle of birth, life, and death. It will be a new order!

I ache for the day when I never need to say goodbye. As for today, I acknowledge my sadness, but I smile at the possibilities of tomorrow and promises of eternity.

Do Good - Write a note of thanks to a teacher or mentor. Give a specific example of how they have influenced and/or helped you.

God, thank You for incomprehensible forever. Thank You for creating a need for heaven in us and giving us the Way through Jesus Christ. We are so thankful that our eternal life with You starts today.

Breakfast with The Champion

Do you know what Michael Phelps eats for breakfast? In a Wall Street Journal Blog by Sarah Rubenstein titled: The Michael Phelps Diet: Don’t Try It at Home she recounts this champion's typical morning meal.

"Breakfast: Three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise. Two cups of coffee. One five-egg omelet. One bowl of grits. Three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar. Three chocolate-chip pancakes."

I pretty much eat the same. That is, I usually have two cups of coffee and a bowl of granola or oatmeal. So not really the same, but I do have coffee.

Do you know what Jesus ate for breakfast? True, He didn't get any gold medals, but He did keep quite a busy schedule most days. According to His beloved friend, John:

"When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.'"

His friend Mark adds: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

I used to hear how Mother Theresa got up at 4:00 to pray and think, "Of course! Such a religious practice fits for people like, well, Mother Theresa and Jesus. I live a busy American life with sitcoms and comedians to refresh me late at night. I can't get up early to pray!"

Now, maybe I'm getting older, but I've lost my appetite for those empty, brief laughs. I am hungry for more, for something that will not only fuel my day but really satisfy me.

"Come and have breakfast." Jesus prepared the meal. He's ready to serve it, but will I rationalize ten more minutes of sleep instead? Trouble is, those ten minutes are just never enough to really revitalize me.

On the days, however, when I do follow the Voice, I am refreshed. Not fully awake, especially right away, but fed and loved. Jesus meets me with a forgiveness and grace that transforms selfish me into a loving wife, mom and friend.

I may never be able to stomach Michael Phelps' breakfast (I hope!), but as my Bible study leader Candace Van Ark said this week, I can daily "have breakfast with The Champion Himself." He is too much for me to handle, too, but somehow He makes it work.

Thank You for the invitation, Jesus. Here's my RSVP...

"Free Saki for Moms"

I laughed as I read the small sign in the Japanese restaurant window: "Free Saki for Moms on Mother's Day." Wow - that's it? How about a free meal? Complimentary toys to occupy children? Maybe even a 'mom's only' section in a quiet, clean part of the restaurant?

Apparently the manager didn't ask his mom for ideas.

Mother's Day is a time of great stress at our home. Since our children are only advanced enough to stuff spaghetti in their mouths with both hands, they certainly can't write Mommy a gushing note of gratitude. Daddy has the daunting task of making Mom feel special.

Let me make it simple: celebrate your Mom. I know, that sounds a bit selfish, but hear me out.

Consider all Mom does in an average day to meet the physical, social, emotional, fiscal, recreational, and spiritual needs of her family. Can you name something for each area? What is like when she is gone? What is it like if she is gone?

Do Good - Make a list of the widows and/or single moms you know. Pick a name and buy a gift card. Mail it with a simple "Happy Mother's Day!" note. Consider sending it anonymously. If you know her well, tell her what you admire about her. (Don't worry if it arrives after Mother's Day!!)

If you are looking for the right words feel free to borrow them from an ancient poem found in Proverbs. I found the amplified version, a traditional version, or a contemporary rendering. The opening line is:

"A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--

who is he who can find her?

She is far more precious than jewels and

her value is far above rubies or pearls."

-Proverbs 31:10

You can have the Free Saki. I'm too busy drinking in all the giggles, tears, story-times, dancing, singing and prayers of young, innocent hearts. If that weren't enough, my husband thanks and encourages me as a woman, wife and mom daily. Thanks, dear ones, for celebrating me. I celebrate you right back!

Lord, thank You for our moms. Teach us how to forgive hurts, cherish the everyday, and be in healthy, vibrant relationships within our families.

Note: If you are without mom or in a strained place with her, please accept my sympathies. Feel free to leave a comment, and I will be in prayer for you.