Journeys of Christmas and more

As I've been Standing Still with Christmas this year, I've read and considered the story and all the traditional meditations  - A Coming: the fulfillment of the covenant found in a baby; Joy: the world receives a Savior; Peace: the arrival of the Prince of Peace; Sharing: of gifts, but even more important Good News - so Go Tell It ... over the hills and everywhere!

I was struck by a different theme in the Christmas Story to meditate on this year... JOURNEY.
Journey.  A distance or course traveled.
Mary and Joseph had gone on a journey back to Bethlehem - a long arduous journey that was at the very least uncomfortable for Mary and must have involved PATIENCE on the part of Joseph.  But most of all this was a journey of TRUST -  A young girl finding herself in the family way with no human explanation; a gentleman who upon hearing the message of an angel took his bride despite human misgivings.
The Wisemen had gone on a journey to find a newborn king.  Setting out in great ANTICIPATION, traveling a very far distance over a long period of time yet never wavering in their BELIEF of the PROMISE in what lay at the end of the journey even though the journey's end was found in the most humble of homes.
The Shepherds had gone on a journey to a stable after receiving what had to have been an announcement that inspired great WONDER and AWE as well as HOPE.
Each journey led them to one end  - a babe.  The Prince of Peace.  The Lamb.  The Counselor.  The Messiah.  The Savior. 
Each journey ended quite simply put.... in JOY.

Journey. A distance or course traveled; passage or progress from one stage to another. 
Each of us is taking a journey.  One that involves much that is similar to those who journeyed for that Christmas.  Our journeys involve patience, trust, anticipation, wonder, and awe.  No matter what our journeys bring, we don't have to travel alone.  We have the FATHER who has promised us just that.  Every year we are reminded of HIS PROMISE and our HOPE in Christmas as we celebrate the SAVIOR. 
Our journey has been extra blessed by the people we've traveled with - relationships that are blessings to our family; reconnecting with dear friends; continuing to deepen other friendships; and finding new companions with whom to travel.  We've made great memories along the way.  But the best of all is that we have common JOY in knowing and visibly seeing the ONE who guides our journey and we travel with both knowing and assured of our destination.
It is our prayer for each of you to travel your JOURNEY in this HOPE knowing your are loved unconditionally and that knowing the SAVIOR, your journey will end in JOY!

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born.
John 3:16   For God so Loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes in Him shall have Everlasting Life.
John 15:11   I have told you this so your Joy may be made complete.
Romans 8:38-39   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hiking on Life's Trail Pt. 2 - THROW THE ROCK!

Although it was the shortest, it was the toughest of the three hikes - in a couple of ways.  There was definitely elevation gain. The last part of the trek was steep and had loose footing.  It was perilous enough for several signs to be posted - "Enjoy! Hike at own risk" and " Use hand holds on side wall". 

During this particular hike, the journey conversation was ... deeper maybe even tough.  It was Conversation in which we poured out experiences and thoughts that we carried in the depths of our hearts.  There were insights given, that came from each other and ourselves in the quiet moments.

As we sat at the summit of the hike we shared a few realizations.
On our individual journeys on Life's Trail we each carried burdens.   All of us do.

Burden.  A load; a weight; an obligation; that which is borne with difficulty; a hardship; trouble; worry; an affliction; a sorrow; a trial; a grievance.

These burdens came from life situations; hurts that time brought or were inflicted along the trail or personal fears and anxieties.

We realized however, that there were some burdens we had been carrying that maybe we shouldn't have had to bear. 
They were actually things in which we had picked up baggage that wasn't meant for us to hold... guilt, failures that weren't ours, fear, intimidation of others that manifested in anxiety, hurts held on to, urges to fix things that weren't ours to fix... so much more.
Each of us saw things that we had added to our weight -  responsibilities assumed, hindrances accepted or hardships actually chosen!  What a revelation!  Actually having it brought into complete focus that we really didn't have to carry or take on these identifiable burdens.
At that moment we decided to pick up visible and tangible representations of each of those identifiable burdens, and literally release them  -  by throwing them over the edge of our summit.

We still possessed our own burdens but we rejoiced that we didn't have to bear the full weight.  as two passages from the Word came to mind.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).  By sharing our hidden hurts, fears, and feelings we eased our individual loads and knowing that each of us are supported through the others prayers and love on this journey called life.

"Cast your burdens on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

There is One who will bear our burdens if we are willing to lay them before Him.  And this is exactly what we did.  We left those things weights symbolically in the form of a cairn - each stone a burden placed before the Father.  For me that pile of rocks serves as a trail marker in life's journey, a reminder that the resting place for my burdens isn't on my shoulders but rather  with the Lord. 

My prayer for you today is that you recognize those burdens, those rocks, that you may have picked up along life's trail that aren't meant for you to carry. THROW THE ROCK!

Let that baby go and let it fly!  Then carry the burdens that are yours straight to the One who gives rest - the One who truly cares to the point of bearing what is laid before Him.

 Psalm 68:19  Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Matthew 11:28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Exodus 33:14 - And He said, "My presence will go with  you, and I will give  you rest."
Psalms 62:8  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Hiking Life's Trail

Recently I was blessed to reunite with two very dear friends after many years.  We have spent those years living in different parts of the country.  Time and distance; the busyness of daily life with families; the experiencing of life events; and other life circumstance often intervened or distracted us from frequent contact.  We were fortunate to spend several days together  - in the desert of all places!  Each day, time was taken for what became our most enjoyable activity ... hiking.

Yes, it was a great way to fit in exercise (we managed our 10,00 steps each day). 

Yes, it was a great way to discover and appreciate the beauty of the desert.

But it became something deeper.

During our time together J, our friend who was from the area, led the way. Being from the area, she knew the lay of the land; made sure we got to the proper trailhead and started down the right trail; led us through the unfamiliar territory; encouraged us; took care of us and made sure we had what was needed ("drink your water! you dehydrate so much faster in the desert"); pointed out dangers we maybe were unaware of (ever heard of a "jumping cholla"?)  and helped us appreciate the local beauty. We obviously put our trust in her lead which took some of the unknown away and maybe put a fear or two (tarantulas and snakes) at ease.  This really helped us appreciate where we were and made the journey all that more enjoyable.  She was a great guide.

 For over two decades we had each faced our individual journeys on the trail of life.  As we hiked the desert miles together, we had the time to share the landmarks on our individual trails. 

Those landmarks had consisted of challenges (health issues, death, sorrows, concerns) and joys (accomplishments, celebrations, grace in the midst of trial). 
As we shared these journeys, both our individual and the present hiking experiences, it became apparent that we had another Guide. 

Guide.  A counselor.  Leader.  Mentor.  Pilot.  Advisor.  Chaperone.  Director.  Example.  A scout.  A Navigator. Our Pathfinder.

Our Guide was present for each of us in the midst of our individual journeys and He was very present as we shared our time reconnecting with each other renewing not only our friendships but our spirits wearied by life's trail. 

Presently, our time together was led.  Our individual anticipations, hesitations, anxieties and perhaps fears of reconnection after more than two decades were unfamiliar territory through which we literally provided for and led.  We were given what we so obviously needed - moments brought up at the right time to be able to share some hard challenges or hurts we had traveled through; moments appeared that encouraged us to revisit paths of fear and doubt we had or were presently facing; and moments to share joys that had us celebrating and laughing - at times uncontrollably.  Through our time in the desert and our Guide's presence we were able to trust his path finding skills and went places and found ways to mark healing, encouragement, and the renewal we now had and will continue.

So now we return to our individual trails.  We still face what lies ahead. But we possess a new found consciousness and intentional awareness.  We will never again feel like we are traveling without each other's companionship.  And more importantly, our Guide is with us.  Always present.  Even though at times we cannot see what lies ahead; or we are unaware of dangers; or we feel at a loss coming to crossroads; or we feel exhausted and may not be able to discern what we really need; - our Guide is there helping us navigate; giving us encouragement; covering our needs.

It is my prayer for you as you hike life's trail to become conscious of this trustworthy Guide, be intentional aware of His Presence.  He is trustworthy.  And through Him, the beauty of the hike can be truly appreciated and recognized.

Blessings.

Deuteronomy 2:7

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness

Exodus 15:13

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Psalm 23:3

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Psalm 48:14

For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.

Psalm 73:24

You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.

Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 58:11

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Honesty

"Honesty is the best policy."  A childhood admonishment that I'm sure I was not the only one who received.  A rule that is sooooooo much easier stated than it is actually implemented. As we grow older often times it seems we make this simple policy more complicated than it should be.

Whole truths vs. half truths... little white lies... bigger white lies... leaving out the details... ducking the truth... avoiding the truth... and then there is the out and out lie.

Honesty.  Truthful, sincere, free from deceit, candor, fair, upright, integrity.

If this is the best policy, why is it often an issue?

Dishonesty exists for a multitude of reasons.
Trying not to hurt someone's feelings.  Avoiding consequences of our own behavior.  Fear of what others may think.  To benefit from whatever is being hidden.  Or perhaps out of perception that one is making things easier. 

 TRUTH IS... dishonesty never fixes anything.  Dishonesty never makes anything easier, especially in the long run (when the fallout is ultimately larger and more detrimental).  Hurting someone with the truth is far better than killing them silently and slowly with a lie (sometimes you are hurting yourself the most - you are the one silently and slowly dying on the inside).  It is best to just be honest, tell the truth and deal with an honest mess. 

Honesty requires true strength and true courage.   The hardest person to be honest with is our own self. 

TRUTH IS... More often than not, the person we are least honest with is ourselves.  PROBLEM IS... More people than we think actually know the truth.  You see, honesty is a reflection of character.  Honest hearts produce honest actions. 

Honesty may seem incredibly hard to find but the act of examining ourselves leads us headlong into honesty and often forces us to wrestle with the truth. 

Honesty brings integrity ... doing the right and good thing regardless of consequences.  When you embrace, practice and live honesty, you gain the respect of those around you, but more importantly you move in the direction God desires for you. 

Making a mistake is common.  Being honest allows forgiveness... of others, of ourselves.

"Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving."

My prayer tonite is for the courage, guidance and strength to embrace, practice and live honesty --- and in doing so you will gain respect and find God's desires for you and those you care for.

Job 6:25  How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove?

Proverbs 14:5  An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

Proverbs 11:3  Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty.”

Proverbs 16:13  Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.

Proverbs 24:26  An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Establishing a Foundation

During my commute, I've been watching several buildings that have been under construction in the city.  A casual interest as the train passes the sites has developed. Observations have been made periodically.  Each of the buildings began on reclamation sites - a site which once held a dilapidated building or rubble.  They've risen to become an office building 4 stories high, an apartment building and a 30-story skyscraper.  It has been interesting to discover that proportionally a large amount of time is spent on establishing the building foundation. 

Foundation ... base, groundwork, underpinning, the footing, support, the infrastructure, the beginning.

Getting the foundation right is incredibly important.  It is an anchor for all that follows and determines the success of what is built.  Will the structure stand firm?  Will it bear the load? Will it be strong enough to stand against the elements of time, weather or calamities?  Will it be secured against the shifting of the very soil or ground in which it is built?  Will it prevent collapse?

 

It would've have been impossible for any of these buildings to create a secure foundation without first clearing the rubble and decay that had been there prior.  The primary step to laying the solid foundation on which each of these structures have risen was dealing with the wreckage first.

Immediately following this thought came a realization.

In our lives, we have to clear the rubble to ensure a secure foundation as we begin to build.

This is especially true when it comes to relationships.

It may seem easier to just move forward - ignore the rubble of unresolved issues - seemingly resuming the build of the relationship.  If we do this, the ultimate end will be a relationship that will not have the strength to stand through the effects of life's elements.  Misunderstandings, trials, miscommunications, unrealized expectations, whispers, doubts, fears, hurts will erode the structure of the relationship because the rubble was in the way of establishing the firm foundation.

Work is required. Rubble needs to be cleared. Trust, communication and love are footers that need to be carefully, intentionally and genuinely poured.  It is only then that the structure wanted will reach soaring heights that will firmly stand.

As my thoughts come to a close, I am reminded that there is one foundation that will ensure we are able to always stand with confidence despite any obstacle or trial life may bring - even the task of clearing rubble and rebuilding. 

 

My prayer for you is the strength and courage to clear rubble; the perseverance to build and experience the rewards; and to always live your life on the True Foundation.

 

Job 4:19  How much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth!

Isaiah 28:16  So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

Isaiah 33:6  He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

 Matthew 7:24  Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

 Matthew 7:25  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock

 1 Corinthians 3:10  By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.