My big boys (that includes my husband) are leaving today for a little weekend ski-trip. After the kids got loaded into the car, picked their movie, got buckled up, etc. Jack asked me to come around to his side of the car. When I got around he whispered, "Mom, will you go get my Bible so I can read it on the way?" What? WILL I? Are you kidding. I really and truly do NOT know what has gotten into that boy (well, actually, I guess it's the Holy Spirit that's gotten into him.) This is a major turn for him. This is a child I have prayed for over and over because he was so "cool" when it came to all things spiritual. He just never seemed to warm to church or Bible reading or praying, etc. And you know what, God was working in him when I didn't think He was.
Did you ever feel like you were perched on the precipice of something but you didn't know what? I do! I feel like there is something big and heavy out there, just around the corner. I can sense it. I can feel it coming and it's a very unsettling feeling for me. I'm "nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rockers" as my Granma used to say. It's a cagey feeling. I don't know what it is, but I'm very antsy and I'm very ready to see what it is that God is gearing me up for.
Speaking of "gear"... 147 Million Orphans is donating 50% of their profits to a Haitian orphanage right now! If you want to help Haiti, head over to 147millionorphans.com and get your favs. There is the most adorable new hot pink burn-out shirt that I got for Meg. It's so cute and just the perfect color for little girls in the summer time. And there's all sorts of new stuff I don't have yet. If you don't have the yoga pants, take my word for it, you WANT some. They are great for guys OR girls to use as loungewear. I practically live in mine when I can.
I had an encounter last night with someone who is not a believer. He believes in "some higher being" that guides us. But he doesn't "buy the whole Jesus thing." (It's hard for me to even write that.) I never feel confident and comfortable in those situations where the Lord clearly pulls me into conversation with someone who's lost and then expects me to speak the truth. I just don't feel strong enough in "the right thing to say" to be the one. But on the other hand, maybe there's not another one. So, the whole time we're having this talk over dinner, I'm just praying in my head, "Your Words, not mine, Lord. Your Words!" I have NO idea if I even planted a tiny seed in his mind. But it was a very interesting conversation. The thing that broke my heart was that he grew up in the church, attended a private Christian elementary school, and has parents who are faithful church-goers from the sound of things. But his story is the one that I hear over and over. He was turned off to Jesus by the dogmatic and judgmental attitudes of those who profess to follow Him. Isn't that such a shame. Did you ever read "The Poisonwood Bible"? If not, you gotta get it. The basic thing is that all of us at one time or another can kill the spirit of another person by following exactly the path we think Jesus called us to. But in reality, we are leading that person so far from the Jesus path that they may never find their way back. I don't like to try to beat people over the head with my Bible. As Beth Moore says, I don't want to be such an exclamation point. I want to live an exclamation point life, but speak words that are easy to swallow, non-threatening and non-judgmental when it comes to unbelievers. I could have come close to believing the way this man believes. As a child, I was around alot of folks from my church and surrounding churches who had "competitive churchiness". In other words, they all believed that their particular church was better and there was a pecking order of prestige among the churches in town. Folks wore their membership like some people wear Greek letters. If I hadn't had such a strong believing family, I could have easily been turned away. I was completely turned from my "religion" to the furthest thing I could become and still be Christian (thus my Catholic conversion.) Anyway, it was just a really interesting experience for me. It was a great reminder that there are people in my everyday life, churchgoers included, who are not believers. This man is a very fixed presence in our daily life, he attends church, and both of his children attend Christian schools. It's so easy to just assume that everyone around you believes and knows the Truth. It was a good wake up call for me. And also a reminder that I need to have more Words hidden in my heart for such occasions so that I am not leading someone astray.
Okay, I'm off to take photos of some of the exciting things happening in my attic today! :) Photos next week.
4 comments:
Way to go, Jack!!!
I want a pair of yoga pants, but they're not on the website? What color are they? Is the design on the leg? Since you're psuedo Gwen and blogging for her do you think you could help me get a pair? I need a medium. Let me know how much and I'll mail the check or tell me where to find them on the web. They sound awesome!
miss you.
It is interesting how people every Sunday go to church and aren't believers...I think anyway. Maybe they are hoping deep down that something will truly change their mind... I don't know. I hope that what you said to him will stick with him. You don't have to wonder if you were the "seed" because you answered the call. You met the opportunity that God put you in and you answered. That was your role. All of heaven was watching you and was cheering you on. You did it. I think everyone has a part to play and there may need to be 7 or 8 people who talk to this particular man...every time though, he is listening and that is a good thing in my opinion.
I loved what you said about how you feel something BIG is going to happen. I know it may be uncomfortable, but that too is where God wants us. He doesn't want us comfortable in our lives...he wants us to rely on Him and to listen to what His will is for us. I am excited to see what it is. I kind of feel the same way with my life right now...a little nervous about what's around the corner. God is faithful though and He will be there with you every step of the way.
Ok...I need to wrap this up...sorry it was so long.
Can't wait to see what you have planned in your attic rooms for the boys.
Kristine
Just found your blog from a link on Kristi's blog. I look forward to keeping up with your blog.
Blessings,
Amy
"Did you ever feel like you were perched on the precipice of something but you didn't know what? I do! I feel like there is something big and heavy out there, just around the corner. I can sense it. I can feel it coming and it's a very unsettling feeling for me. I'm "nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rockers" as my Granma used to say. It's a cagey feeling. I don't know what it is, but I'm very antsy and I'm very ready to see what it is that God is gearing me up for."
Took the words right out of my mouth...SO restless. Right there with you!!!
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