Feel Special

 

A few weeks ago, my husband and I embarked on a new adventure. This time we headed to Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro. A trip filled with history, beauty, architecture and, dare I say, incredible food!  Each time we headed into a new city, we would get a ‘lay of the land’ by taking a tour – sharing with us the important sites so that we may walk around by ourselves, exploring all the beauty and understanding its significance.  As we indulged in it all, I could not help but hear the tour guides define historical events in these cities as BC, Before Christ or AD, Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord), or after Jesus was born.

Each time they shared these times in that way; my thoughts immediately took me to our Savior and His birth. No, it is not Christmas, but to hear the world define their history by the One who has defined my life, well, it seemed to take on an entirely unique perspective.  Over and over again, I could hear the history of earth being defined by the history of heaven.

I cannot help but think how the Jesus who loves me, who considers me His own, who knows my past transgressions and still loves me like no other, also defined the world as we know it. I feel privileged to be a child of God. I felt special during those moments as the tour guide was talking, and I continue to feel that honor. Jesus considers me His child when the entire world is using His birth to define it. “Wow” does not seem to cover it!

Oddly enough, I did not feel small in those moments.  I did not feel as if I was something insignificant compared to all of the history around me and my Lord that defined that history! I did not feel unworthy of His attention; I know I will always have it.  I truly felt blessed, gifted by knowing the One that defined history genuinely loves me.  Friends, our Lord has blessed us with the uniqueness of individuality. Walking the streets of Venice I heard at least four different languages. All different, yet we as Christians know that we are all the same. We are all loved by our God, the One who loves us unconditionally.

Take a moment and soak in the reality that the One who defined time and history is the One who loves each of us, our uniqueness, and our sameness. He knows who we are, what we have done, and loves us regardless. Revel in that greatness and feel special.

Dearest Jesus, the One who defines history, thank you for the love you pour upon me. Thank you for loving me despite all I have done wrong and making me feel special. Amen!

Overcomer

 

Troubles!  They seem to be all around us.  We see the troubles occurring throughout the world – discourse, war, famine, violence.  We experience the troubles in our lives – financial, relational, professional.  All of it seems to create a cloud of doom over our heads, making it difficult to find peace.  Our ability to rest and have our minds at peace when so much is going around us can make for a life filled with worry and anguish.

This beautiful verse was shared by our Lord on the eve of His crucifixion to the disciples.  They had experienced some personal troubles as they had traveled with Jesus, but nothing like what they would experience when He ascended into heaven.  Jesus knew this and ensured they understood that no matter what they would face, faith in Him, following Him, meant that an inward peace would prevail because He overcome all the bad in the world.

Many times, as we walk through our days, we may not feel that Jesus has overcome the world.  We see and experience the troubles that Jesus references in this passage.  We may be suffering anxiousness over the uncertainty of finding work.  We may experience pain due to health issues.  We may feel emptiness in the loss of a loved one.  We may encounter hatred because we believe in our Lord.  Day to day situations can breed a sense of trouble in our lives.       

My friends, these daily situations can be overwhelming.  Yet, we have to remember that Jesus is right beside us, walking with us, holding our hand, and overcoming our situations with us.  Just as He was with the disciples after He left this world, He is with us.  I am certain that many of the disciples who followed Jesus didn’t know what that path would ultimately look like.  There were moments of uncertainty, especially after Jesus died.  Yet Jesus came to them, and He comes to us!  In His words, we can find peace.

Our troubles will not always end with a smile on our faces.  The result of our troubles may be very different to what WE want.  Take heed, it is not OUR way but GOD’S way that sets our path.  Knowing and relying on God, understanding that whatever the troubles may be, will yield the peace that Jesus describes.  He has overcome our troubles; He has overcome our world.  Our simple faith in that truth will bring you PEACE.  Breathe, rest, and know this.  Amen!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for this beautiful verse that brings peace to the distressed.  We know that you are in control and that you have overcome all the troubles of this world. Amen!

Celebration

 

The Virtuous Woman!  That is what chapter thirty-one is Proverbs is best known for.  I have always enjoyed the book of Proverbs – it clearly states what we should and should not do in this world.  A bit of a road map!  Yet Proverbs 31 is truly one of my favorites.  In searching for the right verse to share in this post, it was the first place I searched – and these verses caught my eye.

Mother’s Day is a special day for many.  Mothers are celebrated for their hard work and dedication to their families.  It was always special in our home growing up.  Daddy always tried to ensure Mom had a special day.  When I read these verses, it made me realize that the celebration of mothers has been a long-standing tradition, far before the ‘official’ Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day can also be difficult for those who have lost mothers or those who long to be a mom and are unable to do so.  In those cases, this can be a painful day.   We may ourselves experience this pain or may know of someone whose pain is very real.  My friends, this is where chapter 31 in Proverbs is at its best!  In reading this chapter, it shares with us how ALL women should be celebrated.  It speaks of women who work hard, are resilient and wise, have a strong work ethic, provides for others, and loves all.   I know many wonderful women who possess those characteristics.  It is all of those women who are celebrated on this special day.

Taking on the role of mother has many different faces.  One may be a caregiver for others, a teacher, a volunteer, the list is long!  It doesn’t mean that you have to have a biological child to be seen as a woman who should be celebrated for all the wonderful characteristics that help others.  Our Lord knew that as he inspired King Solomon to pen the words of Proverbs.  It provides inspiration and recognition for all.

On this Mother’s Day, I’d like to celebrate all who take care of others in many special ways.  For those of us who have mothers that are sitting with Jesus now, know that they have the ‘best seat in the house’ and are deserving of that seat.  For my dear Mom, know how much we love you, Mom!  We deeply appreciate all that you do for us, the generosity of your faith, your hope, your prayers and certainly your love.  You mean the world to us!  Happy Mother’s Day!

Dearest Lord, thank you for giving us scripture to remind us of the importance of women in our lives.  Let us celebrate all that they bring to us, especially their faith and love.  Amen!