Clanging cymbals, loud and rude Turning heads where we stood Noisy gongs now awaken Ending rest that we have taken
Clashing shaking now vibrating Look at me, they seem to say At all I know, or have, or do … Is all for show and our own way?
Where is joy? Where’s faith and hope? If in all of these it’s just for gain As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain
God, help us together as we pray Dispel the clamor as we seek the way A decision each day to lift and care To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight. … Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.
My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.
And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.
I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]
When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]
So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine. Be encouraged.
Our recent snowy weather has stirred up childhood memories of winters past with my family. Building snowmen was a group affair full of laughter and the usual banter. There were cold noses, snowball fights, sledding, and then hot chocolate to greet us when we arrived indoors to warm up.
In December, as Christmas approached, the house brightened with colored lights, ornaments on the tree, and candles. Angels, a wreath, greenery, and bows brought cheer and the manger scene had a special place in the living room. Putting up and decorating the tree was a story in itself as we rediscovered ornaments made in Christmases past, remembered times gone by, and heard tales of long-ago family Christmases. The kitchen was a special gathering place for baking and decorating Christmas cookies and cakes and for preparing the Christmas meal. Christmas day was family time, hearing the Christmas story and the reminder of God’s greatest gift to us, the excitement of opening a few simple gifts, and perhaps watching some Christmas programs on the television or playing with a new game. Good memories.
So, as we enter another “Christmastide,” may we cherish the simple, make way for quiet enjoyment with friend or family, reach out to others, and be thankful for God’s greatest gift of all through His Son, Jesus.
“Peek-a-Boo! I see you!!” Oh, the delight of a young child to play this simple, timeless game. Eyes widen in surprise, laughter, and self-discovery. Peering around objects or through fingers, we look into each other’s eyes. Mirrors are just right for that discovery and for making silly faces. Is that me?! I recognize ME. I see YOU too.
Like a child, we look into the eyes of God. “A-hah! I see you!” we say in those moments of recognition. But sometimes we struggle to recognize God and wonder if He sees us.
Shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, he walked with two men traveling on the road to Emmaus. They were prevented from recognizing Jesus as they spoke together of what had passed in Jerusalem. During the journey Jesus explained to them the true meaning of Messiah. Later, as Jesus shared a meal with them in their home, they saw him break bread and “then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” *
The men from Emmaus recognized Jesus when their eyes were opened, but the breaking of the bread came first. Jesus revealed himself to them through this small act. Like a child I peer around the “stuff” of life, looking for God’s eyes. “Peek! Where are You?” I really want to see Jesus more clearly. I walk in conversation and discovery, like those who traveled with Jesus to Emmaus, through the passing of days and years. It is in the journey and during the times that I sit with God that He is revealed.
I like the way Paul spoke of “the eyes of your heart” in his letter to the church in Ephesus. He said, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…” * Although our physical eyes may be dim, our heart can reach beyond their limits. May you find joy in that discovery. God delights in His children. I see you! I recognize you. You are of special value and joy, He says.
The Still Small Voice 