Multitude 4.29.13

Giving thanks to God in community for His gifts ...


A Gift in Sky, Water, Memory...
steamy, dark clouds racing through - leaving cool breezes to follow their tracks
dry, floating assaults of pollen trapped and tranquilized for the day by merciful moisture
the little strawberry dress -worn by many sisters - brought out from storage for more classic cuteness

A Gift Wrinkled, Smoothed, Unfolded...
the printed softball schedule that seems to order our days
the situation where I found just enough courage to be gently honest
this marvelous narrative He's finishing in us

A Thrilling Agony

I don’t know a lot about victory. I’m neither an athlete nor a conqueror. I know about hard work and careful preparation. I have won some awards and there are a few music-related trophies with my name on them, but to fight and struggle in order to win … this gives me a rash.

If you were to list the things in my life where I find "success", you would notice it includes many of the things that come naturally and easily to me.

My husband leads Bible study with high school boys. They all LOVE to win! However, he grieves over all the obstacles and snares our culture presents these young men. He is well aware of the temptations John mentions in the Bible: “Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life.”

With his best inspirational coaching voice, he has admonished them, “Guys, this is going to be a battle … every, single day of your life … so learn to be victorious today!” (I love that guy:)

I know he means to inspire and equip them, but my passive, wimpy ears perceive discouragement when I think about this daily struggle we call ‘life’.