I haven't been here for a few weeks, so I thought I should stop by. I haven't been here no so much because I don't have any thoughts, but because I seem to have too many thoughts and don't really know what to say or where to start. If I could pinpoint my thinking over the last few weeks, I guess it would come down to words like injustice, grief, sadness. I've been newly reminded (and overwhelmed) by the grief that others are forced to bear, the aching sadnesses from events that just don't make sense, the injustices that just shouldn't happen. My heart is continually being broken, and sometimes I'm not so sure that I always like that. I get to feeling overwhelmed and can only pray for mercy and redemption, for grace and love, for justice and peace. And each one of those beautiful things can be found and are happening, but sometimes it's just easier to see the dirt and the horrific and the hell instead.
I recently finished what quickly became a favourite book of mine: The Kite Runner. It is a novel about friendship and betrayal as well as war and, ultimately, forgiveness, redemption, and again, friendship. I'm not going to get too much into the book here, but let's just say I strongly recommend it. It might be the best book I've read in a long time.
It seems there is pain all around. And that overwhelms me. But it seems as I grow, I am not only more aware of pain, but I am also more attuned to beauty. I find it around me in strikingly simple situations, in moments of passing, in a glimpse or a moment that seems to stand still long enough for me to notice. That's really important to me: I want to notice. I want to notice the pain, but also notice the good and the beauty, because there is hope and I trust He who is in control. And while it is important to notice, I find that it can't stop there. I want to then live a life that is not only aware, but is also seeking to promote hope and beauty and grace in my life and in the relationships around me. I want to change my way of being and then change my way of doing. I want to continually grow in learning what it means to continually be aware of God's presence.
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3 comments:
Stephen, that was beautiful writing! I know that the Lord has given you a compassionate heart for those who are being persecuted.
Isaiah has become one of my favorite books--promises for those who have been in captivity to be brought into freedom. A highlight passage is Isaiah 55:9-13:
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher that your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
(Now for my favorite part! :))
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
this will be for the Lord's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed.
Love you, Jess
Here is a long, but worthwhile article on Billy Graham. I thought others may enjoy it also.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14204483/
stephen ~ thank you so much for the email, that was seriously the best and the timing was God's, i'm sure of it!
it also made me remember the time when i used to blog and read blogs, and i came here to yours and see you've recently read one of my favorite books. I actually listened to it on CD on the way home from Rapid City once. Amazing. i really really like it.
Like you, i haven't blogged in a while. There's just too much going on to capture it and verbalize. But i'll be back soon, i am sure.
Until then, i love you and will catch up soon! Give Mrs. Becker a big smooch and hug for me!!!
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