Weeping in the Sowing

I planted some seeds about 15 years ago, seeds of encouragement and love in the life of a young girl that so desperately needed affirmation and attention. After a couple of years, life's paths took us in different directions and I lost touch. When we reconnected a few years later, it was evident that there had not been much watering and nurturing of this tender plant. She'd been tattered by life's storms and the disease of sin had left some pretty significant scars.
It's amazing how blooms are still possible in what seem the most dire of circumstances. She began a journey of transplanting and regrowth. It was a hard journey, one full of ups and downs, good choices and bad choices. Then she had a beautiful baby boy. I saw growth like never before. She began holding jobs for more than just a few months, making better choices about the people she would spend time with, and making a greater effort to surround herself with a community of believers.
But the weeds had never been removed. They have been so entangling for so long that she simply
cannot recognize them as weeds. The weeds have some attractive blooms in the form of happiness, security, escape, and the affirmation and attention she has desired since I've known her. Plucked from the ground and placed in a decorative vase, the arrangement is quite lovely. A man that dotes on her, the ability to have and do things financially, a fresh start in a new location far from the life in which she grew up, opportunities for her son. It's as beautiful as the flowers on my desk this morning.
But we all know what happens to even the most beautiful of cut flower arrangements. Even if we add the plant food for a week, the flowers will eventually wither and die.
Oh, if only we could be satisfied with the arrangement in which God has planted us. He is the source of our nourishment, health, and stability. We see the arrangements that are pulled together for others, the displays of color that bring joy and satisfaction...temporarily, and we want that. But we fail to realize that the most fulfilling place to be is rooted in the truth, whether we like it or not.
While I look at the areas of my own life where I've allowed the weeds of deceit to cause discontentment, I'm also grieving for my sweet friend, praying and waiting for the rejoicing that will come when she surrenders to God's best for her life.

Psalm 126:6
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

~Rebecca Phillips

The Insanity of My Life!

Why did everyone planning a special event decide that the third week of April would be a good time to put that thing on the calendar?  I'm telling you, this week we have all kinds of choices! Deciding which fun things to take in will be the only problem.  At times like this, I begin to think maybe it would be better to be a hermit and never do anything--just eliminate the decision making.  But I know I'll have regrets if I do that---and I'll miss so much!

One thing that I don't want to miss this week is the beauty surrounding my life. Besides the richness of people and events, there is the physical beauty of the world. As I write this, I can see the sunset out my window. It is just stunning through the trees: a blanket of soft gray with the orange light of the setting sun showing through. And here's what that setting sun says to me day after day: God is faithful. I know it's a simple and oft-repeated sentiment, but it's one we shouldn't ignore.  God brings back the springtime every year. He keeps the world turning and the moon in place. He supervises the tides' coming in and going out. He can take care of you and me.

Last week I finished reading The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. It's a remarkable account of God's faithfulness around the world, in places where serving him is a dangerous thing. As we were challenged to look for opportunities to witness this week, I thought of those believers across the globe who are faithful at the hazard of their lives. They can be this way because they have seen the faithfulness of God.

Here's what I Peter says: "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (5: 8-10). 

In the midst of my own "insanity" this week, I want to remember the "insanely" and remarkably faithful God I serve. Will you pray that I do it?  I'll pray for you, too.

--Sherry Poff