The Only Thing
As we drove down highway 60 going to Tennessee, the rain was falling gently but steadily. It was a cool day, and seemed more like a day to sit in your jammies, drink tea, and read or watch old movies. And even though I love jammie days, I was very glad to be heading to see my good friend and attend a retreat at the Christian camp where she lives.
Most of you who know me well might be surprised to learn that I am somewhat backward when meeting new people. I say backward rather than shy because I literally would rather walk backward to avoid new people than talk to them. Shoot, sometimes I even avoid talking to good friends if I am in a public place and can turn the other way. So, at a typical event like this I like to blend in, maybe making small talk with the person sitting right by me, or maybe not. During this event, however, I was participating in a way that would not let me simply blend in. So I knew I would be meeting some new people. A thought that filled me with a little bit of anxiety. Later I would realize this inability to hide in the crowd would bless me beyond measure.
Part of what we studied this weekend had to do with the power we find in a relationship with Christ. Not the "Hi, how are ya God? I need this,this, and this" kind of relationship (which by the way isn't really a relationship at all). I'm talking about the "bound together" kind of relationship where Jesus is your best friend. Your 'go to' Man for everything. Your confidant and constant companion. That kind of relationship.
I met women who have that kind of relationship. They have to. It's necessary, otherwise how could they survive and achieve all they have? Women who lost a mate, very recently and within the last year. Women who have estranged grown children. Who have a serious, life-altering disease. Who have great-grandchildren and cook daily for 10 people who have found their way to live in her home. Who can lead a number of women to the Throne of Mercy in worship in amazing ways. Who have such deep concern for others. Who face marital problems. Who can charm a whole crowd of women with a whistle. Who face stress at work that is almost unbearable.
Only with Christ as the number one relationship in your life can people do things like the above with joy in their hearts, worship on their lips, and a smile on their faces. And do it so well.
So my usual backward nature gave way to inspiration, gratitude, and anticipation. Inspiration in meeting such godly Christian women and hearing their stories. Gratitude that the God of the Universe takes such a personal interest in the lives of so many. Even me. And anticipation in hoping that heaven is just like this last weekend. Time with others who love Him as I do, joining in worship and study about the ONLY thing that really matters.
Most of you who know me well might be surprised to learn that I am somewhat backward when meeting new people. I say backward rather than shy because I literally would rather walk backward to avoid new people than talk to them. Shoot, sometimes I even avoid talking to good friends if I am in a public place and can turn the other way. So, at a typical event like this I like to blend in, maybe making small talk with the person sitting right by me, or maybe not. During this event, however, I was participating in a way that would not let me simply blend in. So I knew I would be meeting some new people. A thought that filled me with a little bit of anxiety. Later I would realize this inability to hide in the crowd would bless me beyond measure.
Part of what we studied this weekend had to do with the power we find in a relationship with Christ. Not the "Hi, how are ya God? I need this,this, and this" kind of relationship (which by the way isn't really a relationship at all). I'm talking about the "bound together" kind of relationship where Jesus is your best friend. Your 'go to' Man for everything. Your confidant and constant companion. That kind of relationship.
I met women who have that kind of relationship. They have to. It's necessary, otherwise how could they survive and achieve all they have? Women who lost a mate, very recently and within the last year. Women who have estranged grown children. Who have a serious, life-altering disease. Who have great-grandchildren and cook daily for 10 people who have found their way to live in her home. Who can lead a number of women to the Throne of Mercy in worship in amazing ways. Who have such deep concern for others. Who face marital problems. Who can charm a whole crowd of women with a whistle. Who face stress at work that is almost unbearable.
Only with Christ as the number one relationship in your life can people do things like the above with joy in their hearts, worship on their lips, and a smile on their faces. And do it so well.
So my usual backward nature gave way to inspiration, gratitude, and anticipation. Inspiration in meeting such godly Christian women and hearing their stories. Gratitude that the God of the Universe takes such a personal interest in the lives of so many. Even me. And anticipation in hoping that heaven is just like this last weekend. Time with others who love Him as I do, joining in worship and study about the ONLY thing that really matters.
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