Category Archives: God’s character

Young Love (#35)

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one-kindergarten-classAs Chicago teachers began their historic strike, I walked the picket line with fellow faculty members but mourned over lost time with my kindergarten children. I loved teaching them and couldn’t wait to see them each day, so as I circled the school, I wondered who was caring for them. Concerning teacher contracts, for all practical purposes I had mentally made the move to downstate Illinois and already saw myself teaching elsewhere.

May 22, 1969 – Dear Nate. The teacher strike has been nothing but verbal whippings and tongue-thrashings all day. I’m sick of hearing everyone screaming without listening to the words of anyone else. I’d quit, but if we do get to go back to work, I’ll need the money. Besides, I’ll need a good recommendation from our principal. Last night Mom and Dad came to my apartment after I got home from my ed class. Mary and Bervin also came, along with Aunt Agnes and Aunt Helen. We had tea and warm rolls at 10:00 and talked till 11:00, but it didn’t work out to tell them about our plans. I did arrange to talk at their house in Wilmette tomorrow evening. I’m nervous, but am anxious to let them know.

May 22, 1969 – Dearest Meg. The head resident has praised my work with my 72 men this last year. He said he would recommend me for one of the head residencies next year, which would be good for us if I got one, since they are paid positions. But there are many others competing for very few slots.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I finally met privately with Dad and told him all about our intention to get engaged this summer and marry in January… or sooner, if we could work it out, like September. The two of us talked for 4 hours, hashing out the details and getting everything above board. He asked me lots of questions. On the way back to my apartment, I felt like taking the Corvette up over 100 mph, because the bottom line is that Dad approves! He feels we might be rushing to marry in January, but with time, he’ll come around. So, the stage is set for you to talk with Dad or with Mom, too, if you want. I’m filled with joyful expectation!

May 23, 1969 – Dearest Meg. (As you can tell from the typing in this letter, I’m using a vintage typewriter, 1958.) In spite of finals, I’ve tried to write you every day, because I feel so close to you while I write. I think of you all the time and love you very much.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I love you with all of me! Often I feel I’ll burst if I don’t get to see you soon! I’m so glad I will… (see you soon, not burst). I’m praying for your finals, for the calmness and presence of mind you need.

picnic-basketMay 25, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for coming to see me while the teachers continued the strike! Being with you for two days was fabulous! It was depressing when you had to leave. But the picnic at Allerton was great; Meg and barbecued chicken! I’ll see you next week – future wife, glamour girl, future mother, Christian woman – and I’ll have a talk with your father. It’s important that I talk to him first, before your mother.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Far-Reaching Influence

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My sister Mary’s life and death have caused quite a cyber-stir. Literally hundreds have responded to blog posts about her, and not just those who knew her. Equally as many strangers have reacted to her story.

Yesterday I received an insightful comment in response to the post about Mary being a hard worker. (Hard Workin’ Woman) My friend Terry (who didn’t know Mary) wrote, “Mary’s influence continues. Because of this post, there are a few things I am going to do, because I should do them.”

Then she added, “I am mindful of a verse as I think of this, ‘She did what she could’.”

At first reading, that simple statement might describe someone who couldn’t do much but at least did a little – maybe trying hard but falling short. I knew that wasn’t what Terry meant, so I decided to look up the Scripture to see who “she” was and what she “could do.”

What I found astounded me, and Terry’s linking of that sentence with my sister was a connection of highest praise.

It’s a familiar story found in Mark 14. Jesus had been wearing himself out, walking long distances, ministering to the poor, healing the sick, and teaching his disciples. In a few short days he would be hanging on a cross, and he was well aware of it.

On this particular day, as Jesus and his followers continued walking toward Jerusalem, one of the people he had healed decided to host a dinner in his honor. Three of Jesus’ close friends had been invited, too: Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.

alabaster-jarAs Martha helped out in the kitchen, Mary approached Jesus, who was already seated at the dinner table. Then she surprised everyone by purposely breaking a valuable alabaster jar and revealing its contents — worth about $22,000.

She proceeded to pour the expensive nard, a powerfully- fragrant ointment, on Jesus’ hair and feet, wiping his feet with her own hair.

alabaster-jarScripture says the fragrance filled the entire house, no doubt capturing the attention of every guest and even Martha in the kitchen. Some found it odd. Others were speechless. Several objected to the financial waste, voicing criticism.

But Jesus highly approved and defended Mary. “Leave her alone,” he said. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. She did what she could.”

That’s when I realized that my friend Terry’s comment had been one of utmost admiration for our Mary, who had gone through life doing what she could for her Lord and others.

But Jesus wasn’t finished.

He venerated the biblical Mary by saying, “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Although she hadn’t intended to draw attention to herself, Jesus turned the spotlight on her, announcing to the dinner guests (and us) that what Mary had done was so important, it would never be forgotten.

Many of us will never forget some of the things our Mary did in her lifetime, either. That’s because she always did what she could.

Jesus said, “She poured perfume on my body…” (Mark 14:8)

Hard Workin’ Woman

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window-washerMary loved to work. She was a classic example of the statement, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Her favorite answer to every request for help was “yes,” and she never seemed to run out of time to tackle one more thing.

Every Thursday when she came to my house in Michigan for an evening of fun, she arrived with a list of things she wanted to talk about. (She was efficient and didn’t want to forget anything.)

On her list were questions for me: Are you going to such-and-such a bridal shower? Wanna go in together on a gift? How much should we spend?

My answers initiated her next set of work projects as she quickly volunteered to send the RSVP for both of us, shop for the shower gift, and do the driving when the day came. In all the years we met on Thursdays, not once did I prepare a list of my own. I knew Mary would cover everything on hers.

gardenerAfter we’d talked through the things she wanted to know, she’d say, “So…. do you have any projects I can help you with?”

If I said, “Actually…. I’ve been thinking about transplanting some hostas from the back yard to the front.”

She would jump at it, saying, “Oh, I just love gardening.”

If I mentioned reorganizing the basement she’d say, “I really love to organize stuff.”

If it was painting, she’d say, “Painting is so satisfying.”

the-painterThe truth was, Mary just loved to work…. whether on her own projects or those of others. It didn’t matter who it was for, when it would happen, or how strenuous the job. She worked hard while injecting enthusiasm into every task.

For many of us it’s easy to rationalize our way out of saying “yes” to the needs of others: “I sure wish I could help you, but I’m awfully busy. Maybe next time.”

I’ve thought a great deal about Mary’s indefatigable willingness to help, and I’ve concluded it was born of a desire to please her heavenly Father. She put all of her time commitments through a grid of, “Is this something God wants me to do?”

server-of-foodIf his answer was “yes,” she didn’t worry about finding the extra time or energy she’d need, trusting God to give those things to her. And that system seemed to work well. She also believed Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit.”

The good news for the rest of us is that Mary’s system can work for us, too, as long as we start by bringing the Lord into the choices we make for each new 24 hours.

“Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.” (Proverbs 16:3)