Category Archives: God’s plans for us

People-Watching

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I’m not sure if only women do it, but many share my penchant for people-watching. It’s especially fun in public spaces like museums, theme parks and beaches. The variety is endless, no two alike, and guessing about their biographies captivates me. I have all I can do not to stop them to ask questions, wanting to confirm or debunk my assumptions.

An airport is another prime spot to watch, packed with colorful people both rushing and waiting. Nate and I did a fair amount of flying, and on one trip we sat behind a couple who bickered all the way from Chicago to Mexico. As we all left the plane, the woman strode off indignantly, putting quick distance between her and her husband. When he saw that, he shouted after her. “Oh right, now you go and commit the crime of walking ahead! You know how I hate that!”

Ever after, if Nate or I saw a couple walking one ahead of the other, we’d lock eyes and say, “The crime of walking ahead,” and then share a laugh.

Today I had the delightful task of collecting daughter Linnea, 3 year old Skylar, and 1 year old Micah at Chicago’s Midway Airport after their flight from Orlando. Arriving early to be sure I could help her maneuver children, a double stroller, a heavy car seat, carry-ons and multiple suitcases, I had ample opportunity to do some quality people-watching.

I kept an eye on waiting “greeters” who were scanning the crowd for their specific loved ones. As they connected, it was hugs, kisses, and exclamations of joy. Another favorite was watching military personnel dressed in full uniforms, each probably brimming with fascinating and possibly traumatic stories to tell their families. Then there were those in wheelchairs making a herculean effort to connect with others.

As I watched hundreds come and go, I thought of the ultimate in people-watchers: God.

He’s not only good at watching, he’s good at seeing. He can study the face of each person on the earth, all at once. He sees eye color, dimples, even freckles. But better than that, he doesn’t have to ask questions to get information, since he owns 100% of the details already. Superior even to that, though, is his ability to look inside: head, heart, body. And he watches all of this day and night, never taking his eyes off of us.

While I was waiting for Linnea and pondering all that, God reminded me of the most important facet of his people-watching. It has little to do with visuals and everything to do with how he feels about each passerby, loving them personally, eternally, unfailingly.

And this love is far superior to even the happiest reunion of airport passengers connecting with the ones they love. I hope they all know that.

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5)

Crowned

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As our family enters its third year without Nate, we hit two important dates immediately: Thanksgiving last Thursday and our anniversary today. Anniversaries are for couples not individuals, but I know November 29th will always be important to me, even without my husband.

Nate was A+ at remembering dates, but when it came to our anniversary, he wanted to be extra sure. He had our initials and the date put on his car’s license plate: MN1129. Every time he approached his vehicle, he wanted to be reminded of me and of our marriage. My guess is this gesture would please any wife, and I know it pleased me.

This year would have been our 42nd anniversary. Of course I didn’t expect a gift, but my always-thoughtful sister gave me something special to mark the day, a handsome picture of a smiling Nate in a unique frame. Only 3” high and glittering with crystal “jewels,” it’s in the shape of a stunning crown.

Although Nate was a wonderful man, he had no royal reason to wear a crown, yet Scripture tells us he’s wearing one now. Actually we’re all destined for crowns because of our membership in King Jesus’ royal family.

Paul writes about this unique privilege toward the end of his earthly life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

In studying the Bible’s use of the word “crown,” I found detailed descriptions of 9 jewels sparkling in God’s Designer version:

  • crowned with glory and honor
  • crowned with God’s bounty
  • crowned with beauty
  • crowned with victory.
  • crowned with blessings
  • crowned with knowledge.
  • crowned with love and compassion
  • crowned with everlasting joy
  • crowned with life eternal

That sounds like a crown that will be a delight to wear!

And another royal fact: according to the Bible, God sees us as jewels. This makes no sense until we realize he’s looking at us through the dazzling perfection of his Son, who wore a crown of thorns the day he brought royal standing to us. Unlike us, though, he actually deserves his crown. Make that a set of crowns: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True… On his head are many crowns.” (Revelation 19:12)

And just so there’s no confusion about who that was, Scripture makes it clear: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16)

So today, on what would have been Nate’s and my anniversary, I had a sparkling good time thinking about my dear one’s crown, the crowns in God’s storehouse waiting for the rest of us, and the many crowns of Jesus Christ.

Stunning!

“The crown of righteousness… not only to me, but also to all who have longed for [Christ’s] appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

 

Giving Gladly

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Black Friday brought bright news throughout the land: shoppers bought more than expected, causing statistics to jump 22% from last year. Even better was the 39% increase in food purchases the day before Thanksgiving. Maybe times are a-changin’.

This weekend the girls and I initiated the Christmas season by watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Jim Carrey’s rubber face and crazy antics made the movie a hit, but little “Cindy Lou Who” did a pretty good job convincing Whoville that Christmas wasn’t just about pretty packages.

Of course local retailers hope it is all about packages. But when family money is tight, purchasing in all categories goes down, particularly extras like gifts. At the end of the season, numbers gurus will let us know whether or not we spent enough to make a positive difference in our country’s all-but-non-existent financial recovery.

During belt-tightening times, charities suffer severely, which includes churches. A recent Sunday morning worship service at my church included a challenging children’s sermon. As the kids came forward, they couldn’t help but notice the pastor was holding a giant container of animal crackers. When they got there, he gave one to each of them, telling them, “Don’t eat it. Go out into the congregation and give it to someone else.”

This assignment met with some reluctant givers, but eventually they all did as instructed, returning to the front afterwards. “Now,” the pastor said. “I’m going to give you each two more animal crackers. This time, give one away and then you can eat the other one.” It was smiles all around as they dashed into the congregation to share what they had.

Then the pastor made his point: “God blesses us for one reason: so we can bless someone else.” It was a powerful sermonette, and not just for the children.

Sometimes we adults struggle to give, not wanting to let go. But if we truly believe God knows our needs and loves us enough to follow through on providing, it should be painless to give away our surplus. And more than that, it should be fun.

When doubts crowd in, Scripture offers reassurance: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24) God knows it can be hard, but he’s watching for people who aren’t just willing to give but who do it with eagerness and a smile. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

The pastor’s message must have sunk in deeply with our congregation, because at the end of the fiscal year, we had a significant surplus and had the delightful problem of wondering what to do with it all. But we didn’t have to wonder very long. Even the children could have told us: “Give it away!”

And that’s what we did.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. And God is able to bless you abundantly.” (2 Corinthians 9:6,8a)