Togetherness

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There’s something about shopping for a Christmas tree that appeals to all ages, and today two cars-full of family headed for the local market to choose just the right one. Our goal was “less than 8 feet and under $50,” and thanks to Klaus’ magic coupon, we came in under budget.

Young children have a unique take on family traditions. The netting of the tree for car-top travel was as much fun for them as choosing which tree to take home. So was the sawing off of its end, the trimming away of bottom branches, and the filling of the tree stand via glasses full of water.

But as much fun as they have, whether hanging ornaments or sweeping up pine needles, I think beneath it all what they really love is the togetherness that comes along with the traditions. Children have a sense of who belongs to their inner circle, and their natural yearning for family seems to be deeply satisfied when the group comes together, whether it’s for work, play, a meal, a conversation, or setting up a Christmas tree.

Maybe that’s true for adults, too, but what happens when we aren’t living near those we love or don’t have successful family relationships? Are we doomed to loneliness and dissatisfaction, especially at the holidays?

Just when it starts to look that way, God steps forward with an offer. Through Scripture verses he says,

“Would you like to spend the holidays with me? I sure do want to be with you, to strengthen you through troubles and be an overall help to you. You can tell me anything you want, pouring out all the details, and I’ll listen intently with love. Lay out your disappointments and frustrations, and we’ll sort through them together.

I want to be like both a father and mother to you, like a sister and brother. I want to be the head of your family. If you don’t have an earthly home, I’ll find one for you, and as we fellowship there together, you can get as familiar as you want with me. The closer the better, in my opinion. And by the way, my loving responses to your yearnings will be perfectly suited to each need.

I hope that as you take advantage of what I’m offering, that you won’t be sad, but if you are, I want to carry your sorrows for you. Eventually I hope you’ll invite me into your head to lead your thinking by my Spirit, since I’d like to take you to an emotional place of peace. And if you invite me into your heart, I will preserve your soul. You are my very own family, and I want to be close to you, not just on holidays but every single day.”

Each of these promises is taken directly from the Bible, and as you enjoy taking God up on his offer, how about doing it in the warm glow of a Christmas tree?

 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

 

But why?

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Some days go exactly as planned. Others seem to belong to someone else’s life. For example, as we were preparing to go to Sunday morning church yesterday, we ended up at a hospital ER instead. It wasn’t a big emergency and all is well now, but there’s nothing like a trip to the hospital to reignite gratitude for the many days we don’t end up there.

During this last year God has been training me to dig for reasons to be thankful in every situation, always. In the process, I’ve asked him a lot of questions:

“You mean if I’m having a heart attack, I’m supposed to be thankful?”

“Yes,” is his answer. “In all circumstances, even a heart attack.”

“What about if a grandchild gets badly hurt?”

“Look for me in it,” he says.

“If someone precious dies?”

“Watch for my blessing.”

“But surely you don’t mean we’re to be thankful for tragedy!”

“I do,” he says, “because I’ll bring good from it.

This kind of thinking goes against us. In fact, it grates on us. It seems upsidedown and definitely isn’t fair. So why does he ask this of us?

As always, he has a good answer. Actually, lots of them. Today I offer 10 of his reasons to follow this strange advice:

  • Because he recognizes that being thankful is often difficult, even sacrificial, and appreciates our willingness: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.” (Psalm 50:14)
  • Because we’re going against the norm when we thank God in our misery, and others notice: “For who sees anything different in you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)
  • Because when we’re struggling, he wants us to identify those helping us: “I urge that… thanksgivings be made for… people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
  • Because it’s a way to show God we love him: “You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.” (Psalm 118:28)
  • Because searching for blessings drives us to Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
  • Because we need to remind ourselves continually it’s God we should thank: “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
  • Because being grateful in hardship acknowledges we’re confident God is still in charge: “Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Hebrews 12:28)
  • Because we demonstrate that even if it seems God doesn’t like us anymore, we believe nothing can separate us from his love: “His steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1)
  • Because when we show a willingness to find blessings in hardship, it glorifies Him: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me.” (Psalm 50:23)
  • Because if we follow his instructions, we’ll be at peace: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)

 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Loving commitment

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Last night we enjoyed a simple supper of homemade turkey noodle soup and fresh bread at a table surrounded by both old and young engaging in animated conversation. Toward the end of the meal Klaus casually said, “Brooke and I went shopping for antiques today…. and we got engaged.”

He said it so matter-of-factly, we all froze, waiting for a punch line. But then we looked at the smiling Brooke, who slowly raised her left hand to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. Klaus wasn’t kidding!

Everyone broke into applause, jumping from their chairs and scrambling over each other to deliver congratulations and hugs. Grandchildren Nicholas, Evelyn, and Thomas were stunned at our crazy behavior, wondering how the focus so rapidly had shifted from dessert to a ring.

But we wanted the juicy details. Klaus had enlisted the help of several friends to pull off his surprise, “planting” them and his ring at an antique store ahead of time. Store employees were in on it too, willingly nestling the diamond ring among others inside a glass case. Brooke had been looking for a casual ring of turquoise, so the two of them were browsing through the jewelry. When Klaus nonchalantly pointed out the diamond ring and said, “How ‘bout that one?” Brooke was puzzled.

But when he dropped to one knee, her bewilderment changed to joy, and the clerks broke into tears. As planned, Klaus’ friends caught everything on film, a successful surprise with a lovely ending.

Or I should say “beginning.”

Anyone who’s experienced a proposal can vividly recall that moment. How a man handles this important event makes a mark on the relationship that will last throughout the marriage, not just in the woman’s mind, but in his, too.

By giving an engagement ring, a man is pledging to put that one woman above all others, which is the official beginning of an exclusive, lifelong bond marked by a special ring. He is promising her, and she is believing him. And since marriage was God’s idea, he’s involved in that moment, too, holding up a banner                                                                     that reads, “Loving commitment.”

When a man proposes, he’s lovingly committing to his fiancee’, which greatly pleases the Lord. But yesterday God wasn’t just standing by passively at the antique store. He was making a commitment, too, to be as involved in their relationship as they ask him to be.

He has said that earthly marriage is a visual for the relationship between Jesus and the Church worldwide, which is us. So, as Klaus honors God by staying faithful to the loving commitment he made yesterday to Brooke, and as Brooke responds to him with respect, their marriage will thrive and God will be blessed. Bumps in the road will be made smooth, and they’ll make it to their 50th wedding anniversary hand-in-hand.

As for the rest of us, we are thrilled to welcome vivacious Brooke into the Nyman family and are eagerly looking forward to celebrating with them at their spring wedding!

 “Let no one split apart what God has joined together.” (Mark 10:9)