PAGES Winter 2006
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MARP PAGES Winter 2006 |
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Editorial, Winter 2006 issue of PAGES:
"Looking Around Me"
WHOOSH! As I headed out of the parking lot, I made a quick decision to turn right noting that my lane was clear. Did I pull too far out? I only know for certain that the tractor trailer heading toward me in the other lane came fast and furious and as I made the turn, I heard the long loud whoosh — the roar and the windbreak inches away from my little car — any impact surely would have meant instant death. My heart and mind trembled as I headed on home saying "thank you, God."
I always do breathe a "thank you, God" but I don't think God personally kept me safe. If so, why me? As someone recently said it, "I decided not to discuss this (a personal loss) any further with God" and added that the conversation would have to get into the mystery of also receiving all those daily blessings, of being granted joy and grace. I simply admit I don't deserve either one — but I will find comfort in counting on God's love — no matter.
How do we count these underserved "near-misses"? Or the equally unwarranted heartbreaks in our lives? God's grace extends to all — to those who drive safely and to those who misbehave! I believe this even if I find it hard to live it out — or to understand.
For me it cheapens the idea of the "grace of God" to expect personal favor and, even worse, to demand it in prayer. There is unevenness in this life. I escaped death last night. I knew a man of faith who was killed crossing the road for his mail. At my house we can turn up the heat when it is cold outside. Those in the aftermath of the earthquake in Pakistan feel relentless cold and misery — and death. I walk freely without fear while those in Iraq — soldier and civilian alike — know the fears of bombings by the army or by terrorists. If God grants me personal "grace and mercy," why not to everybody everywhere? We need humility about this.
What I do believe is that God wills everyone in history and in the whole wide world to come to him for wholeness and salvation. I also know now that God is much more effective at this than I ever imagined! The scriptures declaring God's persistent love blow my mind! The grace and power of God that we speak of is absolutely beyond our understanding! That is why we don't understand it!
I want to travel faithfully Jesus’ paths of peace. I have had near-disasters along the way. Recently our nearly-three granddaughter expressed our human dilemma. Naomi, not "ready" to welcome same-age guests, asked her mother to cancel the supper, declaring, "I won't share and they will be sad." We chuckle at her self-understanding — and we can relate to the struggle. This past Sunday the newly crafted cloth banner struck home. "Put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace" — Ephesians 6:15. To love like God takes constant putting on and getting ready. Thank you, God, for grace for the journey.
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