Tethered

Recently the word tethered just plopped in my mind and took a seat. Since it’s not a word I normally use, I did a quick Google search. The definition, “to tie with a rope or chain so as to restrict its movement.” completely resonated with our current circumstances.

You see we’ve been having a little challenge with our Blu. He’s simply the sweetest… at least most of the time. But every now and then, he hops on the can’t get right train and goes for a long ride. Over the last several weeks instead of going out back to do his business, he slips to the front yard and down the street he goes.

Getting him home is a whole thing, because at 14 years old he doesn’t hear well or maybe he’s ignoring us… we’re not quite sure which. Anyhoo, after being given several opportunities to change his behavior, he’s back on his leash with adult supervision.

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I’m pretty certain when the Lord brought the word tethered to mind he wasn’t just referring to our furry family member.

Honestly, I have the tendency to wonder and roam. Life can get heavy and before I know it, the urgency of the external causes me to stray from the eternal. Maybe not physically, but at times my heart and mind drift into dangerous territory. Instead of holding fast to God’s word, worry and doubt wiggle their way in. Somehow they manage to find the exposed cracks and crevices.

Life can get heavy and before I know it, the urgency of the external causes me to stray from the eternal.

But living apart from God is not the goal. I want more than a casual acquaintance. I long to know God intimately. Paul describes it perfectly in Philippians 3: 10 - 12, "I want to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering." The truth is, I’m all in when it comes to the “power of resurrection”. But, the suffering part makes slipping around the corner like Blu rather appealing.

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So my prayer is, Lord tether me. Tie me to your side. Give me your rhythm so I’m not running ahead or lagging behind. Teach me to love what you love and hate what you hate. Soften my heart so I willingly lay down my will in exchange for yours.

Is it a risky prayer? By all means! Will it take me where I’d rather not go? Absolutely! Surrender stretches our capacity beyond what we could ever imagine. But in the process, we gain the joy of knowing Jesus. I’m ready. What about you?

Your Sister Friend,

It Was Good

Have you ever wrestled with certain passages of scripture? For years Psalm 119:71 created an internal tug of war. David's words, “It was good that I had been afflicted…” were almost incomprehensible, especially considering my natural inclination to avoid pain. How can something hurtful ever be good?

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At some point, we experience struggles. Either we do what God never intended or trouble inevitably intersects our path. David was no exception. Even though he was a “man after God’s own heart” he had a particularly memorable misstep. - 2 Samuel 11-12

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Not too long ago I was faced with a trial that was far from a momentary set back. It came out of nowhere. Things shook, shattered and lingered… Lord did they linger!

Difficult seasons have a way of unearthing our weaknesses. They are a purifier of sorts, exposing aspects of our lives we’re either unaware of or choose to hide. Yet if we’re open, they can introduce us to the character of God.

The night season highlighted portions of God’s word I’d never seen. Scriptures I previously read with no real connection became my life line. God even revealed areas I hadn’t relinquished to His Lordship. It was tough.

I desperately wanted things to change. But instead, I experienced the presence of God. He sat with me in sorrow and watered my parced soul, As I waited, it became apparent that rushing to the other side of pain wasn’t the prize. The real treasure was knowing and trusting God.

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After stumbling over the first portion of Psalm 119:71, I eventually noticed the words “so that”. This little phrase urged me to reflect on the previous statement. Then I realized the good hard truth. Suffering paves the way for a deeper walk with the Lord. God wasn't leaving me without hope. He was forming His character in me and drawing me closer.

While I’d never choose to revisit that season. I cherish the lessons learned. Had I not been broken, I wouldn’t know God as healer. Had I not been surrounded and out numbered, I wouldn’t know Him as defender and deliverer. His greatness was no longer something I read about in someone else’s story.  He crafted my own testimony as I traveled the road of difficulty.

Admittedly, it has taken a long time to come to the same resolve as David. But today I can say without hesitation. “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” Psalm 119:71- 72 NIV

I hope you're able to say the same.

Your Sister Friend,

Best Friends

Our day started with a list of appointments, one of which included a visit to the dentist.

Everything was going as planned until my husband called to say he was scheduled for emergency oral surgery.

In a not so peaceful disposition, I rearranged my day and headed to the doctor’s office. I prayed while driving but it wasn’t nearly enough to settle the uneasiness.

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After arriving I decided to send a quick email and spend the remaining time in prayer. Just as I settled in a little boy stood in front of me. He didn’t say hello or tell me his name. His blue eyes connected with mine and he asked, “Will you be my best friend?”

I paused a moment and then closed my laptop. “Sure! And since we’re going to be best friends, let’s get to know each other.” We talked about all sorts of things. I discovered he preferred art over sports. And he liked most fruits except peaches because, they look like a “butt”. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to say that.

When I asked if he liked to write stories he turned to his Mom who said “he can’t because his hands shake.”

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After a while they called Jamison back for his exam. When he returned, he asked if I would move my things so he could sit beside me. Our conversation continued for almost an hour.

By the time Frank was finished, the nurse called my friend to the back. We took a picture, hugged and said our goodbyes but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. The next morning in prayer the Lord unpacked the experience and the tears began to roll.

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Earlier that week 2 Samuel 7:1-17 was the focus of my devotion. It recounts the story of David’s desire to build a house for the Lord. He consults the prophet Nathan who initially gives the go ahead to do everything that's in his heart .

However during the night the Lord reveals a different set of instructions and Nathan returns to deliver the word of the Lord. As I reflected on the passage, I realized there was a thread of humility intricately woven throughout the verses.

Desiring to honor God, seeking counsel, admitting wrong and yielding to a “No”when your preference is “Yes” are all beautiful examples of humility.

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But God wasn't finished. He orchestrated an encounter with an 8 year old boy to personify the lesson. You see Jamison didn't just ask if I would be his friend. He asked if I would be his best friend. He willingly shared his world and favorite things in order to be known. To some extent we all long for the same.

Right away I noticed Jamison’s hands shook beyond his control. But he didn't try to hide them. He was beautifully transparent. Unfortunately I've been guilty of working hard to conceal or fix things that shake instead of laying them bare at the Father’s feet.

And if the other things weren’t enough, Jamison echoed what the Lord had been whispering for months. “Move that over and come closer.” God was speaking to me about laying down what I hoped to hold forever. He was calling me to surrender what I loved to love Him more. I was traveling the road to nearness and it required deeper humility.

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To say things didn’t turn out that day the way we planned is an understatement. Our schedule took twists and turns that led to a holy encounter. And, I’m glad it did because in those moments Jamison needed a best friend and I needed him.

Your Sister Friend,