Scripture standout:
Ps 31: But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands;"
1 Peter: "1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God...7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Matthew 25: "57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb."
Morning thoughts: We have not gotten into the whole burial planning phase yet. But as I understand it, there is quite a bit of thought that goes into it. And I don't think it's cheap either, especially when you're making space for kids and siblings. It is a morbid thought, but I suppose one day down the road we all have to consider it — and pay for it.
Don't you know Joseph from Arimathea had a PHAT burial situation all planned out for himself? He had created some sort of modern-day mausoleum for himself out of rock. He was a wealthy man, so certainly this tomb was FAAAAAAAncy. That tomb was probably supposed to represent all the success he had achieved in his life, and likely would have held others in his family upon their passing. Yet, he loved Christ. And no matter how fancy that tomb was, it would be for his Lord's body — not his own. How unselfish and inspiring.
A friend shared an inspiring story with me this morning about this very thing — giving up something big for someone else. I have to put it out there. Her boy is like one of ours because he's always around, always up for joining in and just so darn sweet (JSDS) — we all adore him:
"Outside the dollar store we ran into a man who asked for money and I told him I was sorry I couldn't give him anything (usually I never have cash). JSDS says I have some (!), and I thought oh no, I had no idea what he had in his pocket. He pulled out his money and handed it to the man and the man thanked him. We got in the car and after a moment of recovery and a word of thanks for such a moment I asked him how much he gave the man. He said, "a dollar". I said oh, that was nice. He said that is all I had. I told him that was great and so sweet and HE said, "Jesus said if you have a lot you should give a lot but if you have a little give a little, so I gave a little". More praise goin' up for God's work in JSDS' life! :) I told JSDS God is growing his faith everytime he responds to his calling like that."
The Deed/The Day: Well, I am wrapping things up again, where I began: with low-hanging fruit. Today an old man in an Oldsmobile peeked out from a shopping center parking lot in an attempt to turn out onto the busy road I was barreling down in Beast Master. Instead of pulling a "not on my watch old man" and getting home three seconds earlier, I let him in and waited very, very, very patiently as he made his careful turn.
Then, a caught a whopper — the Big Kahuna. Dad and I took a trip to the Riverside Arts Market and on our way home, passed a woman whose car was broken down on the I-95 on-ramp. The old me? She would have kept on going in the end. She would have given the gal a sad look, maybe thrown out a mental crossed-fingers and kept on going — because surely, she would have convinced herself, the woman was fine and was probably getting help. But I stopped. The nudge was gentle, easy. I got out and walked over to her car. It was a hot day. Gal-in-a-Broke-Coach said she wasn't sure what happened, but her car wouldn't start. Darn if she hadn't just taken it in, she lamented. Her two kids were in the back seat, but they were not yet at disgruntled and rude phase. She couldn't think of anything she needed. She had just called her husband, he was on his way. A nice-looking, well-groomed little guy with prissy, metro-man gestures — translation, fabulous company — stopped his car, too. He called the roadside assistance folks, they would be there in a few minutes. GIABC told me thanks. Thanks for stopping. At that point I knew — without convincing myself our talking myself into it or wincing because I didn't know for sure — she was OK, and I could leave.
I truly don't think I would have done that six weeks ago. Happy Easter!
No comments:
Post a Comment