Swallowed up by LIFE!

Most things right now lack any strain of consistency. I used to think that sort of thing kind of defined me. However, I am learning that what I used to be able to handle with relative ease is now the greatest of battles. That being said, I think we should also dispense with the notion that everything that is happening to us is immediately spiritualized and served up to the masses for edification. How I wish this were true - but then God would be dealing more with mannequins and less with mere humans - which of course I am.

So, why begin with the lack of consistency? Glad you took the time to ask, and I pray this little piece will serve to enlarge your view of God and open your eyes to the struggle that some of the sheep who call him "shepherd" have.

⁴While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. ⁵ God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit (II Cor. 5:4-5 New Living Translation)

There are not words which I could use to illustrate how our (Jess and I) parenting philosophy and theology has been called into question these past 2 months. Let me be clear with my terms so that there be no ambiguity regarding what I intend to be the outcome. Philosophy is what Jess and I believe about how parenting is to be carried out while theology addresses what (or rather WHO) is to be the center of that effort. Logically then, what one believes about parenting (theology) will dictate how (philosophy) they carry it out. One can apply any number of methods or techniques but ultimately if the view of parenting is not rightly informed theologically (or more accurately theocentrically) it will only lead to further frustration and sin.

I refuse to lie: parenting all of our children has had its unique challenges and its enough to stretch you to the point of snapping. Jada can use her condition to manipulate, Oliver struggles with my absence every 3rd week, and Pierce is an infant (which is to call him Superman's lost cousin, "Captain Unpredictability"). "Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." To which I say, "no, no and no." This would be my assessment of my parenting, husbanding, etc during this trial. Thank God for his unmerited favor.

Jess and I will be the first in the "I'll admit to that" line regarding the general love and care of God toward his children. There have been many moments where we have collectively struggled to believe that God is GOOD even if things don't let up for a while. Our new lives and new schedule have wreaked havoc on our usual routine and that alone is cause for concern - at least to us. I know there will likely be many who read this who will have circumstances MUCH MORE DIFFICULT than our own. I am not minimizing your trial - I am simply speaking out of ours. At each turn of doubt we have had a few common elements occur: someone reminds us of Christ (his affliction/suffering/perfect obedience), there are other believers (family/friends/church family) who have come alongside and encouraged us in VERY TANGIBLE ways, and Jess and I both have had some very consistent times of confession and repentance before God.

Do I long for what the above verses talk about...yes I want to be "done" with this and have all the benefits it affords without the searing pain it so often dishes out. However, I will not presume upon the Lord a "better" time for him to finish this work in us. Mine is not the timetable, mine is faith. "He who began a good work, will carry it on to completion." So, it is a tremendous relief when God, in his Mercy provides a good laugh.

We have a rule in our house that the kids are not supposed to touch DVDs (mainly Oliver - because his meat-hook-like hands are about as delicate as they are tiny: resulting in a little breakage from time to time). Today Ollie had ahold of a DVD. I quickly grabbed it and sent him to his room to await his fate. I come in with the rod and he scrunches up his face and says, "I not in trouble dad...I not in trouble." "Really," I respond with a little tinge of doubt in my obvious tone. "Would you mind telling me how you are not in trouble?" "Because...(as he looks around his room) I play basketball." Huge cheesy smile with one hand on his hip seeing if I will cave. It would seem that Ollie's little addiction is now his vehicle - good thing Jess and I are trained by the Spirit in discernment : )

As you go about your day, really try to grasp the concept that your old mortality is to be SWALLOWED UP by Life and that LIFE IS JESUS!!! "...we rejoice in hope of the Glory of God!" God's GLORY is most recognizable in Jesus (Heb. 1:3).

Click the comment button and share how Christ has encouraged you today despite what you may be facing.