Thursday 26 May 2016

When the daily grind grinds you

Whenever I get home from work, my husband would ask, "How's your day?". I answer, "Busy and tired". I do that most of the time. I had been busy at work and no energy for conversation now. I just want to sit down and relax. 

But do I? My eyes wander and see that the room has changed. Clutter. Mess. I thought that it's disrespectful to not maintain the cleanliness and leave a space to rest happily. I was disappointed and uttered words of flame against my husband. I didn't see that he was tired, too. Running the home that day, making sure that there is cooked food at the table for us. Driver for the kids to school,and after school activities.

I forgot about that! And feel gutted to myself. This role reversal has given me privilege to work and leave my husband as a homemaker. He's not used to it. It's not his shape.

This daily grind leave us both exhausted and hurt. There is no more we can do than ask for intervention. This surely can't go on.

We need help. We need grace.

"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and whenever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

God reminds us that we have limitations. Strengths fail us constantly and leave us miserable and in despair. We have to let Him lead us so the daily grind does not get to us. But it's not easy. The road is not always smooth and wide. Our lives are a work in progress. We need to keep our eyes on Him and trust Him for what He can do for us.

Thank God! We can sit down and rest. We can talk about the kids and our plans. God is good. He can do amazing things in our lives.





 


Saturday 21 May 2016

What is that in your hand?


I wake up one morning and hear a small voice ask, “ What is that in your hand?” It sounds familiar. I have read it before but have yet again to give a good thought to know exactly what I have in my hand.

I go back to where it all happened. Moses was pasturing Jethro’s flock when he encountered God’s presence in the burning bush. Many of us are familiar with the story. An ordinary day in an unexpected holy experience with God.

God said he has seen the affliction and the cry of his people from the oppression they receive from their Egyptian taskmasters. He wants to send Moses to the Pharaoh that he may bring them out of Egypt to a broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Moses refused and argued with God that the people will not believe him and that he’s not capable to do such an enormous task.

The Lord said to him “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” God said, “Throw it on the ground, so he threw it on the ground and it became a serpent, and Moses ran form it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”- so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand. Exodus 4:2-4

A staff. An ordinary shepherd’s staff. The one that’s used for keeping the flock together making sure no one gets away, no one gets lost its way. The one that’s used to protect against wild animal predators preying on the sheep. The one that’s used as a crutch to rest awhile when the shepherd is weary, when the walk becomes uneasy.

God sees how Moses depended on it in his shepherd work. And God sees it’s use to Moses to lead His people. 

“And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.” v.17
How great God is! He remind us that we have the potential to be used by Him. He sees the staff we carry- our talents, our gifts, our time. The ones that we do not see because it’s so ordinary. 

The ordinary things in life, even menial tasks have purpose for honourable use. Even those we think are made of wood and clay may be be cleansed and set for His holy use. All it takes is a willing heart to obey what God has asked us to do. And the staff we carry, may it be less than what we think it is, will be used in an extraordinary way to carry out a mighty task that the majesty and glory of God may be revealed.

“...And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.”v.20

The mundane becoming extraordinary, the lowly becoming noble so that the power of God may rest on the lives of those who walk in His ways. And to witness the miracle of God to a life called ordinary.

Spring


It feels blessed to live in a place where green meadows abound and fresh morning dew greets you on a bright spring day. The cold and dark winter is now replaced with the vibrant glow of spring. It is welcoming. It is exciting. It’s a different world unfolding before your very eyes. It promises a new life.

A friend got a new kidney at the end of winter but lost a father. It was like an exchange  of  life at the deathbed. A dying man’s wish is a gift of life to a beloved daughter is granted. Hope springs a new beginning, her wait is over.

Birds in cheer.

A row of cherry blossoms brings delight.

A cup of tea prompts to sit still and reminisce the unwavering promises of a loving Father who does not leave nor forsake when one walks in the valley even in the shadow of death, His presence is light on the path.

There is no fear but love.

He sees the pain. He hears the groan.

He talks in whisper. He heals when he touch.

He gives new life.

Joy and thanks and faith are now a constant companion. Inseparable. Triple delight. No more concealing pain and sorrow. The cloud of uncertainty is now a thing of the past. The chair that rocks worry is now empty. The face now exudes a radiant smile.

The honey tastes sweeter.

The water tastes more refreshing than before and it abounds from a fountain of eternal spring source, so that when you drink you will never be thirsty again. He gives new life. Even to those who seem to have given up all shall receive when they believe. And experience the fullness of joy where pain and suffering once thrived in.

The clock moved forward.

The evening becomes brighter and longer. The kids playing outside are happy. Their faces beaming with endless smiles and laughter. There is so much enthusiasm in them when together with friends. They cannot be contained from now on, they will want to go out again tomorrow... and the next day. It’s like a new life is breathed on them. It is Springtime.

Remind me

Running low, running empty.
Exhausted. Stressed.
Anxious where the next pit stop might be.
Or when? Now. I want now. I need now.

Remind me...I was filled. My tank was full.
To work...
To school...
To Sunday service, that bible study.
To friends...to fellowship
To errands and back.

My feet aches, and I barely make a step
I bend my knees down to the ground
Closing my eyes.

You remind me of your grace when you fill me-
And in my heart and in my mind I know
“I am loved”
“I am saved”
“I belong”
“I am helped”
“I am comforted”
“I am encouraged”
Therefore, I have joy.
I have faith.
I have hope.
I have love.
I am satisfied.

My cup overflows so others may drink of your living water,
And they, too, may be satisfied.
Refreshed. Filled.
It’s time to praise.
To worship.
To give thanks- for the life that is full.

Glory to God for Answered Prayers

Prayer is a timeless expression of faith. We pray at every opportunity about anything that concerns us. We ask God to provide for our eve...