April 2024 – Roberta Writes

Word made flesh

There is a great debate of ideas right now; happening online and in the ether. There is a collision of world views. I was watching a podcast I like, goes by the name of Ideas that Matter or something like that and I was struck by an idea. Not mine, but striking none the less.

We seem to believe that ideas change minds. That ideas are the catalyst for great societal shifts. This isn’t precisely true. Yes the ideas matter, but the belief in these ideas is more important. The holder of this belief shows through their actions how they see the world. It is the believer, living out their ideas, that changes the world.

Jesus was the epitome of this idea. He came to earth so we could see God. The idea of God took form. The word was made flesh. We as his followers need to do our best to know him and act like him. Our ideas need to be visible in our actions.

Believers change the world.

Matthew 7: 15 – 20 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Who are we?

My daughter is graduating this spring. We were discussing how she feels about this change. There is so much uncertainty at this point of her life. Not only are young adults deciding what they want to do, but more importantly who they want to be.

As she decides who she wants to be and what she wants to do, I asked her to remember who created her. After all, the most important thing is not how we feel about ourselves, but who God says we are. He says we are His children. What my daughter does for a living and how much she makes doesn’t matter in his eyes. He cares that we recognize him as our father and that we assume the dignity and responsibilities that go along with this.

As swiftly as the years pass I am confident my beautiful girl will face the world shoulders back and head up. Always remembering that she is a child of God.

John 14: 1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

A snowball fight broke out

I just took my dog for a walk through the late April snow. It is sticky and heavy snow. Not the normal snow for our climate. But pretty typical of a very early or late snow, when the temperatures are higher.

Willis was toddling along through the snow, stopping to smell and explore as he wished. His tail upright and a swing in his hips. He exuded happiness. As we walked I watched a young man clearing the heavy snow with a shovel from his driveway. I had just done my walk before heading out with Willis, so I felt a kinship with this young stranger.

Suddenly he stopped and I heard a light thud. I followed his glance and saw another man crouched down behind a car closer to the house. Immediately this young man dropped his shovel and bent over. He crouched down and smoothly shaped a ball with the snow. He waited until the other man peeped over the car and then he threw it with careful aim. Soon there was a volley of snow balls and laughter.

This brought me so much joy. There is something universally fun about a snow ball fight. It brings out the child in us, even if we are just an observer.

We forget to play. In the seriousness and darkness and struggle in life we forget to play. I have been very guilty of this. I allowed the struggles of life to choke out the joy. But the joy is there, we just have to watch for it and be willing to participate. Whether in watching a spontaneous snowball fight or walking with my ridiculous little dog, God is in the details. Joy can be found in the moment.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.