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Category: Encouragement

Our “Item Description”

Our “Item Description”

Were you aware that the term “item description” is a thing?  Not a general, generic thing, but an actual, important, frequently-used thing?  As a matter of fact, there is plenty of online attention devoted specifically to compiling effective item or product descriptions.   

What is an “item description?”  It’s the marketing summary that explains what a product is and why it’s worth purchasing.  The product description’s goal is to supply readers with information on the features and benefits of something so the customer is compelled to buy it (i.e. a sales pitch!).

Marsha Collier describes it this way, “After you hook potential bidders with your title, reel’em in with a fabulous description for your items. … Think infomercial (the classier the better).”  She then proceeds to provide a list of suggestions for writing a magnificent item description.  Here are some of her key points:

  • Write a factual description.
  • Accentuate the positive.
  • Include the negative.
  • Include short, friendly banter.
  • Be concise and to the point – don’t ramble!

As I considered the concept of item descriptions, I was intrigued by the thought of compiling our own descriptions.  How would we describe ourselves within the above parameters to “sell” others on how to view us?

Here’s my attempt at my own item (person) description:

Do you like hanging around with older, shorter guys?  Then this is your type of guy!  David is 5 feet 6 inches short (and getting shorter with age!) with gray hair (and getting grayer!).  But as they say, great things come in small, white-crowned packages!  And all the better if they have a few years of wear and tear.  Stocky but generally durable; usually quiet but able to carry on an animated discussion; fairly well-read and even knowledgeable of Scripture; a man of faith with an avid love of the outdoors, David would be an excellent companion, whether you have some chores that need doing, a craving to chat, a spiritual question, or a hankering for an outdoor adventure.  Your life will be better with David around!

I’m not sure if that is a solid item description of me or not.  What I can tell you is that the description was far more difficult to write than I anticipated it would be.  If you doubt this, try writing an item description of yourself yourself.  (Yes, there is supposed to be two “yourselfs” in that last sentence.)  I suspect you might struggle with the words as well.

That difficulty is compounded a hundred-fold were we to attempt to describe ourselves to God.   How do we “sell” ourselves to the holy, all-knowing Lord?  Thinking about it, here is what I came up with:

I have nothing to offer you, Lord.  Even my good qualities and various talents flow entirely from your creating hand.  I have disobeyed your every command in every aspect of my life.  I am a despicable sinner who deserves nothing but the worst from you.  But I cling in faith to Jesus, who lived and died in my place, atoning for my every atrocity, and then rose back to life.  That’s all I have, but in Jesus I trust I have it all.

That’s a drastically different person description than the first one, isn’t it?  But what else can I say about myself to the Lord almighty – to the perfect and perfectly righteous God?

And what might be the Lord’s description of me (and all who rely upon Jesus’ atonement)?  I’m only speculating, of course.  But in light of Scripture, I suspect He might describe me/us something like this:

Loved!  Forgiven!  Saved!  Blessed!

Or perhaps the Lord would revert to the words he inserted in the Bible?  This is more elaborate but top-notch item description:

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Now that’s a description I will gladly accept!

Flying Blind?

Flying Blind?

Most of us probably don’t fret much about jumping on an airline flight.  Note that I wrote “most of us;” I know some fret a great deal if they have to fly somewhere.  The other qualifier that might give some pause about flying these days is COVID. 

Still, the majority of us don’t stress overly much in regard to climbing onto an airplane.  We might not look forward to all the extra hassles that accompany flying, like packing, transportation to the airport and airport parking, checking our bags and being checked personally in security, or the long hours that are typically wrapped into a day of air travel.  The flight itself, however, is generally relaxing – an opportunity to catch one’s breath, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or take a nap.

However, have you ever stopped to consider what’s involved in a typical flight?  (Those who are generally squeamish about flying might want to skip the next few paragraphs!)

An average sized commercial plane (a Boeing 737) weighs approximately 45 tons.  When you add in the fuel (20 tons) and passengers, cargo and crew (22.5 tons), the weight climbs to almost 88 tons.  That’s a LOT of poundage to keep aloft!

Now consider that the average cruising height is between 31 and 38 thousand feet (6-7 miles high!), and the planes generally climb to that position in the first 10 minutes of the flight.  Once there, the airline settles into the modest cruising speed of approximately 540 miles per hour. 

And who is handling this monstrously heavy contraption 7 miles above the earth at an astoundingly high rate of speed?  Whose capabilities and actions are you, the passenger, dependent upon? 

The captain!  Though he or she has a copilot who shares some flight duties, the captain is typically the most experienced pilot in the cockpit and the one in command and control. 

And you rarely even see him or her, at least before the flight!  Maybe you hear their voice while in flight; maybe you don’t.  You know nothing about them or their experience or how they are feeling the day of your flight.  Yet you entrust your life to the pilot.

There are many details to attend to on a commercial flight.  The pilot has to constantly monitor other air traffic so there are no collisions.  Weather conditions, both on the ground and in the air, have to be considered.  He or she may have to climb higher to pass over a storm or detour to skirt around it, but everyone expects the captain to keep them safe.  

Furthermore, you expect your pilot to deliver you to the proper destination.  If you booked your flight to Chicago, you don’t even consider the possibility of arriving in Houston instead.  More trust on your part!  And again, you know nothing about the pilot.  (He or she might greatly prefer to set down in Houston rather than Chicago!)

Landing at your destination presents additional challenges.  For example, Seatac Airport in Washington State is one of the 10 busiest airports in America, and one of the 30 busiest in the world.  In 2018, there was an average of 553 flights departing per day, and about the same number arriving.  That’s approximately 23 flights departing per hour, and 23 more arriving, which makes for a congested sky around the airport.  The pilot has to navigate those busy skies.  But you and the other passengers expect that he or she will do so safely.

Some passengers might be a bit tense about the flight.  Most become at least a bit anxious if flying through a storm or experiencing turbulence.  But no one is pacing the aisle or crying out with emotion-packed exclamations.  (At least not usually.)  None are urgently demanding to speak to the pilot and inform them what needs to be done.  They trust the pilot will perform.  (Finally, they have no choice but to trust him!)

Of course, pilots are just people, skilled as they may be.  They simply can’t fly non-stop; they need time off to rest.  The safety of the passengers, and their own, demands it.  Recognizing this, the FAA regulates the number of hours commercial pilots can fly.  Pilots cannot exceed 100 hours of flight time in a month, or 1,000 hours in a year.  During normal circumstances, they average 75 hours per month in the air.

Our Lord is like an airplane captain, except the Lord doesn’t need to rest, he doesn’t need a copilot, and he doesn’t make mistakes.  Ever!  Furthermore, our God isn’t just the pilot of a jetliner with a few hundred people on board, but the captain in control of everything. 

The Lord is the Pilot of the cosmos, the universe, the world, our nation, our state, our city, our neighborhood and our home.  He is also the Pilot of our church, our work, our school, our friends, our family, and ourselves.  He is the unerring, almighty, all-knowing, ever-present, always faithful, constantly loving Pilot of all circumstances and every situation, always.  (Yes, even through pandemics, amongst social angst and rioting, and in elections.  And yes, even through our personal struggles and dilemmas!)

The Captain over all things lifts us off the earth at our spiritual births, carries us aloft across the miles and years with his Word, provides us with some glorious views along the way, guides us over or around (and sometimes through) the storms in his love, and sets us safely down at our destination (heaven!) at the end of our “flight.”  The Lord is a Pilot we can rely upon with absolute confidence, no matter what unsettling events may be currently affecting our “flight” though life.

The Lord is our Pilot.  Or to use another similar picture, he is our Shepherd.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”  (Psalm 23).

We may feel like we are flying blind through life, but we never are.  Our Lord, our Pilot, and our Shepherd is carrying us and caring for us the entire way.  Though we may not see him on our “flight,” we can still trust him.  And be assured, we will most certainly meet him after we “land.”

Our Certainty

Our Certainty

There certainly is plenty of uncertainty these days.  In fact, one of the certainties in this world is that there is constantly uncertainty.

Uncertainty has always been a given in our existence.  Yet COVID has been the harbinger of even more uncertainty than usual.  I don’t need to list off multiple examples; you are living daily in the midst of the unknown. 

As if we don’t have enough uncertainties already, we are just days away from a major election.  The nation will choose a president; states will select governors; districts will elect various representatives.  The entire political landscape could change dramatically. 

No one can be certain about whom will be elected.  No one knows what will happen in the streets of our nation afterwards.  No one can discern what drastic changes the election results will usher in, whether in government halls, in the stock market, jobs arena or our economy, in our society, or in the general morale.

Uncertainty abounds!  And uncertainty breeds fear and despair, anxiety and drastic measures.

Some seem determined to demonstrate publicly regardless the outcome; some are resolute on rioting.  Others undoubtedly will hunker down in their homes or businesses armed with prayers and loaded weapons.  Still others would consider migrating to Canada – one segment if one man is elected as president, another segment if the other prevails.  (Unfortunately for them, the Canadian borders are currently closed!)  Regardless of the outcome, we can be sure that there will be a significant portion of our country engaged in handwringing and cries of despair.

But that need not be us, no matter whom we want to see elected or how the ballots fall. 

I remember sitting at my desk in my first history class at the Christian high school I attended.   I was struck by the teacher writing “History is His story” on the board.  Of course, this has been true throughout the years, even if we humans don’t understand some chapters of the story.  This is still true, and it always will be true!  History … all of history (even this election!) … is God’s story.

Let me assure you that the Lord knows what he is doing.  He understands all things, he sees the entire picture, he controls everything, and he doesn’t make mistakes.  I know that some are convinced that it will definitely be disastrous if so-and-so is elected.  But they don’t realize, or are forgetting, that our God is the ultimate King, no matter who wins out on Tuesday.  And our Heavenly King doesn’t abdicate his authority to any ruler nor cede his control to anyone.

David, a king himself, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, “Dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28).  Later in the psalms we’re informed that, “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths” (Psalm 135:6).

David’s son Solomon, also a king, wrote these inspired truths: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).  Regarding chance or fate, Solomon assured us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33).

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of mighty Babylon, stated these words about the Heavenly King after the Lord humbled him significantly, “Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.  His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.  All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.  He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.  No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’”  (Daniel 4:34-35).

The Apostle Paul describes the Lord in this way: “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.  To him be honor and might forever.  Amen.”  (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

 All of which is to say – be at peace.  Be at peace as you watch the voting results unfold Tuesday evening.  Be at peace – no matter whom you “just know” needs to be elected, and despite the final results.  Regardless of how others react – be at peace.  Even if the Lord is giving Americans the hardships they “demand” by their rejection of Him, like God did when Israel desired a monarchy instead of the theocracy God had established (1 Samuel 8:6-7) … Christian, be at peace.  

It was by design that Jesus repeated the concept of peace to his people over and over again, both before his crucifixion and after his resurrection.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  In this uncertain world, there are few promises more comforting or encouragements more beneficial. 

So no matter what happens in regard to the elections, (or in regard to anything, for that matter!), you and I can relax in the peace God gives.  The Lord over all will still be over all even after the election results are in.

This is our certainty amid the uncertainty: the King of kings and Lord of lords still reigns!  Furthermore, he loves us, has saved us, and is guiding all things around us.  Therefore, we have peace.  Yes, even in regard to the elections! 

Searching for Treasure

Searching for Treasure

I am a treasure hunter.  I search for treasure.  I even find some!

From the time I was young, I always loved to embark on treasure expeditions.  No, I didn’t travel to exotic locations in my quests, but I did set out on a fair amount of searches nevertheless. 

I explored the old brewery in the town where I grew up looking for old Sebewaing Beer artifacts.  (Found some too.  Still have them!)  I wandered carefully (so as not to fall through the floors!) inside a few abandoned houses as well, seeing what might have been left behind.  (Rather slim pickings.  Other treasure seekers had been there before me.)   Native Americans used to inhabit the area where I lived as a boy, so the farm fields all around us held ancient artifacts.  (Found some of those also!) 

But there were treasure hunts and discoveries even closer than that!  Before the days of dumps, my ancestors were in the habit of burying their trash on the property.  Much of what was trash to them, old bottles and such, are now treasures.  When my father dug up the yard to begin building a new house in my teen years, the dirt piles he created were literally littered with his grandparents’ discards.  It was a veritable treasure trove for a treasure seeker like me!

I’ve always kept my eyes peeled for dropped money.  I’m regularly finding coins, and even occasionally a bill.  Even more occasionally a larger bill!  And I never pass a Coinstar without inspecting the coin return.  People regularly forget to grab the coins that didn’t get processed, some of which are silver coins – rejected because they are heavier than the usual “clad” coins.

I’ve even panned for gold and sluiced out a bit of “color” from the gravel.  Washington State isn’t as prime for gold as some other states, but there is some to be found in the right spots.

These days my preferred approach in my treasure hunting exploits is with a metal detector.  What amazing machines they are!  Not only do they easily detect metal objects underground or under water, but the better-quality ones can give the handler a very good idea of what might be below the coil by virtue of a number readout.

 Through the years I’ve found all kinds of treasure with my handy-dandy metal detector.  Lots of coins (some silver and some quite old), rings of all kinds (even toe rings!), military buttons and Boy Scout badges, old toys and antique tools, and plenty of unique items have found their way into my treasure pouch.  I never know what I will find, but I always know I’ll find something interesting!  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my metal detecting hunts.

There’s another form of treasure hunt I regularly embark on as well.  It’s a treasure hunt in the extravagantly rich pages of the Bible.  I never know exactly what the Holy Spirit will reveal to me on each journey inside the cover, but I always know I’ll find something awesome!  Sometimes the discovery is a precious gold or silver truth; sometimes a gleaming new spiritual insight; sometimes a practical discovery; sometimes a lovely reminder of earlier times; sometimes a treasure to share.  In fact, there has never been a time when I didn’t uncover something worthwhile on my treasure hunts in God’s Word.

I’ve never gotten rich from my regular treasure hunting efforts, and I probably never will.  But I have become a wealthy man indeed from my treasure searches in the Scriptures.

Regular treasure hunts?  I discourage them.  (That leaves more for me to find!)  But treasure hunts in the Scriptures?  These are treasure hunts that all should embark upon, and frequently, because there is an unlimited amount of priceless riches to be found there.  And all who seek will find!

“But where can wisdom be found?  Where does understanding dwell?  No mortal comprehends its worth. … It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.  It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.  Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.  Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.  The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.  Where then does wisdom come from?  Where does understanding dwell? … God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:selected verses). 

The Calming Creation

The Calming Creation

When I am exceptionally weary, a deep longing for the outdoors fills me.  When I finally manage to make it outside into God’s creation in those states of exhaustion, it has at times moved me to joyful tears.

In his book “Wild at Heart,” John Eldredge wrote, “The heart of a man is driven into the high country, into remote places, like a wounded animal looking for cover.”  I recognize that this doesn’t necessarily apply to every man, but it certainly holds true for me.

A longing for the outdoors is actually intuitive for most people; they recognize the need and yearn to be surrounded by natural things.  Not always, necessarily, but often.  Regardless of age, culture, occupation, social or financial status, humans find nature pleasing.  When given a choice, two-thirds of people choose to retreat to a natural setting when tired or stressed.  It seems that the recognition of the benefits of nature is rather natural. 

Studies are supporting this intuition; they are showing that time in nature really does impact people positively.  Not just men or certain men, but everyone.

“Now, a large body of research is documenting the positive impacts of nature on human flourishing—our social, psychological, and emotional life.  Over 100 studies have shown that being in nature, living near nature, or even viewing nature in paintings and videos can have positive impacts on our brains, bodies, feelings, thought processes, and social interactions.  In particular, viewing nature seems to be inherently rewarding, producing a cascade of positive emotions and calming our nervous systems.  These in turn help us to cultivate greater openness, creativity, connection, generosity, and resilience.”  (Kristophe Green and Dacher Keltner – GreaterGood.Berkely.edu)

The data confirming the benefits of time in nature is overwhelming.  However, the reasons why aren’t quite as clear.  The researchers speculate that the benefits may flow from awe.  Feeling awe during a nature experience appears to lower stress and improve one’s general well-being.  Remarkably, it need not be spectacular awe-inspiring vistas like mountains or the ocean to produce positive results; just being in “green spaces” brings benefits. 

And the benefits are arresting.  Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, anxiety and stress in people and produces pleasant feelings.  Creation not only helps one feel better emotionally, but actually contributes to one’s physical health by reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormones.  Furthermore, God’s great outdoors enhances the immune system and promotes healing!  Even individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as psychiatric patients, regularly found improvements outside during research.  

Is it any surprise then, in light of these insights, that more and more corporations and even governments are attempting to tap into the benefits of nature?  Some doctors are actually prescribing nature to their patients, as well they should!  It’s an inexpensive prescription – relatively easily attained – with potentially profound results.

Why is this so?  Why does time outside, or even viewing scenes of the outdoors, help humans so much?  Clearly God created us this way, with a deep need for nature. 

Who can know for sure?  However, I can’t help but think of the very first humans and the father and mother of us all.  Adam and Eve were brought to life by God outside in a garden … not in an office or a shopping mall or even a living room.  They weren’t inserted by the Lord into a structure of any kind.  In fact, there weren’t any buildings in God’s new world!  When Adam and Eve first opened their eyes, they saw nature.

I don’t want to make too much of this.  Obviously, Adam and Eve were perfect people living in a perfect world.  It was a drastically different world with an entirely different climate.  Still, God created them outside to live outside, surrounded by the wonders of God’s glorious new creation.  Surely this has at least a little significance in our own makeup, even removed as distantly as we are from them by time and corrupted as we are by sin. 

Every human still has a vestige of the awe Adam and Eve felt as they, with wide-eyes, scanned the exquisite world around them.  Wonder flows from viewing what God has made.  The Bible discusses this very thing:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.  They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world”  (Psalm 19:1-4).

When this sin-infected creation is so aesthetic, how magnificent will heaven be?  One day we’ll find out.  When we first open our eyes there, be assured we will experience every bit the awe that Adam and Eve felt at their first glance of creation!  In the meantime, we are drawn to the beautiful things around us – beautiful things which God created and endowed with rejuvenating blessings. 

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth”  (Psalm 121:1-2).

When Crows Come Calling

When Crows Come Calling

Is there a more reviled bird in America than the crow?  Crows are large, and largely unattractive.  They are the bullies on the block in the bird kingdom, and their caws are as ear-grating a sound as one is likely to hear from any winged creature.

On a personal note, they bring plenty of irritation to my little plot in Tacoma.  The crows perch in strategic locations around the yard waiting for the opportunity to finish whatever happens to remain in our dog’s dish.  They surreptitiously swoop in and gobble large chunks of the seed blocks I put out for the other birds, and the one time I tried suet, the crows gorged themselves, demolishing it in a day.  Furthermore, they incessantly foul our bird bath by dunking whatever morsal of food they intend to eat, transforming the water into strange-colored quagmires.

Not only are the birds a nuisance, but they seem to be everywhere!  In fact, they are virtually everywhere; crows can be found on every continent of this planet except for Antarctica, and in every habitat, both rural and urban.  BirdLife International estimates the number of crows residing in America to be 31 million.  So obnoxious, yet so abundant!

To say that I’m not fond of crows would be an understatement.  Consequently, it irritates me to have to admit that crows are actually quite remarkable.

Crows are extremely intelligent – perhaps the most intelligent bird on earth.  In regard to brain-to-body ratio, crows rank first in the bird world.  Crows are able to make and use tools.  They are able to solve puzzles, strategize moves, understand similarities and differences between objects, and comprehend cause and effect.

I have personally witnessed crows fly to great heights over our street and drop nuts onto the pavement below to break them open.  If the shell didn’t crack, the crow simply ascended higher and higher until finally successful.  In Japan crows have been observed tucking walnuts in front of car tires while the vehicles were stopped at a red light.  When the cars moved forward, the tires crushed the nutshells.  Then, when the light turned red again, the shrewd birds retrieved the nutmeat. 

Crows are also gifted with a remarkable memory … which is unfortunate for anyone crows deem to have wronged them.  In an experiment in Seattle, a group of scientists wore masks while they captured seven crows.  The birds were later released.  However, whenever those birds spotted the same masks again, they attacked whomever was wearing them, and so did a bunch of their buddies!  Meanwhile, other masks were ignored.  Two years later the crows still attacked the offending masks.  They remember faces too; antagonize a crow and it will recall your mug for up to five years!

Yes, these ebony omnivores are intelligent.  It is not uncommon for them to outwit other creatures to grab an easy meal.  Working in pairs, one will distract a bird or animal parent while the other grabs an egg or newborn.  Or one crow will yank a predator’s tail to allow another crow to snatch their kill.  (Not very nice, but certainly effective.) 

Furthermore, crows have about 250 distinct calls, and they use different “dialects” in different areas.  Visiting crows in the new locale will actually mimic the local “language.”  Amazing!

Generally, most people aren’t excited to see crows.  Some even look upon crows as harbingers of bad news.  In the same way, most of us aren’t eager to see troubles in our lives either.  Just like crows, problems seem to be everywhere.  They are ugly and obnoxious, and we really would rather avoid them altogether. 

But similar to crows, there is more to difficulties than immediately meets the eye.  God put the crows here for a reason.  (As scavengers alone, crows devour a significant amount of dead animals and pesky insects!)  God also allows hardships to impact us for a reason.  Actually, for many reasons!

Just a few of the blessings the Lord brings through our difficulties might be to bring us to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10) or to draw us closer to him (Psalm 145:18); to foster deeper relationships with others (Ecc. 4:9-10); to provide spiritual insights we wouldn’t learn otherwise (Psalm 119:71); to prepare us to minister to people who experience the same problems (2 Cor. 1:3-4); to be a godly example (Mt. 5:16); or to impress upon us the emptiness of this world and the fullness of the world to come in heaven (2 Cor. 4:17-18). 

Crows, and problems, will certainly come calling.  But our God provides some wonderful encouragement to us in his Word:

“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” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Under Cover

Under Cover

The other day I was walking through the grocery store and I was struck by the fact that everyone was wearing a mask.  The lower half of the faces of the clerks, the stockers and the customers were all covered.  (Even more unsettling was to see a man in a store today with his entire face covered with a black mask.)

Not sure how things are where you live, but out here in Washington wearing a mask is a State mandate, so it’s not surprising that everyone is “masked up.”  In fact, one would expect this to be the case, and it generally is in Tacoma; full compliance is typical here. 

Each person models the mask of their choosing.  There’s plenty of the generic disposable ones on display.  Seahawks masks are pretty popular locally as well.  And, of course, some ladies ensure their mask is color-coordinated with their attire.  There is plenty of variety in the mask styles, but almost everyone wears something.

And that’s what struck me the other day!  Just like we all wear an outward mask to public places, so we all wear an inward mask in public as well.  (And not just in a pandemic.)  In fact, we probably wear multiple inward masks!  Our outward masks hide half our faces, and our inward masks conceal quite a bit as well.

These inner masks are even described in an expression.  No matter what we are thinking or how we are feeling, we generally attempt to “put on a good face.”  We are the ultimate posturers.  Just think of the secret masks we wear to fool others! 

We may have our entire day turned catawampus by unforeseen circumstances, but we try to exude an aura of peace amidst our stress.  We may be frustrated beyond measure due to someone else’s discourtesy or incompetence, but we put on a mask of patience.  Perhaps we regard another person’s point of view or decisions as questionable, unwise or even downright ridiculous, but we wear a mask of acceptance nonetheless.

Keeping others from discerning our actual thoughts aren’t the only reason we wear inner masks.  We make great efforts to hide our real feelings as well.

In our anger we try to wear calm.  In our worry we strive to wear contentment.  In our uncertainty we mask up with confidence, and when we feel weak with strength.  In our loneliness, sadness or discouragement, we rally with a smile.  Even in jubilant times it’s not uncommon for us to appear dispassionate.  When proud we want to be seen as humble.

In short, we consistently cover over our thoughts and feelings with masks that disguise where we truly “are” mentally and emotionally with ones that look more like where we think we should be.

We even posture in regard to spiritual matters.  We may be struggling spiritually in any number of ways, but we don’t dare let on.  We are determined to look faith-filled and forgiven no matter our secret doubts; righteous no matter our struggles with sin; and devoted no matter our wandering minds and hearts.

Yes, under our outer masks are any number of inner ones.  In fact, these days we are often wearing multiple layers – outer, inner, and under the outmost-inner mask even more inner ones.  We lurk amidst shadows even when in broad daylight! 

As I reflect on this, it seems to me that a few important points bear mentioning:

First of all, each one of us must understand how deceptive we tend to be with our inner mask-wearing.  It is crucial we are honest with ourselves, and strive to be more transparent with others.  And especially if we are struggling in some regard!

Secondly, building a relationship with someone (or several someones) with whom we can confide is exceedingly beneficial.  Natural fits for this would be a spouse or family member, or a trusted Christian friend.

Finally, remember that the Lord sees straight through our masks, no matter how many we may wear.  He not only sees the “real” us, but he loves the “real” us!  And he has all the help, answers and hope that the “real” us needs in his Word.  The more time we invest in God’s Word, the more the Lord will change us.  And the more the Lord refashions us, the more our inner self will exude the attitudes we desire to show on the outside, and the less need we will feel for masking up.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another … Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, … sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”  (Colossians 3:12-17 – selected).

Goodbye Garbage

Goodbye Garbage

There are times when the garbage just has to go.  Spoiled casseroles that got buried behind other leftovers in the refrigerator until it was too late.  Fat or grease that festered in the wastebasket over the course of a several hot Summer days.  The smelly remains of our fish dinner from last evening’s meal.  Overflowing baby diapers left to ripen.  Kitty-litter.

We’ve all been there.  Rank odors waft from our disposal containers signaling it’s time to transfer the putrid mess to a more removed location.  So, holding our breath, we whisk the offending material away.  What a relief it is to drop that bag in the trash barrel in the alley!  Even better when on “trash day” the trash truck arrives, tips up the barrel, flips it over and shakes the smelly contents out, swings the empty barrel back in its place and then rumbles away.  And just like magic our garbage is gone!

Each of us generates trash every day.  The EPA estimates that the average American produces almost 6 pounds of trash per day.  If recycling is factored in, the amount drops to about 4 ½ pounds of pure waste.  Even so, the typical person racks up over a total of 29 pounds per week and 1,600 pounds of garbage in just one year!

The estimate for the annual weight of the garbage that all humans worldwide generate is 2.6 trillion pounds.  (This doesn’t include industrial waste or commercial trash.)  The United States is the top producer of “municipal solid waste” in the entire world, generating about 268 million tons yearly.

Where does this heaping mound of garbage go?  Over half (52%) ends up in landfills.  26% makes its way to recycling centers, and another 13% to waste-to-energy plants.  9% is composted.  While we probably don’t reflect on its destination much, we certainly are delighted when our rotting and reeking refuse is gone.

Hard as it is to fathom, we all produce garbage even more noxious than the bags we transport to the alley at arms-length.  Our lying and cursing tongues; our coveting, lusting and hating minds; our detestable pride or lingering despair; our countless sins of action and inaction; our incessant idolatry; and our neglect of God and the good, raise a sickening stench to the holy Lord.

The logical conclusion was for God to discard our smelly selves far from him.  But the Lord had a different plan.  Instead of disposing of us in entirety, he determined to simply dispose of our stench, (our sin), and keep the rest of us.  So the Lord Jesus came to dwell among us, to love us and in love to let us crucify him.  He took our place, wearing our sin-stench and bearing our sin-punishment. When he exited his tomb on Easter morning, he cast death behind him and our sins far from him (and us!).

How far has our unholy reek been removed?  The Bible provides some impressive pictures to illustrate the distance.

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives transgression?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea”  (Micah 7:18-19).

Just for reference, the deepest depression in the earth is in the Pacific Ocean.  It’s known as Challenger Deep, a portion of the Mariana Trench.  It dives to a depth of more than 36,000 feet.  That’s almost 7 miles deep; a significant burial indeed for our sin! 

Or how about this concept?  The Holy Spirit inspired David to write these lovely words:

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”  (Psalm 103:8-12).

Saying goodbye to our sin garbage is the best goodbye of all, which makes our gracious God the best Trashman of all!  Thank you, Lord!

A Simple Smile

A Simple Smile

This world needs more smiles.  For that matter, the people in your world need more smiles!  In fact, I would be glad to be on the receiving end of a few more smiles myself.

It seems that smiles are becoming a bit rarer these days.  Of course, our masks cover our mouths, so that certainly contributes to the issue.  Perhaps that plays a larger role even than we think?  Not that people can’t see our smiles, but that we aren’t smiling more.

We’ve been struggling through this pandemic.  We have even more personal frustrations and challenges than usual.  We’re tired of wearing masks.  We’re weary of reclusing in our houses for so many activities we would normally go out for.  We’re so ready for this all to be over.  And on top of these virus-related issues, there’s all the other troubling “situations” in our society and our world. 

Consequently, we probably don’t feel like smiling as often as before.  But as someone once said, “You haven’t lost your smile at all.  It’s right under your nose.  You just forgot it was there!”

Putting on a smile is perhaps the most important thing we don in the morning, and the most important thing we wear.  Yet, it’s often the accoutrement that doesn’t make our attire for the day.  Or at least not as often as it could or should.  To which Jim Beggs states, “Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available.” 

A simple and sincere smile costs a person nothing to give, but pours a wealth of treasure into another person’s day.  The person who provides it is none-the-poorer, while the person who receives that gift is certainly richer.

Even if you have to smile under your mask … smile!  The rest of your face will pass the gesture along.  And think of all the family members around whom you don’t wear a mask.  (You know, those most important people in your world!)  That smile you grace them with in the moment will almost certainly contribute to a brighter, better day for them.  A smile is the key that fits the lock on everyone’s heart.

To this end, here are some key concepts for us to bear in mind as we work our way through our days, even in a pandemic; things that will help us smile more readily.

The first key is that we focus on our blessings and not our hardships.  We may have many difficulties, but we have even more blessings from our God.  No matter what struggles we are enduring, Jesus is still risen, we are still forgiven, we are still loved by God, and we are still saved by God’s grace.

Key number two is that we realize we have a gift we can give.  A simple loving smile is simply precious to whomever it is aimed at.

The third key is to recognize that maybe, just maybe, our smile and our kindness might be a silent testimony to other Christians who are down and don’t really feel like smiling.  They realize we are still rejoicing in our Lord, no matter the circumstances.  Smiling is contagious; maybe our smile will spark a smile on their face.

In addition, our smile might possibly be something that moves an unbeliever to find out what makes us tick.  Why can we smile when so much of life seems to stink?  Perhaps it opens the door to an opportunity to testify about the Savior?

Finally, smiles show love.  Jesus said, “Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”  (John 13:34-35).

The Lord underscores this concept in the book of Ephesians:  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger … Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”  (Ephesians 4:31-22).

Simply showing and sharing a smile is generally a simple thing to do, but it’s not simple to the one who sees it; that smile is significant!  So smile, and brighten someone’s day.  And probably, in the process, your day too!

Quietly Fierce

Quietly Fierce

What animal might best picture God?

The Bible actually uses a number of animal similes and metaphors for the Lord.  The Lord described himself as an Eagle of rescue for his people (Ex. 19:3-4), and as a hen desiring to gather her chicks (Lk. 13:34) by Jesus.  There are also striking and well-known pictures of our Savior; he is the ultimate Scapegoat (Lev. 16:20-22) and the Lamb of God (John 1:29), as well as the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5).  Then, of course, there is the Dove of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16-17).

If something is in the Bible, then we know it’s “legit.”  And ultimately, the Lord is incomparable.  Nevertheless, I like to think of our God as an animal that isn’t even mentioned in the Scriptures.  Might an appropriate animal metaphor for the Lord be … the wolverine?

Wolverines recently made national headlines.  A mother wolverine and her two kits were photographed inside Mt. Rainier National Park.  This is newsworthy indeed since only 300 to 1,000 wolverines are estimated to live in the lower 48 US states!  In fact, wolverines haven’t been documented in the park for over 100 years.

This iconic animal disappeared almost entirely from the United States.  In the past, wolverines were often trapped for their exquisite thick, oily fur, which is frost resistant, making their pelts highly sought after for the lining of cold-weather coats and hats.  They were also shot on sight or poisoned as vermin.  Loss of habitat contributed to their decline as well.  As a result, by the 1930s there were none to be found in Washington State, and few existing anywhere in the lower 48.

But they are slowly making a species comeback, and are actually coming back (literally) to areas where they haven’t existed in a century. 

The wolverine is the largest land-dwelling member of the weasel family, though it tends to resemble a bear more than its smaller relatives.  Typically about 2-3 feet in length with an additional half-foot tail, the animal usually weighs between 12-55 pounds … smaller than many dogs. 

But the wolverine is a power-packed animal – stocky and muscular and pre-assembled with an attitude.  Under its short legs are large paws with powerful partially-retractable claws.  Consequently, the animal can scamper atop the deepest snow and climb almost anything from trees to rocky cliffs.  God also gave wolverines the special ability to tear off meat from carcasses that have been frozen solid, a crucial trait due to their diet, habitat and lack of hibernation.

In her 2013 article on wolverines in the Seattle Times, Lynda V. Mapes shared a quote from Shawn Sartorius, a wildlife biologist based in Helena, Montana. “They are the superheroes of the animal world.  When you follow the tracks of these things, you see they are not taking the easy way around; they will go straight over mountaintops, craggy peaks, the rockiest, steepest, cliffiest place; they will go right over that in the middle of winter, at night.”

Perhaps the calling card for the wolverine, however, is its reputation for ferocity and strength out of proportion to its size.  Usually wolverines subsist by scavenging carrion, but they are also highly effective predators.  Their prey is typically smaller mammals, (including other predators!), but they have also been known to take down animals much larger than themselves.  There are documented instances where wolverines killed full-grown deer, elk, moose, and even bison!

Ferocious indeed!  In her Seattle Times article, Mapes also shared a quote from John Rohrer, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service based in Winthrop, WA.  “When you see one in a live trap you never forget it.  They are growling, trying to bluff you; they are not cowering in the corner.  If you crack open the lid they are charging and coming up to the front, snapping their jaws and drooling. They put on quite a show.”

Why might I think the wolverine is a fitting picture for God?  Of course, the wolverine has limitations while the Lord is limitless in power and ability, so it’s certainly not a perfect analogy. Still, there are some striking similarities.  I would summarize them in this way: like the wolverine, the Lord is unobtrusive, often un-observed, unafraid, undeterred, and undergirded with unmatchable strength and ferocity.

Most people don’t generally notice the Lord, aren’t looking for him, or dismiss him altogether as passive, timid and weak.  But our God is unafraid of anything and undeterred when it comes to saving and serving his people.  God will not be stopped until he accomplishes his goal.  (If you doubt this, turn your gaze to Jesus on the cross!)  And when God intercedes, it is with unmatchable power and unstoppable zeal. 

The Lord asks, “Who is like me and who can challenge me?  And [who] can stand against me?” (Jeremiah 49:19).  The obvious answer is … no one! 

Kind of like a wolverine.  Quietly fierce.