Deep

When he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  Luke 5:4

I love it when our home is full of family and friends, and I so enjoy the sounds of laughter and conversation that come with a crowd. When I’m home alone, though, I opt for quiet.  I leave everything “off.”  In the stillness, there is nothing to get in the way of experiencing the Deep.

Deep Love…

for Jesus – the author and perfecter of my faith…the one who saved me and is carrying out a good work in me, who guides, comforts, protects, loves.  I will never be ashamed to tell you that He is the only thing good about me.

for my husband, Rob.  Recently, I have been struck by how even the tightest embrace is not enough; if I could, I would climb under his skin. I pray that I go first, because I cannot bear the thought of years full of days and especially nights without him.  He makes me laugh every single day (even when I don’t think I want him to) and calls me to be the best version of myself while accepting whichever version I happen to be right now.

for Elizabeth and Nick, who bless my life beyond my wildest imagination.  They are kindhearted and goodnatured and fun to be around.  They are generous in sharing their lives with us, and they let me interact with their friends, even though I am a total dork.  I’m thankful God picked us out for each other – I definitely got the good end of that deal.

for our family – both sides. I have one brother by birth, and gained another and three sisters (one’s in Heaven now) by marriage.  Both sets of parents and all 4 sets of grands have modeled what it means and takes to be married ’til- death-us-do-part.  Our niece and nephews who bless us with fun and laughter, aunts, uncles, and cousins…we even have some family who aren’t kin but treat us like we are.  They are all so good to us.

Deep Affection…

for the guys my son loves hanging out with – because they make him laugh and help him get into just enough mischief to stay out of trouble.

for the girls who are always there for my daughter – because they minister to her heart and give her the confidence to be herself.

for my boss, who leads our church and challenges us with his words and by his example, and who has supported and helped my family in ways that astonish and humble me.

for all of the people we are in ministry with, because they are the real deal, and funny, and full of grace and truth.

for our Youth Pastor, and the other leaders who pour energy and speak truth into my children’s lives.

for the friends who invited us to Lifepointe in the first place.

for the friends we’ve been in small groups, Bible studies and discipleship groups with – you have sharpened us as iron sharpens iron.

for the Leesville Band family – such fine, talented, respectful people that we are blessed to have as part of our “village.”

for the friends I grew up with and came of age with and went to college with.  I think about them all the time.

for the “prom angel.”

Deep Thoughts…

though I rarely express opinions on divisive issues (it’s not that I don’t have opinions, it is just that I care more about people than issues), I ponder and pray over them in the quiet, and try to keep my heart open so God can do His work on it.  Last summer, when so many were up in arms over chicken sandwiches just days after the movie theater massacre, I was watching a young man who is battling cancer (again) pushing through his physical pain and nausea to stay on the marching field with the rest of the band in the hot summer sun without complaining.   Even as I sat, silently cheering him on,  I received an emailed prayer request for a friend who was accompanying a woman to an abortion clinic because, even though my friend had offered to adopt her baby, she had promised the mother she would support her no matter what.  So many issues all at once!  Choices made by some, consequences paid by others, and sometimes the struggle is no one’s fault – stuff just happens to us.  A little life snuffed out – one who will never be able to express opinion, help a friend, buy a chicken sandwich, (or choose not to).  People slaughtered in the movie theater  – no longer able to hug (or rebel against) their parents or see a loved one triumph over illness.

It seems that often, tragedy unites us only for a short time, and then we go right back to fighting about stuff.  I wonder where we think our divisiveness will take us.

Deep Wounds…

Sometimes, God allows a bit of pain into the deep.   I’m not immune – I’ve had my share of disappointments and heartaches along the way as Illness and Tragedy have left their marks.  I must admit that some of the pain has come through bad decisions on my part, and through misunderstandings and through the realization that it really isn’t possible to please everyone.  I recently heard someone say that Jesus’ blood helps heal our wounds by giving us the DNA of an over-comer.  I love that, don’t you?  That is how I want to face my pain and heartache from now on.

And through it all, Deep Peace…

Because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:1

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption so sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15`

What is God teaching you in the Deep?