On My Way Back to Normal

Did they know? As I stood in the doorway, clad in my red fleece robe, clutching a warm mug of strong coffee, and waving goodbye, I wondered. Did they know they left with part of my heart packed away in their multiple pieces of luggage?

True, the presence of this part of me won’t cause them to be overweight at the airport; it won’t even show up on the TSA scan. But with their departure, our Christmas 2018 officially becomes a collection of memories. It is over. Slowly and with hesitation, I turn back through the front door and walk into our silent house. That singular motion initiates the journey on my way back to normal.

Snuggling under the warm afghan, tucked in a comfortable spot in my favorite brown leather chair, I gaze out the window. The nonstop, cold rain matches my spirits.

On my way back to normal…

I take inventory of my surroundings:

The Christmas tree stands forlorn.

The poinsettias look wilted.

The stockings—once brimming—hang empty and limp.

The glorious chaos is gone.

On my way back to normal…

I take inventory of my feelings:

I am too thankful to cry, but too sad to charge ahead. (I miss them already!)

Fatigue—my companion, but not my friend—lowers my guard.

My emotions vacillate back and forth like a confused compass needle.

I am not so sure I like normal.

On my way back to normal…

I take inventory of my blessings:

Doing the math, I acknowledge that 4 generations, of 15 lives, overlapping for 10 days are rare gifts to be savored.

Furthermore, I calculate that no one got sick, there were no injuries, and no appliances broke down.

And, I admit that shared activities received a Five Star Review:

• attending the spectacular Nutcracker performance, inclusive of a backstage tour

• worshipping together on Christmas Eve

• savoring our family’s traditional raclette meal

• taking grandchildren to see the new Mary Poppins movie and giving parents a much-needed break

• visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and being gobsmacked with a view of the world renowned baby hippo Fiona !

On my way back to normal…

I acknowledge that normal arrived too quickly for my heart. However, normal is now God’s current sweet spot of abundant joy for me. Normal allows for extended quiet times in the Scriptures, conversations with Larry by the fire, relaxed evenings with a Hallmark movie. And normal offers an upcoming calendar full of opportunity and promise. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So, on my way to stretch out for a long overdue nap, I smile and embrace the quiet, calm beauty of normal.

Living With Eternal Intentionality™

How do you feel about your return to normal after a busy holiday schedule?

What is your inventory of your surroundings, your feelings, your blessings?

Why can you trust God’s plans for you?

Let Nothing You Dismay

Driving over the rise in the road—definitely taking the curve too quickly—my mental machine rehearsed my game plan for this solo outing. Each silent bullet point flashed in my head like a neon light and commandeered attention:

• Go here; take there

• Arrange this; return that

• Pick up before; be back by

• Don’t forget; be sure to remember

• What about her? Did you think of him?

• When you are out, get this; before you come home, drop off that

• Add to the list; alter the list; expand the list; erase from the list (Tear Up The List!)

• Decide-Decipher-Determine

• Hey Siri, remind me to… No Siri, remind me to _____!

Then it happened.

A Christmas carol on the radio—quietly playing in the unobtrusive background—interrupted my mental machine. The words to a song from centuries past took me to a place I needed to go, a place not listed on my to-do list.

Unconsciously, I hummed along. Let nothing you dismay. Before I knew it, I was singing aloud. Let nothing you dismay. Then, I found myself not only singing, but declaring with a fresh, new-found fervor: Let nothing you dismay.

Hmmm… this sounds like Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Oh Lord, Thank You! I needed that. I don’t know the musician, but I am grateful for the instruction his lyrics provide. In the power of the Holy Spirit, I submit (resubmit) my mental machine to You. I ask for You to empower me afresh to walk in peace, prepare with joy, and serve with gladness. And please, Lord, guard my heart and mind to live consistently this season in the ongoing reality of the words: Let nothing you dismay.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel

This blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manger

Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary

Did nothing take in scorn

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Fear not then, said the Angel

Let nothing you affright

This day is born a Savior

Of a pure Virgin bright

To free all those who trust in Him

From Satan's pow'r and might

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

(Songwriters: Kevin Olusola / Scott Hoying / Avriel Kaplan / Kirstin Maldonado / Mitchell Grassi / Ben Bram, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)

Research tells us that God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the 15th century although the author is unknown.

It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be one of the oldest carols.

Living With Eternal Intentionality™

1. How are the Words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 reflected in the words of this carol? Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

2. What is your dismay quotient at this present moment in holiday preparations?

3. Which item on your to-do list is threatening to rob you of the pure, sweet joy of Jesus?

4. Take a quiet moment to articulate a prayer of your own, and turn from your to-do list to the Great I AM, the One born in the manger.

And finally, a personal word to you, my fellow pilgrim: (For reasons unknown, I am quite weepy as I write.)

I deeply appreciate you and everything you have brought to my life in 2018. Meeting you here, week after week, has meant more to me than my words can express. I am deeply grateful for this journey we share. I have grown, I have learned, I have changed… because of you. Thank you.

With joyful anticipation, I look forward to 2019 as you and I continue to pursue Living With Eternal Intentionality. For now, let me wish you a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you experience, this season, the tidings of comfort and joy, which only He can give. And, let nothing you dismay.

I love you in Jesus,

Debby

The Mournful Whistle of a Train Stirs Memories

The Mournful Whistle of a Train Stirs Memories

The whistle of a train—that unmistakable, lone mournful whistle—announced a cold reality: the last president of the Greatest Generation is gone.

This same mournful whistle provoked stirrings within me. Memories of George Herbert Walker Bush move down the tracks of my mind.

He once said:

“The greatest honor I have ever received is that my children still come home.” (Life Magazine)

On the night before a debate with Michael Dukakis:

He went outside and combed the grounds of the White House searching to find Spikey, the lost stuffed tiger of his granddaughter, without which she could not go to sleep. (Destiny and Power, Jon Meacham)

On Saturday mornings:

He wrote letters, usually to thank, congratulate, or encourage a fellow human being. (41, A Portrait of My Father, George W. Bush)

He pursued character:

“Daring and courageous, always seeking new adventures and new challenges, he was humble and quick to share credit, deflected attention from himself and refused to brag about his accomplishments. He trusted others and inspired their loyalty, and above all, he found joy in his family and his faith.” (Eulogy, George W. Bush)

He treasured his family relationships:

“Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.” (41, A Portrait of My Father, George W. Bush)

His leadership dramatically affected our ministry behind the Iron Curtain:

“… The decline and ultimate collapse of Soviet communism—from the actual demolition of the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet bloc in Eastern Europe, to the disintegration of the Soviet Union itself—occurred during the single four-year term of Reagan’s successor, President George H.W. Bush.” (The History Channel)

Most of all, his courageous decision left an indelible mark on my family:

George H. W. Bush signed the ADA act. [Americans with Disabilities]. Because of his vision for those with disabilities, my own daughter’s boundaries are broader.

On July 26, 1990, he stated,

And now I sign legislation, which takes a sledgehammer to another wall, one which has for too many generations separated Americans with disabilities from the freedom they could glimpse, but not grasp. Once again, we rejoice as this barrier falls for claiming together we will not accept, we will not excuse, we will not tolerate discrimination in America. He ended with, I now lift my pen to sign this Americans with Disabilities Act and say: Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down. God bless you all.

Thank you. Thank you, George Herbert Walker Bush. Silently, respectfully, I stand as the mournful whistle blows; I am grateful to have called you My President.

Living With Eternal Intentionality™

What memory do you have of President Bush?

Which habit or character quality of his do you value and desire to emulate?

Note: If the British know how to do weddings, I venture to say that Americans know how to do funerals.