The Next Chapter

If you're a reader, you know the feeling you get when you finish a chapter of a book -- sometimes you don't want it to end, other times you are ready to start the next chapter because of the way you are propelled into it. But nearly all the time you see each chapter as necessary and having its own unique purpose to the whole story. Some chapters have great joy while others have a stomach-turning story line that no one could ever imagine. And the pay off is always how the characters persevere -- grateful, humble, weary, resolute, bolstered by family, friends and faith, stronger for the journey.


On November 19, I finished one chapter of my life and began another. If I could describe how I, the character of the story, persevered, it would be all the adjectives above. Leaving a job and a faith family is hard -- a grieving process, really. And I am leaving two families -- a staff ensemble that has weathered all seasons of storms and sunshine, plus a family of God where I have found friends, confidants, colleagues, mentors, and much more.


It will take a long while to properly process the time I spent with this dear work and faith family. There are untold scenarios that I need to "let go" because they will likely never be completely resolved. I am reminded of the verse in Romans 12:17-18, which says, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. " Part of this verse in The Message translation says, "Discover the beauty in everyone." That's what I want to do.


I know that it may not ever be completely possible to bring resolution to all that has happened, but this verse gives me hope by saying "if it is possible" and "as far as it depends on me" I can be compelled to live at peace. I can discover the beauty in everyone. I can be careful to do what is right. And I can resolve to not repay anyone evil for evil.


I can only be responsible for me. And I want to walk humbly, yet joyfully, as a child of God, looking for beauty, and growing stronger every day. In many ways, I'll be "shaking the dust off my sandals" and moving on. But mostly I am leaving the dearest and closest of friends with whom I have made memories that will last a lifetime -- and longer when we all get to heaven!


My next chapter? All of my 59 years to this point -- just like preparation for each of life's chapters -- have prepared me for "such a time as this." I am going to use each experience to mold and form what I do next. I once led a group where we looked at our heart's desires, our abilities, our network of experiences in life, the discovery of strengths that make us unique, and our spiritual gifts from God that equip us for service. All these come together to make us who we are and how we are to make a difference for Christ in this world. I have some work to do, because I want this to be how I go forward.


Prayer: Loving God, give me grace for each moment, a heart of forgiveness and love, a desire to impact others through inspiration and encouragement, a yearning to make others feel wanted, needed and loved, and an unshakable joyful faith in You -- all pressed down, shaken together and running over...

Awe and Wonder

What makes you "awe struck"? A newborn baby? Fiery displays of jagged lightning accompanied by booming thunder? Oneness in a marriage? The grace, beauty and joy from one rooted in the faith? All things come from God. Do you believe and accept that? If so, then you are "awe struck" with God.


Imagine for a moment what a "God-struck" world would be like. All daily life would be put into perspective around who God is, his vast and unconditional love for us, his all powerful nature, and his desire for us to have abundant joy and eternal life with him. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

For example, being "awe struck" with God means the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom was with God since creation, and God's wisdom has much to teach us about love, decisions, holy living, grace, humility, and perseverance. In this light, our one desire should be to please him, while our one dread would be to offend him.


Further, awe coupled with knowledge of the Lord God Almighty has the ability to propel us into a life of understanding. But understanding of what? Using the word insight versus understanding may help us understand that the wisdom of God and the insight that provides gives us skills for living. So while we are in awe of God and know his wisdom to contain powerful life lessons, we use insight and understanding to apply his wisdom to our lives.


Proverbs mentions wisdom 40 times. This wisdom is not something that is set aside for a privileged few--it is open to all who seek and who are in awe of God, and who desire understanding and insight through knowledge of him.


If all people new God, who wouldn't be in awe of him?

"Who will not fear you, Lord,

and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship before you,

for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”

Revelation 14:4

The Word always provides the way if we will but read, seek and understand. Simple.