Solomon wrote of the power and value of wisdom. He said that respect and reverence for God marks the beginning of wisdom. So we realize that knowing and communing with God is indeed the pathway to wisdom; once on the pathway wisdom becomes our quest.
Consider the following reflection.
One day I wandered past the spring fed pond,
Stopping to reflect on its bubbling water and endless stream.
From the edge its source was not apparent;
But I heard the water speak and summon me.
So I drew close and let its coolness touch my feet,
What of its depth, I wondered aloud.
The water beckoned me in;
So I dove until covered in its treasure.
Colors encircled me;
Blues and greens with light shafting through.
A voice below called me deeper;
I swam immersed in its richness and peace.
I thought not a moment of air or breathing;
No memories of the edge where I once stood.
The profound called to me louder;
I dove deeper and farther.
Qualms of morning and evening,
Fears of tomorrow and yesterday float above,
Bobbing at the edge of the spring fed pond;
While vivid colors encircle me.
© JR Allebach
Perhaps you may see yourself standing at the edge of God’s spring fed pond. Consider what you need to do to plunge into the ways and wisdom of God. What fears are keeping you standing on the edge, or keeping you from diving deeper?
March 14, 2009
March 5, 2009
Everybody Needs Love
There is a unique and unparalleled quality found in a father’s love. Perhaps it is the most valued of all human relationships, yet it lingers as something a little beyond our ability to fully understand or explain. Many never live as true sons or daughters; too often a father is remote and indifferent. Unavailable human fathers can lead us to believe that God is also aloof, unconcerned, and uninvolved in the daily cares of our world. How are we to understand our Heavenly Father? An earthly story may provide spiritual insights.
Each week Brian took the field with the rest of his Little League team. To the knowledgeable fan Brian was at best a marginal first baseman and an inconsistent hitter—on a good day an average player. In the classroom Brian was the leader of the pack, accustomed to admiration and respect; on the ball field, the brunt of criticism and hurtful remarks.
But Brian loved baseball and twice a week he and dad would arrive at the field just a bit early for extra practice. Minutes before the game the two would huddle together; dad encouraging Brian to get his head in the game, going over his hitting stance, and reviewing the nuances of playing first base.
For Brian and every player the game started with the same emotional tension: the umpire barking out the familiar “Play ball!” Then came the strike outs… a misplay at first base… one could see the determination drain from the young ball player. With the final out came the familiar scene--a sulking and demoralized boy overcome with a sense of his failure.
The coach knew the post-game routine by heart; the family ritual was always the same. Brian’s dad was transformed into Brian’s loving father. With hastened steps fatherhood stepped out of the bleachers and strode confidently to greet his son. With an arm around his neck and with lively words of affirmation and enthusiasm, fatherhood spoke about winning and losing, overcoming pain and failure, and the possibilities of next week’s game.
Our Heavenly Father is watching our lives; our successes, struggles, and failures move his heart. His steps are always toward us, wanting to meet us at our moment of need. A strong arm is prepared to support and encourage; loving words can be heard when we listen. In the midst of adversity and pain God’s love brings peace.
There is a unique and unparalleled quality found in a father’s love. Perhaps it is the most valued of all human relationships, yet it lingers as something a little beyond our ability to fully understand or explain. Many never live as true sons or daughters; too often a father is remote and indifferent. Unavailable human fathers can lead us to believe that God is also aloof, unconcerned, and uninvolved in the daily cares of our world. How are we to understand our Heavenly Father? An earthly story may provide spiritual insights.
Each week Brian took the field with the rest of his Little League team. To the knowledgeable fan Brian was at best a marginal first baseman and an inconsistent hitter—on a good day an average player. In the classroom Brian was the leader of the pack, accustomed to admiration and respect; on the ball field, the brunt of criticism and hurtful remarks.
But Brian loved baseball and twice a week he and dad would arrive at the field just a bit early for extra practice. Minutes before the game the two would huddle together; dad encouraging Brian to get his head in the game, going over his hitting stance, and reviewing the nuances of playing first base.
For Brian and every player the game started with the same emotional tension: the umpire barking out the familiar “Play ball!” Then came the strike outs… a misplay at first base… one could see the determination drain from the young ball player. With the final out came the familiar scene--a sulking and demoralized boy overcome with a sense of his failure.
The coach knew the post-game routine by heart; the family ritual was always the same. Brian’s dad was transformed into Brian’s loving father. With hastened steps fatherhood stepped out of the bleachers and strode confidently to greet his son. With an arm around his neck and with lively words of affirmation and enthusiasm, fatherhood spoke about winning and losing, overcoming pain and failure, and the possibilities of next week’s game.
Our Heavenly Father is watching our lives; our successes, struggles, and failures move his heart. His steps are always toward us, wanting to meet us at our moment of need. A strong arm is prepared to support and encourage; loving words can be heard when we listen. In the midst of adversity and pain God’s love brings peace.
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