June 27, 2008

A short update and then the reflection. We signed final papers yesterday. We hope to hear today that the foreclosure sale scheduled for Monday has been postponed for our house. We should close on Monday or Tuesday. Some in our house this Sabbath would have more Sabbath if we closed today.

So what have I learned this recently?

When smoked burned by eyes and throat I considered necessities. At the same time as we are surrounded by fire, others in the Midwest are desperate for dry weather. How devastating too much or too little water can be. I heard one comment that God must pay attention to supreme court decisions.

That reminded me of a phone interview with the local paper regarding my thoughts on that same court decision. The interview made me feel humble – a friend trusted me enough to refer the reporter my way. The conversation also made me feel anxious that I wouldn’t inadvertently stir up more contention. I’d like the other side to appreciate the intense pain I feel when asked to give up something dear to me. They’d probably be just as honored to have their pain and sacrifice recognized.

And giving up things reminds me that the box of cookies disappeared much too quickly. Which reminds me that my frontal lobe does all the long-term work for me. When I’m in fear, or stress, or hurt, or any other sort of emotional and/or mental crisis I will revert to my subconscious. To exercise my will I must be conscious – fully aware.

Which reminds me that I promised my girls I’d walk with them as soon as I was finished with this week’s note to you.

“Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy?” Job 36:26-29

With full commitment,
Pastor Steve