Fatherhood in the midst of adversity
A quick update: We have hot water (finally), the gas leak is taken care of, my truck is running fine and we'll be purchasing a new dryer over the weekend during the Memorial Day sales.
In the grand scheme of things the past seven days have been light troubles when I consider the pain and suffering that other people endure daily around the world. I didn't mean my initial post about everything breaking to be read as a massive complaint on my part. By including two paragraphs about China and Burma my hope was that you, my readership, would see what I am beginning to see: namely that my creature comforts--dry clothes, hot water, a second automobile for our household, a working microwave--are really just that. They are "creature comforts."
Don't get me wrong, I'm very, very, very thankful for your prayers, your advice and your lighthearted banter.
The point I was trying to get across was hit home to me on Wednesday morning when the company that messed up my water pump twice accidentally sent a technician to my house for some bizarre reason. After we sorted out that he didn't need to be there, I asked the gentleman where he was from originally. Burma. Rewind two weeks ago when the typhoon hit Burma. I prayed a prayer--half-heartedly I'll freely admit--that Jesus would allow me to meet someone from Burma who was touched by the typhoon. So, I asked this gentleman if anyone he knew was affected by the storm. "Oh yes," he said, "My mother and sister lost their house."
Now things like hot water begin to be seen in their proper light.
Long story short, I was able to pray for this man and for his family. God used my "light" trouble to connect me to two women across the globe who were in need of Jesus' provision, safeguarding and care. He used my faulty gas valve to connect me with a man who was in need of knowing that The God is deeply concerned and full of love for him and his family.
In a few weeks I'll be preaching through what is commonly referred to as the "Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 5:9-13. The prayer begins, "Our Father in heaven..." Our Father--God is approachable, personable and concerned with his children--from their basic needs for food and shelter to the things we (I) tend to think are relatively insignificant such as hot water. Our Father--the stuff happening to me and my family this week is not necessarily indicative of anything we have done to have it meted out on us--as though our "negative energy" or sin resulted in some cosmic punishment. In other words, this universe is governed by Grace and not karma. Our Father--although he is in Heaven is intimate and cares for those he loves. He delights in my praying to him about our hot water. He delights in my praying about my desire to meet someone from Burma. He delights in me enjoying a warm shower. He delights in me feeling that my family is safe in our house once again. And I delight in Him.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
In the grand scheme of things the past seven days have been light troubles when I consider the pain and suffering that other people endure daily around the world. I didn't mean my initial post about everything breaking to be read as a massive complaint on my part. By including two paragraphs about China and Burma my hope was that you, my readership, would see what I am beginning to see: namely that my creature comforts--dry clothes, hot water, a second automobile for our household, a working microwave--are really just that. They are "creature comforts."
Don't get me wrong, I'm very, very, very thankful for your prayers, your advice and your lighthearted banter.
The point I was trying to get across was hit home to me on Wednesday morning when the company that messed up my water pump twice accidentally sent a technician to my house for some bizarre reason. After we sorted out that he didn't need to be there, I asked the gentleman where he was from originally. Burma. Rewind two weeks ago when the typhoon hit Burma. I prayed a prayer--half-heartedly I'll freely admit--that Jesus would allow me to meet someone from Burma who was touched by the typhoon. So, I asked this gentleman if anyone he knew was affected by the storm. "Oh yes," he said, "My mother and sister lost their house."
Now things like hot water begin to be seen in their proper light.
Long story short, I was able to pray for this man and for his family. God used my "light" trouble to connect me to two women across the globe who were in need of Jesus' provision, safeguarding and care. He used my faulty gas valve to connect me with a man who was in need of knowing that The God is deeply concerned and full of love for him and his family.
In a few weeks I'll be preaching through what is commonly referred to as the "Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 5:9-13. The prayer begins, "Our Father in heaven..." Our Father--God is approachable, personable and concerned with his children--from their basic needs for food and shelter to the things we (I) tend to think are relatively insignificant such as hot water. Our Father--the stuff happening to me and my family this week is not necessarily indicative of anything we have done to have it meted out on us--as though our "negative energy" or sin resulted in some cosmic punishment. In other words, this universe is governed by Grace and not karma. Our Father--although he is in Heaven is intimate and cares for those he loves. He delights in my praying to him about our hot water. He delights in my praying about my desire to meet someone from Burma. He delights in me enjoying a warm shower. He delights in me feeling that my family is safe in our house once again. And I delight in Him.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Ephesians 3:20-21
Posted by: mouse | Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 11:35 AM