Calendar wisdom: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried. (Chesterton)”” for yesterday and for today, “ Too often we conduct our lives cafeteria style – self service only! (Unknown)” That brings pictures to mind as I go down a cafeteria line weighing the cost against the amount of food purchased. I try to round out the good stuff with vegetables and rolls, of my choice of course. The problem is that I suspect life and faith do not come cafeteria style. A prayer for patience may have the side of mashed ego, err potatoes. A prayer for healing may require paying for a doctor visit too. The problem today is that we are not sure if the side dishes of “masking,” “”sheltering,” and “social distancing,” will take us where we want to go, will give us the abundant life we want to live. Proverbs 21:31 reminds us very poignantly, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” How true. Our lives are ultimately in the hands of God.
Today is Ascension Day when we remember Jesus “ascending” to heaven. For some that means, up the elevator and out of sight, “social distancing.” I heard the explanation that it is more like a prince ascending to power when the king leaves i.e. Jesus finished his purpose on earth and ascended or assumed his full, invisible place. Now that is hard to grasp with our finite minds. Jesus did not distance to the heavenlies. I tend to doubt whether his telescope or microscope is on me and whether He understands my situation fully. It is difficult to believe and I revert to cafeteria-style life. Rather, he resumed full godliness, not needing to “mask” parts of his character for us. We can now be sure that the meals we are served every day pass his inspection and there are no secret viruses to harm us. He holds the victory in His hands! Thank goodness. Blessings as you tackle your battles today.
On the Way to Wonder 