The “word” that has come to me this week, is disjointed.
When I Googled it I found definitions such as: “Separated at or as if at the joint, lacking coherence or orderly sequence”, “being thrown out of orderly function”, “not well connected and therefore often confusing”, “not presented in a smooth or logical way and are therefore, difficult to understand” Sources: Merriam-Webster.com, Cambridgedictionary.org, and Collinsdictionary.com
“Dora” is the reason for this entry. Dora is the recently-arrived-in-our-neighborhood stray or “perro callejero”- aka, street dog, here in Buena Vista, Dominican Republic (DR). She showed up over two weeks ago, hungry and getting around on three of her four legs. She had seen her the week before on the curvy road that runs alongside our neighborhood, dodging busy traffic. Huge cringe!!!!
The community’s day-time security guard, Jose, took compassion on her and began feeding her, so she has happily stayed in the area. It was just a few days after her appearance that we found out that Jose brought his family’s meal leftovers to feed Dora and when Jose had a day off, she didn’t have anything to eat. So we began chipping-in our scraps and even bought for her a bag of dried dog food to keep at the security gate.
Either Dora can spot a tender heart a block away or she must have noticed us walking to deliver food to the plastic sour cream container lid that she dined from…we are three houses down the street from the security gate. Because she started; sleeping in the corner of our drive way, greeting us in her skittish way, trying to follow us on our walks/runs (it’s hard to keep up with only three short useful legs), hanging out on front porch with me during my morning journaling quiet time. Our connection progressed to Dora sleeping on our door mat, allowing us to begin to pet her/rub her belly, and finally, giving us little kisses/licks on our hands. Such a sweet little thing she is.
Then this past Sunday, we returned from a Young Life middle school weekend camp to hear the news that Dora had been hit by a pick-up truck, right out front of our house. She was hurt, cowering in some nearby bushes and growling at Jose who was first to go check on her. We were so upset, and we called Dinorah, Jose’s step-daughter (read the prior entry Epilogue: Connections to hear a bit more about the family) to see if she could assist us in getting Dora medical help.
Thanks to Dinorah’s coaxing (‘The Animal Whisperer’, we call her), Dora was removed from the bushes and carried to our car. With my husband Bruce driving, he and Dinorah got Dora to a vet close to home. She received a pain shot and muscle relaxant, and then they made a second stop at an emergency X-ray center (where they serve typical serve a human…not a pet/la mascota).
Dinorah and Bruce brought Dora back with an X-ray (one side view they took) and a preliminary diagnosis from the Vet that that her left hip joint was likely dislocated. So, Sunday night Dora slept on our front porch, in a plastic dog house, that she had previously refused to enter. Monday morning, with a referral for another Vet to hopefully reset her hip, Bruce, Dinorah, and I wrapped Dora in a beach towel and drove her down the mountain, to Vet numero dos.
After more X-rays and a second opinion, it was found that Dora’s pelvis is broken (this week’s accident result), she has a congenital issue with with her sacrum (lowest part of her vertebrae) where her spinal cord is compressed (life-long and painful), and she had a prior operation on her left hip where the head of her femur, the “ball” of her ball-and-socket joint, was removed… so her hip and leg will forever be disjointed. “Disjointed”…not connected, so she won’t walk or run smoothly, which will make the basics of her everyday life more difficult.
For now she is under shelter, either resting on her beach towel under our car or under a plastic table we moved to provide more shade and shelter under the eves of the house… with Vet prescribed limited mobility for a month. She is taking anti-inflammatory and joint repair medications in her meals until she has a re-evaluation in early April.
Fortunately, she is able to get up to “take care of business” and find a more comfortable reclining position, so she is slowly showing some improvements. Dora even managed through a warm bath today and is resting comfortably on a clean beach towel as I type. It is hard to see an innocent animal hurt, isn’t it? And it’s hard to think about her always having difficulties in her daily mobility. Pray for us to help her find a permanent home or a care solution here in the DR before the end of June, when we return to the States.
Dora and her accident have me thinking about the number of different ways that my life, and those of other loved ones I know, have been disjointed.
Disjointed.. like my efforts to understand and speak Spanish. I am continuing to build my Spanish vocabulary but struggling with my speaking confidence during our five month stay in the DR this year. But I honestly admit that it’s slow going, because my approaches are “lacking in coherence”, “not well connected” and therefore my results are “often confusing”, and “not presented in a smooth or logical way and are therefore difficult to understand.”
I can laugh at this example, but it’s often frustrating and even embarrassing for me to not be able to communicate with people I am working with, or when I want to connect with people at a deeper personal level, or when I need to manage an important task out in the community. I know the efforts that I need to make to become proficient in my conversational Spanish. Efforts to prioritize greater time for daily study and practice. Yes, I need to get more “immersed” in Spanish if I am going to experience the confidence and joy of better communications. Yes, I know I am living here… but they speak so fast and loud… I am intimidated!
It’s clear to me that being disjointed isn’t a desirable “state of being.” When I think about it, this insight applies equally to other area’s of my life. Disjointedness can be present and a description of so many different aspects of our lives. Whether it relates to; the path of our careers, how we go about accomplishing home/apartment/flat projects, having to deal with chronic pain, illness, and death, our plans/efforts to save for our retirement years, the state of our family and/or personal relationships, you can fill-in more areas…but maybe most importantly, the state of our spiritual relationship with God.
For me, disjointed right now looks like … living in two different locations/countries during the year, managing the complicated logistics of not having a US based home to store our personal belongings in that we didn’t move down to the DR, struggling to keep adequate contact with family and different friends around the world whom I love, making decisions about different opportunities to serve others, and experiencing different sabbath worship traditions.
Disjointed… like entering that stage of life that includes wanting to make adjustments in my work load requirements (since there are fewer work-travel opportunities after COVID, it has made some assignment decisions a lot easier) and making decision about beginning to access some of my retirement options.
Disjointed… like losing precious family and loved ones that were so essential to my everyday life. This week I have been grieving with Wednesday’s news of the passing of our dear courageous friend, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and awesome basketball enthusiast, Mike Oliver-from Maitland, FL, Athens, GA, San Anselmo, CA and finally, Birmingham AL. Yes, my life has had many ways of feeling disjointed.
I have to admit that this combined disjointedness, this sense of “lack of continuity”, “not presented in a smooth or logical way and therefore, hard to understand”, has made my continued spirituality growth challenging in the past several years. I have felt disjointed in my relationship with God.
When you step back and think about it, can any relationship be deepened and thrive if it is disjointed? A quick Google search confirmed for me the belief that while long-distance relationships (LDR’s) can initially be extremely difficult to establish (40% fail within the first three months and one source quoting research that only 16% of people are currently in a successful LDR’s), they can be equally successful in the long-term. One source identified the three factors of; loneliness, lack of trust, and lack of communication, being the major contributors to the failure rate of this and any kind of “disjointed” relationship. So, wouldn’t the concepts apply in reverse… any relationship that focuses on good communication, trust, and time together…stands a high percentage chance of being successful?
I think many folks look at “a relationship with God” like they do with a long-distance human relationship. “He” isn’t visibly present and not frequently audibly heard. Holy Scriptures say that He is known to speak quietly and in subtle ways that we will easily miss, if we don’t turn down the noise around us and aren’t tuned into His voice.
Being disjointed in our understanding, communications, commitment to God will definitely make the relationship feel NOT; connected, smooth, orderly, clear, or logical. In other words, if we don’t make consistent time to connect with God through the various means of spiritual practices, if we aren’t clear or logical in our requests, and have a willingness to listen to His replies and direction, is it any wonder that the disjointedness with God will lead to us to feeling alone, frustrated, confused, and struggling?
“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55: 8
I don’t know about you but I think I am often to blame when there is a breakdown/dislocation/disjointed communication… in my daily walk through life with God. I believe that I can be quite sufficient in my daily life, thank you very much. Relying on my own abilities and ideas. So, I set up an Long Distance Relationship situation with God.
This is completely opposite of what Holy Scripture instructs us:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all way acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
During my first weeks here in the Dominican Republic I’ve read John Mark Comer’s book Practicing the Way, which is about discipleship and seeking an authentic relationship with God. Comer (a Christian) presents the insight that we all are “disciples” of something or someone–a keto diet, reality TV, work success/recognition/titles, following “The Royals”, curating the perfect social media presence, a favorite performer, a bigger bank account, a political preference, our children/family, social/eco justice issues… and sometimes even our faith preference. On Tuesday I read in Comer’s book:
“Of course, the greatest paradox of Christian spirituality is that it’s in dying that we live, it’s in losing our (false) self that we discover our (true) self, and it’s in giving up our desires that our deepest desires are finally sated.” page 213
And just a few pages John Mark adds:
Life is hard, with or without God. But what’s really hard–nearly unbearable for some– is facing the pain and suffering of life apart from God. So is trying to save yourself rather than be saved. Living in a godless, shepherdless, meaningless universe–that’s really, really hard.” (page 215)…” “So, rather than question, ‘How much am I willing to surrender to Jesus (God)?’ ask yourself honestly, ‘How joyful, peaceful, and free do I want to be?’ ” page 216
A reflection form Holy scripture agrees,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:28:
Once you’ve answered Comer’s question of “How joyful, peaceful, and free do I want to be?” the next one is likely, ‘What do I need to stop doing, to give myself the space to do the drawing near to God… so that I can enjoy the outcomes that are promised from connecting with Him?’
There are likely hundreds of thousands of books written about methods (historically referred to as ‘disciplines’) for enriching spirituality. You may be very familiar with the ways to become closer to God. Some of subscribers of this websites have attended one or more of the women’s retreats that I helped lead over the past two decades. Retreats where we stepped away from all that was our “regular lives” for a committed time to practice ways to incorporated many of the classic and contemporary means of growing closer to God. Scripture tell us:
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8
So, you likely know this, that in order to have time to get spiritually reconnected with God (to read, study, pray/meditate, journal, worship, fast, silence, music, serve…), you have to disconnect (become disjointed) from the things that distract you and take up your precious time and focus.
What are the desires of your heart? What are you currently a “disciple” of? Is there “clarity” and a “smooth and “logical connection” between your life’s “discipleship” and the outcomes you desire most? Is your life “disjointed” so you’re not living your life in a way to reach the real desires of your heart? How can you best “reconnect” to live your best life, now? What can you eliminate that is distracting you from time with God?
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37: 3-4
I am committed to “doing less” to allow for more time to live in such a way that God can heal the areas of disjointedness in my life. I pray that you may want to (continue to) join me in the journey to answer these questions above and then put the answers in to practice.
Let’s delight in the Lord, because that is why He created us, human kind. We were created to be connected with Him, to worship Him, and to enjoy Him forever….not to be disjointed.
The word “connections” was calling to me this past week. So I Googled the definition and this is what I found according to Vocabulary.com. It includes:
(noun) a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it.)
(noun) the process of bringing ideas or events together.
(noun) the act of bringing two things into contact.
(noun) an instrumentality that connects.
(noun) shifting from one form of transportation to another.
(noun) (usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship) “Connection.” Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/connection. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
This past month here in the Dominican Republic(DR) has been filled with examples of our need for one of the above definitions. We needed one right after another. From the search for an important doctor’s referral, to needing consistent internet in order to lead virtual training, to coordinating logistics to participate and celebrate a dear friend’s doctoral success, to searching for our lost cat, Lulu just yesterday. Yes, one challenge right after another.
The “connection” image on Calle Duerte in Santo Domingo that sparked this entry.
The word “connections” was brought to my attention when I saw this mess of an electricity pole in the capital city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on this past Sunday. This pole sits right outside of the hotel we stayed at, on a barely-one-way-street, in the old Colonial Zone. Compared to all the lovely sights in this beautiful part of that huge city, “What an eye-sore” was my first thought .
For some reason, I felt compelled to take a photo of the jumbled dozens of lines all converging on this one poor overloaded pole. I wondered and yeah, I even prayed about the word “connections” and why I felt compelled to capture this image. Something about it begged to be contemplated. It didn’t take long to start to make my own mental and spiritual “connections” to this ugly pole. It was less than 24 hours later that we received a distressing message that brought out in me all kinds of questions, anger, disappointment and eventually a bit of personal conviction about the significance of “connections”.
Here are some of my revelations. Just before we left to spend five months here in Buena Vista in the north central mountains of the Dominican Republic (DR), I was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic with an autoimmune condition called Morphea Scleroderma. It is the over production of collagen that causes the inflammation and hardening of the body’s interconnectivle tissues. Untreated, it can cause disfiguration and limitation of joint movement and if it become systemic, can affect the lungs, heart, kidneys, etc. Because my localized version is treated with steroids and immunotherapy medication, it requires frequent follow-up with bloodwork (to make sure the meds aren’t damaging the very organs they are trying to protect) and adjustments managed by visits with either a dermatologist, oncologist or internist. Thank God it is nothing life-treating at this early stage.
However, since it took me a month with; two urgent care visits, two rounds of antibiotics and steriods, two consults with Mayo’s internal medicine department, two rounds of bloodwork, a set of x-rays, an ultrasound, and finally a consult with a biopsy of my forearm with Mayo’s dermatology department to diagnosis it… I was very skeptical that I would be able to quickly find a physician down here to help me start the recommended immunotherapy routine that I needed. You know that there is always a seed of truth in stereotypes, and in Latin American things are typically known to move at a much slower pace (unless you are talking about how fast they drive) than they do in the US. Not getting started soon on the needed medication was very concerning to me.
But thanks to some of our Young Life International (YL) ministry friends here, Roy and Rebe, we were able to get a “next day” appointment with a very tenured dermatologist at a hospital in Santiago, just an hour away from our home. Thanks to Bruce’s proficiency in Spanish we found Dr. Duran to be knowledgable and her prescribed protocols very similar to my Mayo docotor’s recommendations. She referred us to both an extremely efficient lab, only 15 minutes from our home in Jarabacoa, which provided us same-day digital result reporting, and a pharmacy located just around its corner. So, I started my needed medications the very next very day. What an amazing “connection”!
Following up on the theme of the Latin American stereotype of things being slow, my financial consulting work here the past three weeks has been the beneficiary of good “connections.” This time related to the internet and my ability to work virtually from here in Buena Vista. Thanks to the work of Domingo, the local handyman who knows a lot about a lot of electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and all-things-house-repair related, we had an inverter system installed before we arrived for these five months. Because the power flickers or just goes down here for random reasons, we knew it would be essential for us to have reliable internet in order to work from here. And it works! After running two two-day programs, and Bruce using it constantly for work Zoom calls and “visits” with family and friends, we are confident that it will continue to support our work well. Another thankful “connection.”
Our choice to have a home here in the DR, and to use it as our living/work base for a substantial part of each year, primarily revolved around “connections” and the powerful sense of community that we feel here. If it weren’t for the vitality of the work our YL colleagues are doing here and their warm invitation for us to come, experience it, and become part of it, we would have missed out on seeing how God is changing lives in the DR, including ours. The basis of Young Life’s ministry is one of personal relationships with each other and the focus of helping young people begin and grow their spiritual relationship with God. This mission has been going strong since 1941.
My husband Bruce in the kitchen at Young Life’s camp Pico Escondido. It’s amazing the delicious things they can make from green bananas!
On one of the first years that we were introduced to YL was in Nicaragua where we met a young, 19 year-old ministry volunteer, whose name is Hollman Mendoza. My husband, Bruce, and I have been blessed to be supporters of Hollman’s ministry, to work side-by-side with him across Nicaragua, and be part of his growth from a Club leader to a Regional Director to the first native National Director, to now serving as Vice President over all of Mexico and Central America through Panama. We have had the honor to host Hollman in our home in Florida, for him to meet and become a special friend with both of our children, Will and Kate. Hollman gave Will a flag of Nicaragua that was proudly displayed over Will’s bed while he was in his internal medicine residency down in Miami.
We’ve seen Hollman not only grow professionally but personally, as he is married to a lovely woman and father to two teenage children, all living and serving currently in Costa Rica. It has been a treasured “connection” for our family for many years. But the “connection” has not stopped.
It was about six months ago that Bruce (The Reverend Doctor and ordained Presbyterian pastor) was contacted by Hollman and asked if he would be Hollman’s doctoral advisor for his dissertation. Bruce felt honored to be asked and subsequently worked with Hollman to finalize his research and get it prepared for his in-person defense. To Bruce’s surprise, Hollman notified him just a few weeks ago that, in order for his doctorate to be complete, Bruce would need to be present for the questioning time at his dissertation defense meeting, in Santo Domingo (2.5 hours away). So, after more planning meetings and logistical coordination, we drove to the nation’s capital to be ready for meeting. That is were I saw the pole of “connections” and that is where Hollman successfully defended his work and will officially receive his doctoral degree in ministry at a graduation ceremony in April. We couldn’t be prouder of him and of this special relationship “connection”.
Hollman Mendoza celebrating his doctorate with Bruce and me.
While in Santo Domingo, on the eve of Hollman’s dissertation defense, we received a text from home in Buena Vista from the gal, Dinorah, who was watching our almost 11 year old grand-cat, Lulu for us. Lulu had somehow gotten out and hadn’t come in for dinner. We don’t know how it happened but there were several folks coming and going, working on the house, and by the time we got home she had been gone, with no one spotting her, for 48 hours. We were devastated. The sitter felt awful, particularly after she found a bunch of Lulu’s fur on a neighbor’s back porch, apparently from a cat fight. There are lots of stray cats around, as well as dogs, large birds, and fast moving cars and motor cycles. And Lulu doesn’t have her front claws, so she can’t defend herself very well. Heavens, she is a spoiled suburban house cat, what can you expect? Well, I am ashamed to say, that I didn’t expect much.
Lulu helping me prepare to teach a virtual banking course from Buena Vista, DR. She loves the warmth of my computer. No she isn’t spoiled.
I literally screamed some very un-pastor’s-wife-things at God from the backyard… I felt totally defeated and overwhelmed. I guess it because I have lost so many family members (Will, Dad, Mom, Brother-in-law Colin, Aunt Patsy) and friends in the past few years (El’s husband Pete, Victor’s daughter Kate, Lisa’s sister and brother-in-law…) that I didn’t felt I couldn’t handle it. I had just had it.
Yes, I know in my head that God loves me, has the best plans for my life, can accomplish anything that is in His will… and he has blessed me with so many dear ones to love, but the accumulation of all the loss, change, and uncertainty felt crushing. I guess… I guess I felt abandoned.
Now, I know some of you know Lulu and know how “hissy”, “biting” and aloof she can be, so you are likely rolling your eyes at my reaction. I know you can’t empathize with me. But I was a wreck and I am not proud of how I handled myself and my grief.
After I sobbed, hugged the cat sitter, Dinorah (who is, we just found out, married to Domingo the repairman), and her mom, Theresa (who happens to be married to the community’s security guard Jose… now there’s a story of “connections”), I decided I couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing. So, I walked about the neighborhood calling her name, and weeping… As I wondered our gravelly roads calling for Lulu, I felt ready to just give up… everything.
One of the main gravel roads in our neighborhood.
The huge bags under my eyes that are still present the next day, were evidence of how gut wrenching it was mourn Lulu’s disappearance and almost certain demise… on top of everything else these past several years it felt like “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Questions were running through my head like: ”Why live and love and lose, when it hurts so bad?” ”Why did we buy a home down here? What difference does my work and our ministry efforts even make?” ”What difference would it make if I weren’t alive any more?” ”Would things not be a lot easier to not even try to make “connections” or a contribution anywhere, ever again?” “Should I check on flights and head back to Florida as soon as I can pack a small bag… and leave behind everything that is part of this new life and service down here?”
The fury I was in and the questions that were blazing through my head and heart were really frightening to me. It felt like everything in my world was coming un-hinged. ”A crisis of faith”, it has sometimes been called. Or “A dark night of the soul. ” Or “At the end of ones rope.” “Whatever”… was about all I could muster when I could finally catch my breath.
So, I returned home from my neighborhood walk to unpack my suitcase from the Santo Domingo trip. Angrily tossing things haphazardly in to my drawers… and slamming them. While railing at God some more about the cruelty of life and stomping myself silly on the tile floors, I heard a voice calling out from our back patio. There was Chiquito, our pool/yard man (yes, we have one of those folks down here, also… he multi-tasks by keeping an eye on things while we are in the US). While he rambled excitedly to me in his Hatian-laden Spanish, I picked up a few words, something about “………….tu gato.” “My cat”???? I replied, and in my poor Spanish and then asked if he had seen my cat, and he said “Si” and was pointing across the neighborhood. So I said “nos vamos”, let’s go… and I took off following him.
On the way we collected Bruce off one of the side streets where he had been looking for Lulu and the three of us cornered her, hidden under someone’s front porch, stuffed will a real estate sign and all kinds of old construction debris. After much coaxing with food, poking at her with a long pool brush pole, and a concerted effort to keep my voice calm and inviting, she eventually came out and we carted her home.
Thank God that we begrudgingly hired a yard/pool guy for when we aren’t here, who ended up being the one to spot Lulu and therefore, help us bring her home safely. Thinner, a bit skittish, and with a small cut next to her right eye that were the only evidence of the events that Lulu had been through. Yes, many thanks for our house-helpers and our neighborhood guard who were all the “connections with connections” we needed to find Lulu.
Lulu sporting her scratched face, back home.
Lulu licking her wounds under a neighbor’s porch.
Tauren Wells singing “Hills and Valleys” for us at Young Life’s every four-year global meeting in California in early January.
On the road from Buena Vista to Santo Domingo, the Cibao Valley.
However, the cumulative result of these “connections” for me felt much more significant. It was that apparently I needed of a humbling reminder that even though I’m currently living on an island, I am not an island.
The Englishman, trained as a lawyer, then who became a soldier and explorer, who went on to be best known as a writer of love poems and finally an Anglican cleric, John Donne. In 1624, from “Meditation XVII” in his book Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, Donne penned this classic piece that is referred to as “timeless wisdom”, as part of a documentation of his sermons.
Here is the part of a sermon that as been most remembered down through history.
“No man is an island, entire of itself;every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends’s or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne (Itsallaboutpoems.com)
Our home on the island of Hispaniola is in Buena Vista, is just a little south and west of La Vega.
No, I am not an island. I can’t do life all myself and there is one main “connection” that I should go to first, but embarrassingly, as a person of faith, I sometimes don’t. I mistakenly think that I can rely on my own knowledge and experience to achieve whatever it is that I think I need to do. This sin of self-reliance was made so clear this week.
Yes, I was in need of a huge reminder that with a “connection” to God, to put my trust in Him as my main connection, it is the only way to have a life best lived. A life centered on God, is the only way for me to walk in the will of God. Without that centering it is impossible for me to see the events of my life and the world around me with any measure of perspective. I need to be “connected” to God to make the most of my time spent with those around me, and to leave me feeling centered and at peace. These hard past few years have left me raw and feeling like I can’t expect much good to be possible in my life. But with God’s “connection”, I can trust that through Him all is possible. He is the only one who can!
So, in wanting to make Donne’s quote accurately complete, I started Googling more about this famous quote and about the author. I was very surprised to find out from a number of sources, that you will see cited along the way, that this piece is considered a meditation on death, and that it was written to share the insight that all beings are one with God. (Quartz.com) It is thought to mean that we do not live by ourselves without the help and presence of others and “that we always need a shoulder to lean on especially during tough times” (Brainly.ph). None of us can live a healthy life on our own but we are created to be part of a community, and that community is what defines our existence.
The websites I read today (yes, thanks to my inverter and Domingo) said that the book Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, was written just a couple of years before Donne’s illness and eventual death. At the time of its writing, in November of 1621, Donne had been elected dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. A key part of Donne’s role as Dean was to “contemplate the relationships between men and God”, exploring the interconnectedness of all people. John and his wife (before she passed) lost three of their own 12 children. So, he was well acquainted with death and brought those insights to his faith in God and to his writings.
This famous piece of wisdom is considered an ode to community, togetherness, and the collected potential of the “connecting” the different parts of the community. It has become one of Donne’s most known and celebrated works, apparently influencing (“connecting” with) generations of writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway.
As I read today on Commonlit.com about this specific sermon and its significance, I found it spoke exactly to where I was struggling yesterday and am painfully still aware of today. I am going to use, to their credit, some of the headings from their discussion, as a way to organize, reinforce and challenge myself about the “connections” that I am sharing.
Journey along with me to see how this literary analysis could shine some light on your own life.
Symbolism Of Islands
Most obviously, Donne uses the metaphor of an island to represent isolation and self-centeredness. By using this parallel-path of “no man is an island,” he urges us to leave behind the life of isolation and to connect with the broader world.
In what ways do I lead a self-centered life? What connections do I have with people who live and believe differently than me? How can I connect with others near me in a deeper way? What would have to change in the way that I live for this to happen? What might it like look like for my life if, instead of isolating myself, I made those types of “connections?” What benefits would there be to living more “connected” with this broader life perspective?
Unity of Humanity
The writing emphasizes that we are interconnected and should not isolate ourselves. It suggests that everyone is a part of a larger community and relies on others.
So what would happen if I just stopped trying to help others/make a difference? Isn’t it tempting to want to isolate ourselves with all the destructive things that are happening around the world? How might others be relying on me? Are there ways that I can be of greater use to others? What do I do with this insight?
Interdependence
Donne’s writing expresses the idea that we depend on each other for support, both emotionally and socially. The actions and experiences of one person can affect the entire community.
If that so, what difference am I making as I try to live faithfully and honestly through my struggles? Who could be I reaching out to with support during a time that is very difficult for them? What needs do I have that I need to ask for help to resolve?
Empathy
The piece encourages us to have empathy and understanding with one another. “It suggests that we should feel for others’ joys” (like Hollman’s successful doctoral dissertation defense) “and sorrows” (like the way many of you have come around us at our times of loss) because, in the end, we are all connected.
How can I express my feelings with love and compassion for those who hold different opinions than me? How can I open myself to “feel” what others are feeling so that I can celebrate with them or comfort them more authentically?
Donne’s meditation reflects on the inevitability of death. The phrase “no man is an island” is a reminder that we all have a limited time on this early, and the loss of one person is a loss for us all.
So, I wonder if I would be missed if I weren’t living anymore. What do I think people would miss most about me and the life I live if I was gone? What would I like for them to remember most about me? What do I need to do differently if I want to leave a legacy of love, encouragement, faith, ____________, ____________, _____________?
Social Responsibility
“No man is an island” conveys a sense of social responsibility. It implies that we must contribute positively to society and should not withdraw from our responsibilities.
What responsibilities do I still have to fulfill, while I have days left on earth to do so? How may God use me to make a positive difference in my community? Who can I invite to join me in what I am doing to help the social fabric of my community/the world?
Spiritual Connection
To the secular world, Donne, is considered “a metaphysical poet”, because he added the spiritual dimension to his later writings. This piece “connects” the physical world with the transcendance of God. It also emphases the existence of this spiritual “connection” among people. So, I understand this to mean a “connection” with a Holy God, and a “holy” connection with others.
How am I “connecting” spiritually with those around me? Am I looking past the exterior to appreciate the uniqueness of them as an individual uniquely created by God. Am I being spiritually present to them, listening to what God has for them to share with me and sharing the Godly insights He gives me with them?
I think that my word of “connection” this past week, ties to encouragement of my needed “connection” with the community(ies) that I currently find myself living in as well as the ultimate “connection” with God. I need to trust that God’s “connection” is strong and steady and that it is working for my good. I think the word of “connection” has helped me see that as of today, I am still alive so I will be my best by “connecting” with others to mutually benefit us. I can also use my many “connections” for the good of those around me. Including people and situations that I have yet to encounter.
Holy scriptures tells us that:
That God is the “author and perfecter of our faith.” He specifically works at that ‘perfection’ of our faith through hard times… if we are open to His “connection” and we allow Him to transform our hearts. This is a key lesson that I have been taught this week.
“He (I) will have no fear of bad news; his(my) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Psalm 112:7
That God desires to “connect” with us and that he wants to help us.
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear: I will help you.” Isaiah 41: 13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillippians 4:13
That His love for us is beyond comprehension.
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. King David in Psalm 13: 5
Like in other “connections” we need to be open to feeling, hearing, seeing the “connections” he desires because God doesn’t shout to be heard. By putting ourselves in quiet places, we can “hear” the words he has for us during the “connection” time.
Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. Zechariah 2:13
He is thrilled when we take time to look for Him, to seek communications with Him… in nature, when we read His holy word. He desires us to pause to speak to us, to transform us.
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4
God loves to use other people that we “connect with” to provide us with wise insights and motivation on the journey we call life.
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” Matthew 11:28-29
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Hy heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28: 7
Yes, God is the most proweful connection that brings all other connections into significance. So go out today and “connect” in a hopeful, loving way with God and others.
It’s that time of year when you don’t have to look hard to see all the signs of the holiday season. I noticed Christmas decorations on the shelves of local stores in the month of October, even before Halloween! Remember when retailers waited until December?
In the month of December my favorite radio station played non-stop the classic songs as well as new remakes of holiday favorites. They are even conducted a contest to vote for our favorite holiday movies. With the cold weather arriving, taking one look at the sweaters and accessories folks are wearing , or glancing at the monthly beverage specials at the coffee shop or your favorite restaurant…you’ll know… ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
But don’t forget it’s Hanukkah, too. Menorah’s abound near store registers, along with the gold chocolate coins and books like; Did Jew Know?: A Handy Primer on the Customs, Culture & Practices of the Chosen People by Emily Stone and Hanukcats: And Other Traditional Jewish Songs for Cats by Laurie Loughlin. And I would be holding back if if didn’t share with you my favorite Hanukkah song by one of my favorite jazz artists:
Yes, it’s been easy to pick up on the signs of the season. However, this fall it was different kinds of “signs” that I caught my attention and imagination. Across the 4,600 miles we drove on our fall RV trip, I received some parallel reminders of what life can hold.
When we started off the five-plus-week road trip on October 6th , the weather felt like summer. The daytime temperatures neared 90 outside of Jacksonville, FL and the heat followed us up the eastern seaboard into South Carolina. Steamy and buggy conditions gave us no indication that we would soon get any relief from the seasonal south. Why does it seem to linger unmercifully longer each year?
It wasn’t until we passed through North Carolina, almost crossing into the state of Virginia that we started to feel like we needed to change out of our shorts and sandals and consider some jeans and closed-toe shoes.
The first signs of fall appeared when we climbed out of the RV in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where we were greeted by a cool brisk breeze. Bring out the sweatshirts! The first sign of fall.
Muted Fall colors and dropping leaves didn’t appear until we reached the state of New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, PA. With nighttime temperatures dipping in the upper 40’s it was time to put the flannel sheets on the bed. But it wasn’t until we drove across the (who knew) very long top of the state of Maryland and entered West Virginia, that we confidently knew that it was fall. Not only did the calendar say it was mid-October, but the colors, the temperatures, and the dip in humidity were all in agreement.
This is the part of our drive that it occurred to me, how I often need undeniable proof that something is real before I believe it. So, as we traveled across the country, some of the questions I started asking myself went something like…
“Do I rely too much on external events and ‘signs’ to point me towards a spiritual reality before I accept what is “true?”
“Where does my faith in God relate to the everyday navigation of my life?”
“What if I am ‘not seeing any signs’ of God’s direction right now?”
“If I don’t see signs, does that mean He isn’t real?”…” What do I do?”
One thing I have learned about myself, after decades of teaching analysis courses for banks, is that I am a visual learner. So, it wasn’t but a few minutes after the above questions about signs started running through my head, that I noticed the literal road signs that we were passing.
Like this next picture I took of road signs (yes, we are moving in the RV so the focus wasn’t the greatest and some of the formatting limitations (or my own) on the tool used here for publishing Onparallelpaths is not what I wanted ), but you’ll get the picture! 🙂
Section I: Directional Signs
Yes, the signs show that the road curves ahead to the left and there are guard rails and additional arrows to direct the traffic. It occurred to me: “Wow, what I would give to have those kinds of clear signs and protection in my life!!” I’ve felt that I have sometimes just barely missed one of life’s curves and have scrapped my way around one of the “guard rails” in life. Can you relate?
So, there I was on I-97 through West Virginia, when a “holy moment” from God happened, as Matthew Kelly writes in his book entitled Holy Moments. It was a precious moment when God reminded me that He has indeed been, and will always be, my ‘protective guard rail,’ and that His holy scriptures are my life’s road signs to follow.
The sweet moment of affirmation and conviction morphed into an obsession for me to see what other literal road signs we would pass and how I could see and hear some deeper meanings for the signs. Talk about making the travel time go faster!
Have some fun with me and listen for some spiritual insights for yourself:
Before I make big decisions and even manage day-to-day priorities, where do I seek my “travel” information to live the day?
Do I lift-up my heart in prayer to make sure I am seeking God’s will?
Do I just follow my regular routine regardless?
Am I on the right road to where God wants me to go?
Am I reading holy scripture, listening to wise friends, looking at His creation with an open mind, heart, and ears to hear God’s latest updates?
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
“What to do now?” Which of these coming turns lead me toward what is best for me? Scripture says:
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
1 Corinthians 14:33
Then why am I sometimes confused? Do I seek the Lord’s wisdom about which way to turn at an upcoming intersection…? “
Scripture also says;
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. “
Matthew 7:7 NLT
There have been times in my life where I have felt like I am just going around in circles… about a decision that needs to be made… about moving on from a past hurt… about a situation/conflict that hasn’t been resolved, or a habit that I really want to break but am not finding the will or way to do it.
What keeps you going around and around?
How have you learned how to stop the endless circling? Who could you share this insight with?
Life sometimes brings situations where we must keep going ahead. As much as we would like it, we aren’t allowed to turn back. Scriptures says:
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Romans 5: 3-5 NLT
God’s “don’t turn back” signs are intended for our best futures. And anyone who drives a vehicle knows that you can’t drive ahead well by looking backwards.
I haven’t found it always easy to know the right direction to go in life. There are many ways God has pointed me in the “right” direction in the past. What ways has he used to direct you? How did He show you the “sign”?
Was the direction:
A bit of wisdom from a friend…
Inconvenient circumstances that end up being a blessing…
Making a tough decision that wasn’t popular with those around you but one that was morally and ethically sound…
Was it following the commands from holy scriptures even though you didn’t feel like it?
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
Matthew 6:33 Amplified Bible
It is always a good feeling when we are given an open way out, just as another way has closed. This is exactly what has happened for both my husband Bruce and I, when we have experienced life or work situation “trainwrecks” and God has pointed us toward solutions that were satisfying and financially sufficient to meet our needs.
When have you or someone you love experienced the one-way-closing and the blessing of another one opening?
I think I often overreact to bumps on my road of life. I tend to make them out to be some sign of something more serious, than a dip. Maybe it is a bit of PTSD from past “crashes”, but if it is really just a bump, they aren’t permanent, just a momentary occurrence. “God, give me the grace to slow down and to take life’s dips and bumps with greater flexibility and patience. Amen”
“Stop” is clear directional sign, isn’t it? Even as children, we didn’t want to be told to “stop.”
Has that changed as you’ve gotten older? What if stopping isn’t what we want… for a relationship… a career… our physical capabilities… our mental abilities… our spending habits… our volunteering passions, or even our very life?
Stops can be frustrating and devastating experiences. Stops can also be experienced as a break, a chance to reassess our life direction, an opportunity to make a positive change in our trajectory. A reset.
What have you learned about yourself and possibly, God’s will for your life, when you have come upon a stop sign?
What has happened to you and for you when you have embraced a “stop” in your life?
What can we do when our wants and God’s call to “stop” don’t align?
This sign above gave me the biggest laugh of the trip. The crazy thing is that this wasn’t the only one like this on the highway. There were many of these on this stretch of road. I don’t know about you but, when I pray for clarity of direction, I don’t always get a quick or obvious answer. God knows that I need and that I appreciate information about where I am to go. So why then do get a blank directional sign just like the one above?
Like this road sign, there are many things in our world that aren’t helpful for making good life directional decisions. We can’t necessarily rely on what we read, see, or hear around us. Thank goodness Bruce and I were using a good GPS app on during this part of our drive. We didn’t have to be frustrated by the empty signs. Likewise, we all could benefit to have God as our “life GPS”, to guide us safely and efficiently where He wants us to go.
If you look closer at this photo above, you’ll see the smaller indicator signs that there are lane shifts ahead. I think that I often miss the small, quiet messages God sends about my direction, looking only at the big picture of what is going on around me.
Our daughter Kate challenged me this summer to “be more present.” Sure enough, sometimes I don’t see the upcoming ‘lane shift’ signs until they are right in front of me… even sometimes on a bright orange sign that matches the construction safety barrels of life!
While I have found that “lane shifts” tend to be last minute pop-up type signs, I’ve noticed that curve signs in the road of life are normal and should be expected. I have learned that there are always changes going on around me and are therefore, things that I need to change in my life. Life never seems to run in a straight path.
My life hasn’t gone according to my plans. How about yours? Even on a daily basis, I usually don’t get things done on my “to-do list” in the order that I write them. Like the curves for a literal road add beauty and character to traveling through the scenery, so can changes on the curves of our lives add to the richness of the experience.
Curves require that we slow down and focus on the directional turns in our lives. Slowing down gives us time to anticipate and appreciate the reality of “now”. Even if we are being nudged over in a new direction, the slowing down ensures we are safe and can see the beauty of a different place or pace. Curves prompt a feeling of curiosity for a different view from around a bend. If life’s road was predictably straight that wouldn’t be the same experience. There wouldn’t be the same joy.
I’ve learned from my Kolbe consulting work over the past ten years that each of us deals with change and the unexpected curves in life differently. Some of us thrive on change and the opportunities for creativity and new experiences. For others, the curveballs of life’s changes can provoke a sense of danger which can be anxiety-producing. There are time were all us long for the stability of a steady and straight road ahead.
How has “an unexpected” curve brought you joy, a challenge to overcome, a liberating new perspective, or a blessing?
Likewise, how has a curve brought you fear and anxiety? How have you navigated this hard curve?
How has a curve helped you grow into who you are right now?
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
We humans aren’t always naturally patient, are we? We want to get ahead, be first, be rewarded, be on time, not be late, not be held back. Whatever!!!!
When have you learn about yourself and others when you were held back from “passing”?
Section II: Warning Signs
These warning signs remind me of some key lessons I have learned on life’s roadway.
Take the sign above that helps to identify poison ivy on the edge of a hiking trail. I have learn that it is very important to be able to identify those things, people, situations, habits, and even certain medications, food, and beverages, that can cause us discomfort and pain.
I am learning that this includes some personal boundaries that I established so that I can reduce “poisonous” thoughts, words, interactions, reactions, or indulgences. Being more present is causing me to pay more attention to when signs of warning show up.
That is a kind and thoughtful sign message with the warm brown mixed in with the caution…
Roadway warning signs often contain the colors yellow, orange, or red… depending on the degree of severity of the potential danger.
This one is more direct …and definitely not as urgent as the next sign. Notice the use of a lot of white and some red on this one compared to …..
Yes, this one is most imperative, made of mostly red and a little white and posted in duplicate!!!!
I have gotten this “Wrong Way” sign before. Have you? Sometimes I appreciated it and sometimes I did not. Therefore, sometimes I have paid attention to the sign and other times I didn’t.
I don’t know about you, but in hindsight it would have been easier to have honored the sign before I… entered a difficult, unhealthy, stressful, financially damaging, fill in the blank… relationship, job, situation…
When have you received this sign and chosen to obey it? When have you realized that you failed to honor the sign?
How I wish that it was easier to identify the detour signs in life. Detours are necessary when the road to where we want/need to go gets blocked or comes to a creeping crawl. Gosh it would be nice to embrace the detours instead of being frustrated by the command to “yield” or to obey the “diversion”.
If only I could quickly acknowledge to myself that I will ultimately be allowed to get where I “need to be”, I would be much less anxious about my life’s detours. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “What was that (name the detour) all about?” “Why have I had to go through this?”
“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8: 27-28
Not all detours are negative experiences. Some of life’s most surprising and pleasant experiences have come when I’m diverted/rerouted in a direction that I didn’t intend to go.
What surprises (people, job skills, knowledge, network contacts, places to live, travel to experience…) have you experienced from your detours in life?
Here’s a warning sign of another temporary delay. When I see one of these I can anticipate needing to slow down, take a deep breath, and be prepared to wait. It can be a remind to myself that “next time” I need to allow a little more time to get where I am going. I usually don’t leave much margin for delays in my life, so building in extra time reduces my stress and gives me more time to be present.
If you haven’t read the prior On Parallel Paths edition, Epilogue: Overstuffed, you may want to read that next. It is all about what the lack of margin can do in your life.
Speaking of lack of margin, I can relate to this one…being too overloaded with burdens and commitments that when I hit a curve in life, I run the risk of losing my footing on the road. Since I have moved through my entire life tending to over-commit myself and my calendar, moving at a fast pace, I have eventually learned to recognize the “signs” of being close to my tipping point.
My signs are things like restless sleep, quick to aggravation, fault finding, and overreacting.
What are your personal signs of being “top heavy”, with the load you are carrying and the pace you are doing life?
There are some unusual signs that you can see on life’s roadway:
What are some of the signs that you’ve “seen” that are indicators that you need to be alert because there may be something unexpected coming your way that could be dangerous if you encounter it?
Are there some signs that make you smile?
Don’t you wish you could have experienced the warning of this sign… before the hard stuff hits you?
I must say that when I saw this sign below, I felt uncomfortable. We don’t have this one in Florida and you might not either.
Do you like the thought of someone watching your comings and goings?
Do you feel like you behave the same regardless if someone is watch you or not?
Do you slow down the minute you see a police officer or sheriff on the roadway?… because (like me) you are likely going a feeewwww miles over the speed limit.
The reality is that we are always under God’s “video surveillance.” He knows the number of hairs on our heads, He know what we think, what we do, and what we say. Yikes!!!
How does reminding myself of this impact how I will live today?
What needs to change to allow me to cruise down the highway of life, with joy and hope and without fear, guilt, and/or regrets?
One thing in life is certain… that we weren’t created to live solitary lives. That’s what I got out of these three signs. That whether we like it or not, we need others. And we need to figure out how to live with each other. This has been a challenge for humankind since the beginning of time.
I have been blessed by so many merges with people around the world that have made the journey down my road of life such a joy. And of course, I have merged into others or others have merged into me and the interaction wasn’t as pleasant.
Fortunately, most of those difficult interactions have been few and brief. I pray, “Lord, help me look for the beauty (holy moments) in the interpersonal mergers that will come my way today. And “Lord, help me keep an eye out for oncoming traffic that could cause a crash. Amen”
Life does consist of some “crashes.” I don’t have to look back too far to see them in my life. After a crash, I have found it important to step back and reflect on what led to it. Have my own investigation.
It may be my analysis training in credit risk management over the years in the financial industry that has led me to believe this. Or maybe I do this because I want to “know the why” behind something.
Because crashes can be painful, literally, physically, interpersonally, and usually spiritually. If I can help it, I sure don’t want to have to repeat the same crash a second time. But I’ll admit that when I haven’t learned everything that I needed to learn from a hard lesson the first time, I seem to be allowed additional “opportunities to master a topic”. Not an “exit” that I ever immediately find joy in having to visit. But we are encouraged to see the “crashes” as growing opportunities.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, 1 when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Not all stops are damaging or frustrating. Stops can be peaceful and provide us with much needed relief. No pun intended, but I hope you smiled!
It’s important that the pace of our lives, not just on the flat-land-maintaince-mode level, but that we each get an opportunity to “coast.” Oh, how sweet that feeling is when everything feels easy and light.
Praising God and everything around me is so easy when I am in a coasting stretch. Traveling in the RV reminds me of other coasting times in my life… often marked by some of these signs of fun and diversions.
Life can’t be constant work and obligations. God created us to need time to unwind, relax, and be nourished. Daily we need; sufficient rest, exercise/movement, and healthy food, water, and beverages. There are times and certain places where we are allowed to pause and “unload”. Times to get our “maintaince light” checked out and a tune-up conducted.
We all need a weekly sabbath day, work holidays, and maybe even trips, so that we can get loaded back up with energy and a positive perspective to keep going on our journey.
Time apart from the daily routines and the same scenery, can enhance our creativity and reawaken our senses: time to connect with the God of creation, to connect with others through the benefits of prayer and worship, to spend time playing games, to share your heart with a good friend or counselor, or to take a nap.
Make use of healthy ways to lighten your life’s heavy load.
Which of these have you made use of in the past?
Which of these might you consider utilizing now to better deal with what life has you carrying?
There are wonderful benefits to our mind, body, and spirit when we take the time to enjoy the opportunities to coast during our life. Whether they be out in nature on various types of equipment and vehicles, connecting with creation, or if it is expanding our minds with places and things of historical significance, or appreciating the artistic creations of other humans. There are many wonderful ways to experience some rest.
Maybe it is the physical pleasure that the mixture of adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin from physical activity, or the visual pleasure that we enjoy taking in the overwhelming variety of scenic road and waterways that cross our country’s landscape, or the spiritual urging that arise when we appreciate how God is showing-off in the moment. It all can be wonderous if we take the moment to acknowledge it.
Which are your favorite signs of diversions that you like to follow?
Yes, there are many intersections with God, and those people and opportunities that He has deemed important to put on our path. When I see an intersection ahead sign, I know I will likely need to slow down, yield, or maybe even come to a stop. I’ll need to make a choice.
And sometimes if I let my life’s pace move too fast… for the load I am carrying or if I begin to feel too confident in my own abilities and agenda, God will often give me a nudge with “a sign” to slow down, shift into a lower gear, or look for an emergency exit…
When the steep grade of doing life leaves you breathless and you feel like things are getting out of control:
What are the signs in your life that you need to slow down, shift to a lower gear, look for an ‘exit ramp’ to guide you to a safe stop?
Yep, this was a good reminder that God’s been there to slow me down and give me a more graceful “exit” to His way and priorities. His way of thinking and doing promises better outcomes, rather than allowing me to crash based upon my own self direction and pace.
Where in your life have you seen God put out His protective hand and guide you off the road to pause or send you off in another safe direction?
As long as we’re living and breathing there is more to the journey for us to experience. Until it is our last moments on earth, we are given the nudge to keep going.
There are so many opportunities, to learn, serve, appreciate, support, improve, and live. So, continuing to keep the mind, body, and spirit active is critically important. So, “Move it or lose it” the saying goes. With the amount of caregiving, I have taken on the past four years, and since have entered the last 1/3 or less of my life, this “keep moving” truth is one that I resonates deeply with me. If I “don’t do” now, I “won’t be able to do” later.
So, back to the signs of the holiday season that we are wrapping and my reason for having hope in the guidance and salvation of a living God: Over seven hundred years before Christ’s birthday, his coming to earth to show us how to live and give us eternal life was prophesied and recorded, n the books of Micaiah and Isaiah in the Torah. Here are just a few of the verses that reference Christ’s birth:
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf.”
Micah 5: 2
“Then Isaiah said, ‘Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore, the Lord himself will give youa sign: The virginwill conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a]together; and a little child will lead them.”
Isaiah 11: 1-6
Then in the New Testament of the Holy Bible we read:
“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.’”
Take some time during the remainder of this holiday season, as we start 2024, to step back and be more present:
What are you seeing, hearing, sensing?
What do you think the “signs” are saying to you?
Take special note of the blessings that God has given you. How can you celebrate them?
How can you make the most of the curves, detour, merges, yields, stops, and even crashes, that you are currently dealing with?
This holiday season, it become clear that I need to pay more attention to the signs around me… that God has placed there for my best interest. I know that I need to be ready the enter this new year with an openness to yield, shift lanes, beware of bumps, and follow His occasional instructions to not turn around, to reduce my speed, and even stop. I know I’ll need to follow signs that I don’t want to follow and that I’ll also have opportunities to enjoy coasting, merging, detouring, and resting. I know that I need to be committed to being obedient to God’s directions because His Word says that’s what’s best for me.
I pray you will continue to join me in 2024 as we look for the life road “signs” that God has for us. And that by doing so, we will know in our hearts that God is loving, good, safe, but sometimes challenging in our life’s journey. It’s all for the best.
Wishes for good health and peace to you in 2024! I look forward to traveling with you again soon, Onparallelpaths.
P.S. This was my 2023 Christmas song dedication to our son Will, with whom we would give anything to have another Christmas.
On Parallel Paths 