COFFEE ON THE DOCK

They stand at their post as forgetful  beneficiaries sleep peacefully in their beds. They tread among explosives, dance under fire, pine for their loved ones, trade pleasures for weapons, merrymaking for freedom and precious time for posterity. Life is bravely surrendered for the sake of a nation. We the people give grateful pause. Lord, bless our soldiers and sailors; receive into Your eternal care our fallen.

Things are easily taken for granted. I know this because when something to which I am accustomed is no longer is available, I always feel surprised and disappointed. Presumption, it seems, is a constant nemesis and a headlong path to exaggerated self-importance. God’s answer? Shifting sand; nothing in this world lasts forever. Father, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. Thank You for the reminder.

It is hard to comprehend the power of the unseen; how something as docile as air can become a tempest of terror. I depend upon it for my every breath, yet in the wrong set of circumstances, it may take my life. Relationships are identical in nature. While they are vitally necessary and a cornucopia of blessing, they too, can be devastating. Gracious Lord, You must be first in every human intimacy.

Our family would often camp below the snowline on Cotopoxi, an Ecuadorian mountain of over 19,000 feet. Air was thin and there was no artificial light for miles. It is very difficult to walk on uneven ground that is shrouded in darkness. This is how it feels every day in this world for the person trudging the “narrow way”. Father of Light, shine upon my stumbling steps. Guide me to Your perfect will.

Growing up in Florida did not prepare me for ice. I was thirteen and very confident as I was being warned of its danger. At the exact moment I said “no problem” both of my feet lost footing and I fell flat on my back. Ignorance, arrogance and stubbornness make a very bad combination; there is no justification for foolishness. Lord, You are my Faithful Instructor. Purge all indifference from me.

While having lunch at an airport restaurant I watched a young mother and her child. Her obvious delight in interacting with her baby made me wonder, does God delight in nurturing us?  I remembered: “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Father, I am so humbled and amazed to think of You singing over us as You nurture our created purpose.

The pursuit of the Perfect One while still bound by the imperfection of this life is our daily struggle. Like Lazarus, we are made alive inwardly by the mighty words of our Savior: “come forth”.  The struggle to be free from the linens of death with which we were bound can only be accomplished in the same manner. Lord, help me to receive true freedom. Incline my heart to Your Word throughout this day.