Monday, October 24, 2011

What if...?

Just some thoughts to ponder on a Monday afternoon...

What would the world look like if all started living like we mean it? I'm not naive. I know that the world we live in is a rough, ruthless place a lot of times. Trust me...I know. But really, what would the world start looking like if we started going against the flow? Not for the sake if being a "rebel." But for the sake of living a life with purpose and meaning.

Like looking people in the eyes and telling them that we love them. Like asking for forgiveness when we've screwed up. Like starting that business that you've always dreamed about. Like trusting a friend enough to share a deep, dark secret. Like telling someone you're going to pray for them...and then really praying for them...and then following up with them because you really do care. Like opening your home to a kid who's in desperate need of a loving family to care for him, unselfishly. Like loving someone, anyone enough until your heart breaks for them when they are struggling.

Tim McGraw is not a cheese-ball for singing a song like "Live Like You Were Dying." That song doesn't have to be something I just tear up to when it starts playing on the radio and then forgotten about. No...I'm choosing to live life to the fullest...making sure the people I love know it, fighting for the friendships that are worth it, and trusting that the God of the Universe is going to give me enough, every day I'm here, to live like I mean it.

What will your world look like if you live like you really mean it?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Oh gently lay your head...

I just had a beautiful moment. Grant is in a cuddly mood tonight. It's a rarity. He sat in my lap after dinner and let me tickle his back while we were watching tv. I took him in to the bathroom for his bath. Poor kid just cried because he didn't want to sit in the water. He has a beast of a diaper rash after eating cheese enchiladas last night for my chosen birthday dinner.

I took him out of the water, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, put on his pj's, and started reading him a book. Normally, he lasts about 7.5 seconds before he gets distracted, we say a two-sentence good night prayer and he gets in his crib. This kid WILL NOT be rocked to sleep. He would much rather do it himself.

But tonight...it was different. We read an entire book entitled "I Love You More Than Rainbows." (Absolutely precious book, p.s.) I turned out the lamp and rocked him. I started singing.

Oh gently lay your head upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
The tide can change so fast but I will stay
The same in past, same in the future, same today


I am constant, I am near, I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise, I'm the only one who knows your heart's desires
Your heart's desires.


Oh weary, tired, and worn let out your sigh
Drop that heavy load you hold 'cause Mine is light
I know you through and through, there's no need to hide
I want to show you love that is deep and high and wide


I am constant, I am near, I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise, I'm the only one who knows your heart's desires
Your heart's desires.
(Jill Phillips)

I had tears rolling down my face. I fight just like Grant normally does. I don't want to be held. I don't want to be rocked. I don't want to lay my head on His chest. I can do it myself. Yeah...right.

Do you know how much I love that kid? You mom's out there do. You probably love your kids the same way. And you know what? The amount I love him is only a sliver of the amount Jesus loves him...and how much Jesus loves me. It is not HUMANLY possible to love another the same way and same amount He loves us.

Oh gently lay your head upon my chest...Oh weary, tired and worn, let out your sigh...Drop that heavy load you hold 'cause Mine is light...I am peace that shatters all your secret fears...

Sounds good to me.