Marvin

 November 5, 2020

What a relief after four years, to not be continually bombarded with political propaganda. We move from election predictions to election results to election challenges, all in the space of a few days. You gotta love it! 

I read that stuff, but don’t pay it much mind or give it undue attention. William Wilberforce once commented on a fellow member of Parliament who had a mental breakdown; “Poor fellow; he never ceases from political ruminations.” Wilberforce went on to remark that had his friend engaged in regular Sabbath-keeping, “the strings would not have snapped.” I think we have a lot of people whose strings have snapped these days. So instead, tonight, I am thinking of, and thankful for our friend Marvin.

Marvin is an Amish friend who today began work on our ground floor laundry room. The foundation is dug, and the forms for the footer are in place. Hopefully tomorrow, we can have the footer poured in readiness for laying up block. He works fast, so I anticipate by this time next week, it will be weathertight. 

We’ve been waiting all summer for this project to begin. Like everything else, it got put on hold due to COVID. Work stopped in the spring, then people started getting stimulus checks while being laid off from work. They had both money and time; projects that had been placed on the back burner for lack of one or the other suddenly moved to the top of the home improvement priority list. Supply and demand kicked in at the same time as the lumber production and supply chain skidded to a halt. Marvin’s work was backed up, and we waited. Lumber is vastly more expensive than it was nine months ago, but God has blessed us with enough to pay the difference, and we are excited.

The strange thing for both Linda and myself is that we’re not accustomed to spending on ourselves; it took us quite awhile to decide on this addition even though we know it will pay off a few years down the road when we (mostly she) don’t want to be navigating our steep cellar stairs daily for laundry. 

It’s really quite simple. Most of life is lived close to home. The big issues certainly have an impact, but no matter how the political scene changes, we are going to keep loving each other, taking care of our home, and doing our best to serve the Lord in whatever way we can. A laundry room is pretty small stuff, but we are thankful for the molecules as well as the galaxies of life, and tonight we are thankful for Marvin.

We Voted

 November 4, 2020

I haven’t watched the news or read the paper today, so even at 5:00 pm, I don’t know how the election turned out, which enables me to tell the following story with a clear conscience.

One day, Jim died unexpectedly, and upon reaching the Pearly Gates, an old man in a plain white robe greeted him. “Welcome, Jim! I’m St. Peter; so glad to see you!” St. Peter took him gently by the arm as they strolled over to where a huge book lay on a golden stand. “That’s the Book of Life,” Peter said. “There’s just one problem.” A look of panic crossed Jim’s face. “No, it’s not that, St Peter assured him. “It’s just that a new, and hopefully a more equitable policy has been put in place.”

“We want to make sure your stay here is to your satisfaction,” St. Peter said, “So, we are offering a trial stay of three days here, followed by three days in “the other place.” So come on in, and take the tour, see the sights.” 

Well, this was news to Jim, but not seeing much alternative, he agreed, and walked on through the gates into heaven. As he had anticipated, it was pretty nice; people sitting on clouds playing harps. He was impressed with the streets of gold, and in one of the mansions, he noticed a small party where people were busily polishing their halos, while others were tuning up for choir practice.

Three days later, St. Peter found Jim checking out the tailor shop, to see about getting fitted for a robe. “Your three days are up, so it’s time to check out the “other place,” Pete announced, leading him across the street to what looked like an elevator. “Don’t trip over that gold curb,” Peter warned. “We don’t want you limping your way into the “other place.” They’ll think we don’t take good care of you here.”

Jim wasn’t sure about stepping into the elevator, but Peter gave him a little shove. “In you go!” he said cheerily. “After three days, you can come back here and let us know which you prefer.” He closed the door, pushed the “Down” button, and whoosh, Jim felt the floor sinking beneath his feet. He couldn’t tell how long the descent took; all he knew was this elevator was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Suddenly, it slowed to a stop. Trembling, Jim put his hands over his eyes as the door opened. 

When he finally dared to look, to his amazement, he was looking out upon a scene of incredible beauty. To his left, a golf course that would put the Augusta National Course to shame. Straight ahead was the clubhouse with swimming pool with hot tub; the most beautiful women he had ever seen were laughing as they sipped martinis, clad in the skimpiest of bikinis.

“Ahem!” Jim looked to his right, where stood a handsome gentleman, impeccably attired in a tuxedo, flashing a smile revealing the whitest teeth he had ever seen. He was tall, dark wavy hair, diamond ring on his finger, holding a tray with a drink on it. “I’m the devil,” the man said, which startled Jim considerably.

“No red suit, horns, tail, or pitchfork?” Jim asked incredulously. 

“Of course not,” the gentleman responded. “That’s the stuff of wild imagination, meant to strike unnecessary fear into the hearts of the gullible. I’m also your tour guide for the next three days. Take a look around. You won’t be disappointed.”

Jim stepped warily out of the elevator. “Is this some kind of joke?” he asked himself. “Of course not!” the devil answered.

“You know my thoughts?” Jim asked.

“I know a lot of things,” the devil answered. “You’d be surprised. Come, now; it’s time you had a little fun!”

Jim spent the next three days, drinking, gambling, cavorting with these delectable young women, playing the best golf he had ever played. All too soon, it was over, and the devil came sauntering up to him. “Time to go now,” he said somewhat sadly. “You have to go upstairs and make your decision. I hope to see you again soon.”

Jim stepped into the elevator, and as quickly as he had arrived downstairs, he found himself back at the Pearly Gates, standing before St. Peter.

“Well, what did you think? Pete asked meekly. “Have you made up your mind? Remember, this was only a trial. Once you choose, it’s for eternity. Choose wisely.” Jim didn’t hesitate.

“I hate to break this to you, St. Peter, but it’s really quite boring around here. No drinking, no golf, no beautiful young women. I think I’d rather spend eternity downstairs.”

“Are you sure?” Pete asked. “Remember, once you’ve chosen, there’s no going back.”

“I’m sure,” Jim responded confidently, whereupon Peter’s countenance changed. A sadness crept over his brow as he walked Jim back to the elevator.

“Sorry to see you go,” he said. “We’ll miss you here.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll be just fine!” Jim countered, then stepped gladly into the elevator. He pushed the “Down” button, and again it felt like the bottom dropped away, until moments later, it slowed to a stop. The door opened. Jim couldn’t believe his eyes. There were flames everywhere. People were crying out in agony.The heat was unbearable. Before him stood the devil in full demonic regalia—red suit, horns, tail, and pitchfork. His maniacal laughter sent shudders down Jim’s spine. “I—I don’t understand; what happened? Where is the golf course? Where are the beautiful young women, the swimming pool, the endless martinis?

The devil looked him over with an evil smile. “You don’t get it, do you? Well, let me tell you: Yesterday we were campaigning. Today, you voted.”

Wisdom Come Lately

 November 3, 2020

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5-6 

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”            —Proverbs 11:14 

I wonder how much grief I could save myself if I actually paid attention to the wisdom of the Scriptures. How many times have I charged ahead with my plans, having failed to slow down and take time to consult the Lord and the many wise people he has placed in my circle of friends? And how often have I received counsel that I simply ignored? I couldn’t count them all, but believe me, they are more than enough. There are certainly times when decisions have to be made quickly and decisively, but there are plenty more when there is more than enough time to pray, to reflect, and to receive wise counsel.

I sold my digger today—the towable backhoe I thought I’d use for all sorts of projects. My friend Rell had told me I probably wouldn’t use one that much. Years ago he had one mounted to his tractor, used it a few times, then sold it after it sat for a few years. “Make sure you get a loader; you’ll use it all the time. But a backhoe—not so much.” Ignoring his sound advice coming from actual experience, I instead watched YouTube videos of guys doing all sorts of nifty stuff with them, scoured Craigs List and Facebook marketplace, and finally found what I was looking for. I drove to Massachusetts to get it, towed it all the way back home last year. Let’s see...I buried three dogs, dug a hole for a small apple tree, and dug out a small ditch for pastor Joe. 

After initially paying for it, I rebuilt the carburetor, bought a tire tube, a battery, and five gallons of hydraulic fluid, finally selling it today for a couple hundred less than I paid for it. I had planned to dig out the footer for the laundry room we want to build, but the controls are touchy, and having pulled the wrong lever too many times while doing these open country projects, I could see myself crashing the bucket through our basement wall. I’m hiring the project, and hoping to have learned my lesson. To be honest, I suspect I may have to learn the hard way a few more times; this old brain can be pretty thick at times; but the help is here in my lap if I will only open the Book and pay attention to its wisdom. And it won’t hurt to listen to wiser men than me. If I can do that, there will be much for which to give thanks in days ahead.

Winners and Losers

 November 2, 3020

Millions of people will wake up soon delighted with the outcome of our presidential elections. Millions more will wake up disappointed. Whoever is elected president, many of the Christian persuasion will be convinced God’s will has been done, and many others will wonder how God could have allowed such a travesty to have taken place. We all will vote according to our consciences, but we must remember that our consciences do not necessarily reflect God’s will. Neither do elections. God’s will is not open to popular vote. It never has been, never will be. 

During the American Civil War, someone once remarked to Lincoln to the effect that God was on the Union’s side. Lincoln responded by saying that the important thing was not whose side God was on, but whether or not he was on God’s side. The same is true today, so lest we become arrogant if our choice wins, or despondent if our man loses, we would do well to remember that God’s will is not a particular candidate, but “ to “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with [our] God.” —Micah 6:8 NKJV

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” because it isn’t yet happening, and will not magically start happening with the next administration. God’s will is spelled out quite clearly in Scripture when we are told to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in everything, to abstain from immorality... “for this is God’s will.” 

God willing, tomorrow I will vote. I will choose as wisely as I know how, but I will not assume I have the mind of God, nor that my decision reflects his will. God has often done strange things; things I would not have in my limited wisdom chosen. He has often led me where I would rather not have gone; places of bewilderment, difficulty, trials and tears. He has also led me in paths of righteousness, valleys of contentment, beside still waters. I have been comforted in the storm, but make no mistake, God is often the One who blew upon the waters, stirring up the sea till I cried out to him, “Master, save me!” And this same one who calls me out to walk upon angry waters, lifts me when I’m sinking, and calms the storm. I will cast my vote, but I will also trust that whatever the outcome, God still rules with Christ at his right hand, and I can still live by the power of the Holy Spirit in peace, joy, and gratitude.

In Control

 November 1, 2020

In two days, we will cast our vote. We will have listened to, or ignored, countless tv and Facebook ads, email bombardments, bulk mailings, and robo calls. For most of us, none of these will have made much, if any, difference. We believe the candidates we favor are better than the other side, and can give lengthy reasons for that belief. People on both sides of the aisle are predicting absolute disaster and catastrophe if the other side wins, stoking ignorance with fear. 

I could be wrong, but I doubt many of those predictions will prove accurate, and even if they are, there are better and more important things in life upon which we should be setting our hope. Daniel was a political prisoner. His country had been overrun by the world power of the day, and as a promising young man, he was chosen to become an advisor to the emperor...sort of an insurance policy for a potentate who was unsure of his power and needed a variety of input to make wise decisions. When the emperor’s fears surfaced in a dream, Daniel was brought in to give advice. He did, but it probably wasn’t what the emperor wanted to hear.

“[Yahweh] changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.” —Daniel 2:21

Do you see it? God still rules. If we ever imagine that our cause will fail if our man doesn’t get into office, it is a sure sign that our cause is not God’s. We make our choices as best we know how, but God is still God. 

Today is All-Saints Day, when we honor and remember those who have finished their earthly race and have joined the Church Triumphant. Revelation pulls back the curtain of God’s plan to reveal a bit of what is already happening in heavenly places. Listen to them:

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”” —Revelation 5:11-13 

Those matters which loom so significant today will someday fade into insignificance. So pray, vote, but also give thanks no matter what the outcome for the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ who is still Lord of lords, and King of kings.

All Saint’s Day

 November 1, 2020

Two nearly three hour drives and gathering to say our final earthly goodbyes to mom made for a wonderfully blessed day as we listened to the testimonies of mom’s faithfulness and influence in the lives of so many, but it also left me pretty worn out at the end of the day. Oddly enough, neither my nor our dog’s biological clocks reset with the return to standard time, so 4:45 had us both wide awake. And it had me thinking.

Yesterday’s activities pretty much cancelled Halloween for us. No kids at our door, no cider and donuts for their parents who come in and sit down to talk while their kids play. I didn’t even think much about it being Reformation Day, the 503rd anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing his 95 Thesis to the door of the Wittenburg church. Lutheran or not, most Protestants trace their lineage back to this great, often crude, man whose courage made him a target of the then-powers that be. He had his flaws, as do we all, but this heretofore unknown monk unwittingly at the time, set in motion events that literally changed the world. We remember his name, but easily forget the names of the powerful elites of the time.

We are two days away from an election pundits are claiming will have disastrous consequences if their candidate loses. “The end of the world” is a battle cry that has been repeatedly shouted from the rooftops since time immemorial, but so far, it hasn’t happened. It’s true that the world as people knew it has often passed away. Empires have risen and fallen, often in surprising collapse and with unspeakable horrors inflicted upon ordinary people. One such collapse in particular, draws my attention in these predawn hours.

Rome was one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen. Its civil order, military might, system of public works, literary and artistic excellence made it seem invincible and as they believed, eternal. But it fell to what they called the Barbarians, not because of the latter’s greater military might, but due to its own internal decay. And in those turbulent times, an African Christian wrote a commentary on this mighty empire’s collapse, a work that still stands as one of the greatest Christian treatises of all time: Augustine’s City of God. It is a lengthy work covering many topics, but all a statement of his conviction that though earthly empires rise and fall, the kingdom of God is forever. It is a good reminder on this All-Saint’s Day, when we celebrate the lives of those faithful ones who have gone before us, showing us what faithful living is all about. Mom was one of those to those of us gathered yesterday. She wasn’t a mover or shaker in this world (although she often moved and shook mine as I was growing up), but it is on the foundation and through the lives of so many minor players that God’s greatest work is done. Today I honor her as she spends this first All-Saint’s Day in the majestic Presence of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. The things of this world which we so foolishly believe to be so important have shrunk to their proper size in the light of eternity.

When All’s Said and Done

 October 30, 2020

I know how this will play out. I’ve prepared as best I know how, but tomorrow when it’s all over, I’ll think of something I wish I had said. There’s no way 98 years can be adequately honored in the space of an hour. But it will be better than many funerals I’ve done. I’ve buried children, suicides, accident victims, indigents, young and old. The saddest are when the funeral director calls, asking if I can do a service for someone I’ve never met. “They aren’t church people,” he would say. “But they need someone. Can you do it?” I always did if I could, but rarely did I feel good about it. When you don’t know someone, there are any number of minefields into which you can wander, and I always asked if there were areas better avoided. Grief has a way of bringing out the best...and the worst in people. So many of those funerals ended up being sadly generic, no matter how much I worked at ferreting out biographical information from the family. It was even worse when no one showed up.

People have often asked if it is harder officiating at the funeral of a family member or someone I know well, and I have to say, “It’s different, but not hard.” I suppose much of that stems from my unemotional personality. It will hit me, but perhaps not for days, weeks, or even months. In the meantime, there are so many stories, and I don’t have the corner on the market. The grandkids will share and I’ll proclaim the Gospel. We will celebrate with tears a life well lived, thank God together for this woman whose faith and love helped shape us into the image of Christ, and when it’s all said and done, there will be more, so much more that could have been said.