The Good Life

“I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10 NLT)

I just saw a video clip on social media. A bunch of young women are lounging in an infinity pool. The camera pans to show what looks to be an expensive house sitting atop a hill. Many of the comments were from those who aspired to this type of lifestyle. There was a time in my life where I desired similar pleasures and the admiration of others. 

This video made me realize how far I had come over the years and how much further I need to grow. These days, a ‘Good Life’ still involves avoiding suffering. I do not want to be in pain or hurt others. I do not want to stand by while any living being is harmed. I still seek pleasure--only the sources have changed. Loving relationships, nature, puppies, books, etc., make me happy. Authenticity, virtue, purpose, wisdom, understanding, truth, kindness, altruism, courage, discipline, health, love, trust, quiet, privacy, peace, and resilience are all valuable to me. However, I am still far from where I need to be. My life is still mired in earthly ideals. My heart  is still far from experiencing complete satisfaction in the presence of God.

“What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!

    I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,

Always dreamed of a room in your house,

    where I could sing for joy to God-alive!” (Psalm 84:1-2 MSG)

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Sacred Cooking

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT)

I remember the first and only time I ‘played house’ as a young child. The other little girls showed me how. We would pretend to cook, dust, feed the dolls, sleep for a minute, and then, get up and do it all over again. After the first cycle, I decided that I never wanted to play this boring, repetitive game.  

For the last twenty-five years, I have been a homemaker. I can’t say I have developed a love for the domestic arts, but I have learned how to do what I need to do efficiently. I plan the meals, buy the groceries, cook, wash dishes, wipe down counters, and then, do it all again the next day. I saw it all as mindless and monotonous work that just needed to be done. Holidays were the exception. I really enjoyed celebrating with special foods and making memories with my little family of three. 

I’ve had a change of attitude lately. I am beginning to realize that every day is holy and taking care of others is sacred work. I take a minute to center myself before I start cooking. I remember to be grateful for the onions as I am slicing them--even though they make my eyes water. I pray for my family’s health as I sprinkle turmeric into everything, whether it is an Indian or Italian dish. I watch my husband and son at the table as they eat. I ask the Lord to bless and nourish us, to fill and satisfy us. Afterwards, as I clear the table, I silently repeat the following verse:

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Everyday Blessings

“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.” (Psalm 23:2 NLT)

Lord, I thank you as I run

For the beauty I take for granted:

Hay bales in the pasture

A frog croaking by the pond

The shade from the birch tree

And lungs that still breathe

Lord, I thank you as I clean

For all that You have supplied:

My own comfy home

Smooth wooden floors

Brooms, soap, and water

And a body that still bends.

Lord, I thank you as I cook

For the light from the window

The tomato from the garden

The fragrance of basil 

Simmering in the deep pot

And a family that still gathers. 

Lord, I thank you as I study

For the wisdom from above 

Books, paper, and pens

Quiet time and a cozy chair

Curiosity to learn 

And a brain that still works

Lord, I thank you as I sleep

For letting me rest in safety,

Peace, privacy, and tranquility

Clean sheets on a soft bed

Streaming dreams before sunrise

And a husband who is still close. 

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What's My Motivation

“All the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant.” (Philippians 3:7-8 MSG)

Much of my writing centers on topics of faith. As such, many would assume that I am always sure of what I believe in and how to move forward. This is NOT the case. Like everyone else, I suffer from seasons of doubt. In fact, I have had to reevaluate many of my belief structures lately. Many of the things I once thought were so important, now seem insignificant. My reasons for doing things a certain way no longer seem valid. Even my motivation for faith is being challenged. 

C.S. Lewis, in his poem “As the Ruin Falls”, eerily describes my current mindscape.

“All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.

I never had a selfless thought since I was born.

I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:

I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,

I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:

I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--

But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.

I see the chasm. And everything you are was making

My heart into a bridge by which I might get back

From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains

You give me are more precious than all other gains.”

I spend so much  time pondering and writing about faith. I want to know Jesus better...but why? My desire for peace and reassurance is a strong motivation. I admit my faith is mercenary. I see the chasm between where I am and Selfless Love. The bridge across this gap is rickety and broken. I have to pay attention before each step. Even as the ruins fall, the pain brings me closer. The cycle continues: My devotion waxes and wanes. God rebuilds and guides through forgiveness, love, and grace. 

The Gift of Uncertainty

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

When discussing the 2020 quarantine period, the difficulty of dealing with ‘uncertainty’ seems to be a recurring theme. Will I get sick? Am I taking the  right precautions to keep my family safe? If I get the virus, will there be long-term damage to my body? Will the economy collapse? Will we be able to pay our bills? When will things get back to normal?

Making plans for the future and looking forward in anticipation is a big part of what keeps us motivated. A sense of agency--an awareness that we are able to initiate, execute, and control our actions--feels empowering. However, uncertainty makes us feel hopeless and helpless. Fuzziness about the future leads to confusion, anxiety, and a sense of imbalance.

Can anything good come from times of uncertainty? When we are unsure about our power to manage and direct our circumstances, this can nudge us toward God. The less we feel in control, the more we reach out for help. The more we learn to trust God, the more we lean on Him for balance. We become less concerned about where we are going, when we will get there, or what is going to happen; instead, we focus on Who is with us.  The feeling of uneasiness is replaced by a sense of wonder: I wonder where God is leading me? I wonder what He has prepared? I wonder what He will teach me. I wonder how He will work out His purposes? 

“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God.” (Psalm 31:24 MSG)

Conservation of Resources

“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.” (Leviticus 25:23-24 ESV)

The garment and textile industry uses massive amounts of water in the production process. Approximately 500 gallons of water are used in the production of a single pair of jeans. According to the World Health Organization, a person needs 5 gallons of water per day for drinking and basic hygiene. One in nine people in this world lack access to safe, clean water. 

I enjoy learning new things. However, incorporating new information into my pre-existing beliefs and routine behaviors is another matter altogether. Thinking about each item of clothing and what it cost to be made seems unpleasant. If I were to take into account all the ways my choices impact the environment and how I inadvertently participate in the exploitation and suffering of animals and humans, it would make me miserable. Ignorance can be blissful, while knowledge is often unsettling. 

All of creation belongs to God. Conservation of resources is good stewardship. As sojourners on this earth, we are commissioned to care for the land, water, air, plants, and animals--not to exploit everything in sight for our own pleasure. Humanity has caused much damage, but now that we know better, we can do better. 

Making an Impact

 “After the great anguish of his soul, he will see light and be fully satisfied. By knowing him, the righteous one, my servant will make many to be righteous.” (Isaiah 53:11 TPT)

I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine a few months ago. In order to protect her identity, I’m going to change her name to Therese. Therese and her husband have four young children. Her husband’s small business has lost most of its revenue during the quarantine. Therese works for a large employer, but her hours have been cut, too. It would be natural for her to be stressed out about her finances. However, she told me something surprising. She said: “Now that we consume less, our expenses are low.” I asked her for clarification. She mentioned that she has enough to buy groceries and to pay for housing for her family. The rest, she has discovered, was unnecessary all along. Therese and her family have found contentment, even while they have had to relinquish much of their previous lifestyle. 

Like many others, I have had to make some adjustments  over the last few months. While I wouldn’t call these ‘major sacrifices’, they have not been fun! Uncertainty and instability drain my energy. However, Therese’s perspective has influenced me to reevaluate what I consider to be necessary for a decent quality of life. She has made an impact without even knowing it. When we think of making a positive impact on the world, we imagine making a contribution--an addition of some sort. But in Therese’s case, her refraining from consumption and the subsequent shift in attitude made an impression on me, and I am sure on many others. If each of us inspires a few more people, eventually the spread could be exponential. Even in times of great anguish, we can see the light and be fully content. As followers of Christ, we can live righteously and influence others to do the same.