Thoughts on Tree Trimming

Seriously, my husband loves that new chainsaw.

      My husband is trimming trees in anticipation of the snow.  The last thing we need is a snow laden branch crashing onto the new roof. My job is to tidy up all the branches. We plan to coordinate a debris burn with the local fire department. All this trimming and hauling got me thinking about the organic metaphors in John 15.
     John 15:1-2 states, " I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes."  When I read this my first thought is:  I feel pruned enough, can we stop now?  The last year and half have literally brought me to my knees.  I am ready to do whatever God wants.  So,  I am hoping I can move onto verse 7:   "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."  Because Lord, I am not even asking for a job for my husband anymore.  I am praying for his highest spiritual good and whatever will serve your purpose. Amen.
    The branch pile is big.  Sweet Jesus, I hope I don't have that much debris in my soul...I don't have enough lifetime left to clear it! I do like the metaphor of clearing out though.  If we clear out the dead wood maybe we leave room for the Holy Spirit to create something new and beautiful.  I can't be sure, but that's my metaphor for today. Peace to you.

John 15:6: "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers."

Ninja Mom and The Very Steep Hill

     I live in the mountains of Utah.  My neighborhood is at about 6500 feet above sea level.  This is excellent news for future road races out of state.  Until that time, my hilly running route serves to fortify my heart and challenge my ideas of what is possible.  "The Hill of Death"  is a centerpiece of my training.

"The Hill Of Death" looking up

     I baptized the hill, The Hill of Death, due to its incredible, icy winter nature. If that hill is icy in just the right way you are going through the intersection whether you want to or not.  It takes some fancy winter driving to stay out of the adjacent field. As it happens, the challenges of driving the hill pale compared to running it.

Easy on the downhill, you can end up in the field below!

     When I run this hill, I become prayerful.  Neighbors are apt to hear phrases like, "Lord have mercy" and "Holy God!" springing from my parched lips. On the inside I am uttering words that would make a sailor blush. So if you see me running, please do not confuse desperation with holiness! This morning when I ran the hill, I started thinking about difficulties in our lives.  Oftentimes, when things are good, I forget to be grateful.  But when things are tough, I become one prayerful gal.
     Suffering is the classic theological question.  How can a good God let his people suffer?  How can good people forget to say thank you?  Challenges make me realize I need help.  Whether it's the "Hill of Death", a health crisis or a family problem, hard times remind me of what's important.
     Do I welcome challenge and suffering?  Hardly. I am not that spiritually evolved. However, I am more aware of the many graces and gifts that come my way.  So I say this: Take on the Hill.  It's okay to swear a little, but hold fast to prayer. Maybe the prayers of our desperate times will become the habits of our lifetimes. 

Snowy Running and Surprise Gifts

     This morning I did my 5 mile run.  It was windy and snowy.  Did I mention it was snowy? As I ran, or rather jogged along, a flurry of thoughts passed through my brain. Surprisingly, not all of my thoughts were weather related. It occurred to me that running is very much like life.

Being swift is good, but Ninjas must also be persistent.

      Ecclesiastes 9:11 reads, " The race is not to the swift."  Excellent news as my sprint would be considered another's jog or walk.  Here, I am talking about running but also spiritual progress.  It takes me a long time to learn a lesson.  In fact, I have encountered the same circumstances many a time before changing my stubborn ways, but God is persistent. Psalm 97:10 reminds me, "for he guards the lives of his faithful ones."  Notice here, it does not say perfect or swift; it says faithful.
     As the snow blew in my face, I thought about the difficulties that come up in all our lives.  Job loss, illness, separation and discord are scattered across our paths.  When these things happen, where does help come from? "I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of  heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip; he who watches over you will not slumber;"  (Psalm 121:1-3) If I really integrate this belief into my being, I will not have cause for anxiety.  The LORD does not sleep and He watches over me.  However, this does NOT mean we will be free from suffering and trials.
      In fact in James 1:2-4 we learn that God sees trials as purposeful.  "Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not -lacking anything." If I am honest, I would tell you that I have learned more over the last year and a half than I have in any other time in my life. So much in fact, that I now see my challenges as teachers. Believe me, I would not have said this before. I now understand some of the things that God has been working on all along.
     When you run a half marathon, you have to do the training to be successful. Spirit training demands the same diligence.  As I shuffled up the big hill (twice) today, I thought about the last year.  My challenges are like that steep, imposing hill, painful to go through, but great when you get to the top. Isaiah 40:31 offers encouragement: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run but not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
     I believe this is true and I am glad that His blessing also covers walking.  I may be doing some walking during my half-marathon, but I am grateful for good health. A year ago I could not walk a mile without sitting down.  1 Corinthians 12:4 says, there are different gifts but the same spirit.  Who knows, maybe one of my gifts is perseverance? Be blessed.