Why do people resort to violence?
What is our place in this violent world when we are half a world away from the killing?
What does my nonverbal adult son really think about? And what would make him really happy?
Is "dandelions" too silly of a painting to find a home?
How can we find joy when there is so much hurt? Should we find joy?
How can my husband's shoes and boots be so big and take up so much room on the floor?
Should I go pick up that dog that needs a home?
People resort to violence because people are sinners -- we all are. We can pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We can pray for people to be protected. And we can be open to helping in other ways if we get the opportunity.
I don't think I will know what Hawken thinks about or even wants until he talks to me in heaven (unless God heals him here on earth and I am still alive).
dandelions might be too silly to find a home -- maybe it is the grandparents in the picture. I mean what was that grandfather thinking sticking his arm up like that? And that grandmother -- has she actually looked in the mirror? That hair is the color of a fire truck!
And we can find joy no matter what. We in fact are called to find joy in every stage of our lives -- even when others are hurting. Last Sunday
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."
Solomon isn't justifying war or hate or killing in this passage. He is reminding us life is full of these kinds of seasons. God, who never changes, made our lives to be lived out through seasons. Seasons do not last forever. They will end.
In Romans 12:9-13 Paul writes, "9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
We can start there -- love, serve, rejoice in hope; patient in tribulation, "be constant in prayer."
Praying really does make a difference. We often can't see how it is working, but it is.
I can't change the size of my husband's feet or shoes or boots, but since they were all over the front porch (it really isn't a porch, but for some reason we call it a porch) and drove me crazy this morning, I actually got the porch and all the boots and shoes organized (at least for me). That meant I even threw some stuff away (no, Honey, I promise I didn't throw away any of your boots or shoes); and I even swept! Even under the bench!
And about that dog. I just don't know. Getting another dog is like getting a child. Her eyes are so gentle, but she is a Rez dog and that could mean anything. We shall see.
My son has nonverbally told me he needs my attention so I shall close for now. Rejoice! Rejoice in the life God has given you even if it is filled with challenges currently because it is a life that he tailored just for you. You wouldn't be happier in a different life. Truly. Or if you got to change lives, pretty quickly you'd want yours back.
My son is insisting I quit typing. Again, he is saying with some noises he needs my attention. So, I gotta go. Thanks for reading! And pray. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.