The Joy to Come

September 1, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Over recent weeks and months, it seems that our nation and community is overwhelmed with sad news. Many are burdened with loss and grief. God’s people are not immune to hard times…but we do have hope…

The Christian life is not an easy one. We face countless hardships, trials, and temptations. We juggle the demands of family, career, and church responsibilities. We fret about health and finances. We grieve over the loss of loved ones. All too easily, we become weary and disillusioned as we question our hope and purpose.

When daily burdens become overwhelming, I love to read Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. He reminds them to not lose heart when they have trials and persecutions. He encourages his fellow believers to fix their eyes on Jesus instead of the things of this world. He writes that our troubles are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glories to come.

To gain perspective, it is essential to take time to set aside worldly cares and focus on eternal joys.

I like to envision the beautiful reunions in store for the believer. Wives will be reunited with husbands. Parents will joyfully embrace their children. Mothers will tenderly cradle little ones that were lost to them on earth. Friends and family who have been temporarily separated will come together and celebrate.

And we will all meet at Jesus’ feet, our hungry eyes feasting on His awesome and precious face.

How wonderful to know that in Christ, we have a solid hope and future! How comforting that at this very moment, Jesus is preparing eternity for us. And how amazing that our Creator actually wants us to spend forever in His presence.

Oh, what joy waits for us!

Precious Lord, how I delight in knowing that I’ll be spending eternity with You! Thank you for Your promise of eternal life. Thank you for walking with me each day, and for putting my earthly troubles into heavenly perspective.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

(From Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional, edited)

Busted

August 18, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

I tried to keep it together…I really did. I was simply swapping child-in-college stories with a friend while standing in the cheese section of the grocery store, and before I knew it, my eyes were watering. What in the world? I’m supposed to have this down-pat by now!

This past weekend, Roy and I once again drove away from a college campus…with one of our children in the rearview mirror.

I wish I could say it is easier now than in years past. But every parting is painful, a tearing of tender emotions.

Over and over we tell ourselves, “This is a good thing…it is time for this child to take this step…time for her to go and grow…”

And that’s the rub.

Growth can be painful. There is risk involved. In this case, a child is stepping out into an unknown world. Parents are returning home to an unfamiliar silence (or home to one less sweet voice). And we’re asking a lot of questions – Is this child ready? Did we adequately prepare her for what lies ahead? Will she make the bed and wash her clothes?

I have friends experiencing this for the first time and my heart goes out to them. Sometimes you don’t know how to feel. Sitcoms and movies depict parents high-fiving and jumping for joy at their new-found freedom and I won’t deny there are perks – time with your sweetheart, time to refocus and try something new, less running, running, running. God offers fresh and exciting opportunities in every life-season.

But there is also a grieving process. That moment when it hits – that a time of life is transitioning, or coming to a close – can leave a parent slightly dazed. Unfortunately, we tend to internalize our anxiety and assume we’re struggling alone, that no one else could possibly understand.

Any major change can be challenging and a child vacating the nest is one of the toughest.

But there is good news!

We have a Heavenly Father who identifies with the upheaval of our hearts. Jesus experienced times of transition with all the accompanying emotions – pain, loneliness, sorrow, uncertainty. He knows the longings of our soul and He offers amazing comfort in our confusion. He loves us, and He loves our children.

Our God is faithful. He will never forsake His people. He provides His Word, time with Him in prayer, and (if we look around), others who are experiencing similar struggles.

If you presently have a child in your rearview mirror, (or you’re in theirs) through marriage, school (Kindergarten – college), or other life-events, remember…

…you are not alone.

Father God, I know in my head that this time of transition is a good thing. That it is Your design for families to grow and change. But Lord, right now I can’t seem to get my heart in line. At this moment, I feel a little lost. I want to dig in and hold on to the past. Please, help me to remember that You are in control, Your plan is perfect, and Your love is eternal.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 (NIV)

For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9 (KJV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Ah, Vacation!

July 29, 2014July 29, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

Slipping away to the beach for an early-morning walk, I feel light rain on my face. Should I turn back? Is this the beginning of a downpour?

I pause before taking a few more steps toward the shore. Seagulls soar overhead, while waves race each other to the sand. The rain picks up a little. Again, I wonder if I should turn back. Then…

…I notice a faint streak of color. At first soft and pale, the colors deepen into the brilliant spectrum of a rainbow. Overwhelmed, my heart squeezes and I begin to sing…How Great Is Our God…

But wait…I’m in a public place. I must look pretty strange, feet in the sand, singing to a rainbow. I glance around, self-conscious.

But the moment draws me back in, and with God’s help, I stay.

And I worship.

As I cherish these all-too-brief moments, I am reminded of a couple of things. First, our Creator God can do anything. He is in control. He is bigger and stronger than any circumstance in our lives.

And second, if I had turned back when things became a little unpleasant, I would have missed a unique opportunity to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Oh Father, give me strength and courage…to be thankful for the rain.

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! Psalm 47:2

Loaded Questions

July 12, 2014July 29, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

I’ve done it again.

I’ve put that hunted, trapped look on my husband’s face. Good grief, I just wanted an honest answer to a simple question. I didn’t realize that I was asking so much. But his pained expression tells me my latest loaded question has set a new record.

All I said was, “Honey, if I died, how soon do you think you’d remarry?” and he acted as if I had said, “Honey, I’m going to destroy the computer or the flat-screen; which would you prefer?”

He finally responded. “I wouldn’t remarry, babe. No one could ever take your place.”

“Yes, you would. Anyway, I want the girls to have a mother.”

“Honey, I can’t even imagine being married to someone else.”

(Satisfied smile) “Thanks, sweetie…me too. (Pause) So…how long would you wait?”

I know I’ve gone too far when he sighs deeply and mutters something about needing to change the oil in the car.

I have a history of creating these sorts of conversations. Other hall-of-famers include: “Do you think this dress makes me look fat?” “Do you think I’m starting to look old?” “Is there anything you would change about me?”

He probably thinks I derive some sort of deranged pleasure from watching him squirm. He might suspect that I don’t even want an honest answer…I think I’ll ask him.

Oh Father, how many times have I come to You under the pretense of seeking Your guidance—and then gone my own way? Give me a yearning for the honesty and purity of heart that only Your light can give. Don’t let me cater to vanity and shallow living when there is so much reality to be lived in You.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

(Excerpted from Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional for Busy Moms)

What’s your favorite loaded question? 🙂

Providing Harmony

June 9, 2014April 14, 2015 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

The recent Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Retreat was a whirlwind of activity. I enjoyed having lunch with DiAnn Mills, Steven James, and Alton Gansky. I studied storytelling with the expert, Steven James. Had a conversation with Todd Starnes of Fox News. Stuttered through a mini-conversation with Brian Bird, movie producer. Soaked up praise and worship time with Rachel Hauck.

Starstruck? Absolutely. To the point of it being a little embarrassing.

“So, um…yeah. I, uh…think you’re awesome.” Sigh.

I found myself prayer-whining. “Lord, who am I kidding here? I’ll never be a best-selling novelist or screenwriter. And why in the world should I take a class on How to Handle a TV Interview? And Lord, my writing critiques were brutal. Everything seems wrong. I should pack up and go home!”

His still small voice broke through the gloom. Child, are you finished?

“Yes, Lord. I’ll stop whining now.”

Good. Because I didn’t call you to be a soloist. But I did call you to be part of the choir.

God used echoes of a devotion by Edie Melson to break through my pity-party. We’re not all called to be Billy Graham, C.S. Lewis or Max Lucado. Our Lord calls and equips us to be us. We are created to use our uniqueness for His glory. And not just in the writing world.

God’s choir is on a much grander scale.

He has his people providing harmony by teaching first-grade Sunday School, leading a children’s mission group, and changing diapers in the nursery. He hears the sweet refrains of a servant-hearted deacon serving the Lord’s Supper and a young pastor pouring out his life for his flock. God’s choir is rich with mothers teaching His truths to their little ones and a warrior in the midst of a spiritual battlefield counseling someone in crisis to choose life.

God calls number-crunchers and administrators, planners and servers. He seeks those willing to minister to teenagers and those with a heart for senior adults. He entrusts and equips some to care for those with special needs and others to quietly engage the spiritual realms in prayer.

He calls us to use our gifts and to join the chorus for His honor.

We do not have to carry the weight of being someone else.

Beautiful, liberating…

Harmony.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV

Unappreciated

May 28, 2014May 1, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.

Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Standing in the kitchen, my eyes taking in the chaos before me, I gripped the broom in sheer frustration. Dirty dishes littered the counter tops while someone’s half-eaten breakfast cereal was splattered around its bowl. An overflowing trashcan begged to be relieved from its load while doughnut glaze covered one corner of the floor like confetti after a celebration. How can one family create such a mess?

Fighting a rising tide of resentment, I completed kitchen duty and made the mistake of hitting the living room full tilt without bracing myself for the inevitable. Why should this room be any different? Stepping over an array of toys, shoes, and clothes, I threw up my hands in an attitude of defeat. I’m outta here…

With an exasperated sigh and a not-so-gentle close of the front door, I stepped out on the porch for a breath of fresh air. Full-blown anger was forming a knot in my stomach. Looking up into the clear summer sky, I vented with, I’m so tired of being taken for granted, Lord! Is a little appreciation too much to ask? No one ever seems to notice what I do around here. Seething, I plopped down on the top step.

The late summer sun was intense but a light breeze tickled my face, providing a respite from the heat. A few yards away, sheltering trees swayed gracefully as whippoorwills and crickets competed for attention. Our dog sat beside me, paws crossed in front, content with my companionship. In the unique beauty of His creation, God spoke.

Oh child, how many times have I touched you with a cool breeze or enveloped you with the warmth of the sun? And oh, how often have I anticipated your reaction to the brilliance of the sunrise filtering through towering poplars or the majesty of that same light as it sinks beneath the clouds at night? My daughter, who daily guides your steps and provides strength when you are weary? Who loves you with an everlasting love and forbears and forgives without end?

And then, with tenderness and compassion…I understand, child, I understand.

Oh Father, I am so sorry. I confess an ungrateful heart and a spirit of discontentment. Please forgive my selfishness. Help me to keep my eyes and my heart centered on You. Restore in me the joy of servanthood.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Do you ever feel unappreciated?

Perspective

May 1, 2014June 9, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

There are better things ahead than any we leave behind

– C.S. Lewis

Thank you, Father, that I am never alone. Your love and Your promises are endless!