How Long, O LORD?

Do you ever struggle? Have you ever looked around, and wondered if you make a difference in the world? Have you ever asked, "Does anything I do matter?" A lot of people yearn for significance. They want to know that their life has meaning and purpose. Sometimes it even feels like God has forgotten us.

Even David felt this way:

"My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?" (Ps. 6:3, NIV).

"How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (Ps. 13:2, NIV).

It is easy to get swept up in the circumstances of life, and to lose sight of God's grace. I have been twice reminded of God's goodness in the last 24 hours. In truth, I am reminded of God's grace continually, but it doesn't always leave me praising God in wide-eyed wonder.

Both blessings I received left me praising God for his goodness. I was reminded once again of God's care. He has not forgotten me, nor has he abandon me. He sees me. He knows me. He loves me.

What will it take for your eyes to be opened to God's great love for you? If you have wrestled with throwing in the towel, I urge you to wait. God is faithful, he will not forget his people. Draw near to him. Call out to him. Remember: he sees you, he knows you, and he loves you. These trues we learn as we study the cross (see Rom. 5:8). Don't stop praying. God is listening, and he won't wait forever to answer.

A Little Laughter Eases the Journey

We had a short unplanned road trip this afternoon. As we drove along through beautiful mountainous terrian of eastern Kentucky, we talked. At some point in the conversation we started to laugh. At about the exact moment we began to laugh Sophia blurted out, "Bo, Bo, guy, guy." She understood our laughter to be an indication that we thought "Bo, Bo, guy, guy," was the world's funniest joke. Taking our laughter as a sign of encouragment she began to repeat "Bo, Bo, guy, guy," over and over again. She would say it loud and soft, high and low; she would even say it with enthusiasm. Each time she said it we would laugh, and the she would laugh, and then we would laugh. For about twenty minutes are car was converted into a laugh factor, complete with our own little comedian.

The sound of her laugh make my heart bubble up with laughter of its own. It causes me to slow down and enjoy the life that God has blessed me with. It also reminds me to pray for the parents in this world who have list their children, or who have had them stolen away, by wicked people. I know the sound of silence can be deafening and maddening, too. It reminds me to pray for those who want to forego children for the pursuit of some supposed "better" life-a life unencumbered by children. But a life without children fiinds its burdens at the end, because there is no one there to help bear them. I am also reminded to pray for those who want children, but haven't been able to. Infertility is a heavy burden to bear. I pray that you all have a child's laugh somewhere in your life, because it is the sound of blessing.

A Heart's Delight

I love the sound of Sophia's laugh. It's infectious. Her smile has the power to change a mood and avert trouble. For the most part, she is very easy going. Some mornings start off lazy, with me and Sophia cuddling in my chair or sitting on the couch. She loves to hug and be hugged. Some days are filled with chases. There is almost always time to read, and usually time to watch some cartoons. She even tries to help me with the chores.

I am learning a lot about myself. I have even found myself resetting some of my priorities. It feels like I am becoming a gentler person. The way she says, "Daddy," makes me feel like a king, and makes me want to be a nobler person. Everyday I scrutinize myself more closely, to make sure, as best I can, that I am living what I teach. I want her to know that the Lord is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory. He is worthy of our all, and I want her to see that in my life. I don't want to do anything that would drive her from the Lord.

Quite simply, I love being a daddy. Sophia is a joy, a true blessing from the Lord, so was Ellie. We hope to blessed with more children in the future. Sure there are sleepless nights. There will be spilled drinks, thrown food, vomit and the like. There will be heartaches and headaches, and moments when we don't see eye to eye. But there will also be celebrations and laughter and love.