In Anticipation

It's as if I'm on the outside looking in

Appearance of thick skin

Unwavering fidelity

Every tear that falls

     Testing me

how long, O' Lord, how long

As the rose a gift to the thorn                                              

Pleasure and pain coexist

Who am I to question why

But a fool shall hastily pluck

     Disciplining me

how long, O' Lord, how long

Lovelier a bouquet

Patiently enduring day to day

Leaving all be trusting in Thee

Bearing hope until the day

     In anticipation, waiting 

Bucket List

     A couple weeks back some friends were mentioning their bucket list, the done and to-do again and the still need to check off.  I piped in with my theory or belief:

"I don't have a bucket list.  I figure anything I would like to do here and don't get a chance will be made abundantly opportune in the ever lasting life.  ["interesting" the comment from the one friend] So yes, buckets abundant or abundant buckets…no list required."

      I feel, deeply, this life is to deepen my soul.  With self, with others and more than anything with God; because of Jesus and via the Living Spirit.  The deeper my relationship with Him, bubbling spring, bucket not required for refreshment...whatever is set aside or tabled or not available to me here would be parching.  It's to be of no worry for it shall all and more be waiting hereafter--where time shall never be pressed for!

     Perhaps this sounds I'm off my rocker but, I must confess, this earth has nothing I want to possess or anything that I really feel I am missing by not experiencing.  It does however invite me into the robust realm of its infinite wonder.  Leaving me wanting access to all of it.  Glimpses lived while here a mere appetizer.  In waiting--imagining the beauty of so much unknown and time periods of those lived who awe me - to watch the bold, creative, mind of Michelangelo in action.  I could go on and on! 

The Lord knows my heart, so, my "bucket list" consists of what is infinite…in a world without end.  Amen.

"On Demand"

Do you remember a time you wanted something SO bad you were willing to save forever for it?

Patiently collecting any spare change, counting every day?  Excited by a quarter found on the street--making it twenty-five cents closer to your reach?

Finally reaching your monetary goal, overjoyed an understatement, couldn't get to where it was at quick enough, even if not opened yet?  Finally, just when having it in your hands was enough-- an unexpected sweetness;

     an additional 20% off at the register or something like that?

Set with me a moment and just reflect…


seems like lifetimes ago since I have felt…FELT the above contradicting feelings fully and completely all at once...really allowed myself to be with and feel all those things at once.  

                                       wow--I gotta have that, giddy

                                       impatient, why can't it be today

                                       grrr, I could just ask for the cash

                                       proud, it will be better to wait and save
                                       sad, I really wanted to go skating

                                       unique, no one else has anything like it, etc.  

Sacrifice or the thrill of the ride, if you will, "the end justifies the means."

Often for me, it was some 8 track, record, cassette tape or CD--something I didn't really need but really, really, wanted.  And played repeatedly, having to use a bit of 'elbow grease' to get to my favorite song quickly; FF-STOP-PLAY-STOP-RW-STOP-PLAY!

(how's that for progressively dating myself)

Here's the #asheepsruleofthumb 'hint and twist of lime' - is that not what I'm being called to do today? 

This Lent, it is the little things and quiet, what I want (or need) to take up and give up.

Everything now so accessible "On Demand" - being pulled away from that…

                                                           Open Invitation 

Not just for Lent--