Trust Issues

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, or will cease from yielding fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Trust is a funny thing. Trust is something that everyone strives to find, but for as many people who search for it there seem to be an equal number of sources providing it. Some people trust in science to provide them with answers. Others trust intellect and the rewards that come from learning. Some trust in their own physical strength and toughness to deliver them through hard times. Others trust in the relationships they have built with family and friends to help them solve problems through communication and networking. To a degree, all of these things are good and trustworthy; but only to a degree. There are clear and obvious limits to each of these things. Science can’t fully explain everything that happens. Intellect extends only as far as the learner’s studies have allowed. Physical strength diminishes over time or can be lost in an instant. Other people have independent ideas which can make them inconsistent and unavailable. The moral of the story: we can’t trust any of these things for everything we need.

So where do we turn? For believers the answer is obvious. We turn to our God who has promised us that He would provide for our every need. Psalm 91 provides a clear explanation of the power of God to defend and protect us from anything Satan and the world can throw at us. What’s more: this is not just some panic button we hit when things get too hard for us to handle. It’s a constant source of strength and protection that we live under every moment of our lives.

Some scoff at the idea of trusting in God because they don’t believe in His existence. It’s easy to see why people might feel that way. The world offers up many reasons that God isn’t real, isn’t powerful, isn’t relevant. But considering we’ve already exposed the world and its ideas as untrustworthy, why would this be any different? Satan thrives on the lie that we can do this on our own without God’s help. Don’t trust anyone but yourself. But you know yourself better than anyone. You know your weaknesses, shortcomings and fears. Can you accomplish everything you need to live here and now, let alone for an eternity in heaven?

There’s no reason to doubt the Lord. He created us, so He knows who we are and what we need. He didn’t give up on us in spite of our sin, but chose to sacrifice His Son, Jesus Christ, to make right the relationship we destroyed. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in and among us so that we would be given the faith we need to believe and the hope in Him needed to sustain us as we live lives of devotion to Him.

Consider the tree from Jeremiah 17. Planted by the waters, it has no worries when temporary weather and climate changes come. These things are a natural part of life that would devastate plants lacking sustenance. But because the tree was planted with a direct connection to the life-giving water, its survival is certain. There is no need to worry or doubt. Because the tree is so strong, other creatures will come to it to benefit from its health. And when the others discover the water that gives the tree life, they too will learn to trust in the source of life for themselves. God will use your faith to build faith in others, giving them peace, hope, and joy through faith and trust in the Him.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ― Corrie ten Boom

In A Handbasket

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10

Historians will readily note that 1968 was one of the most tumultuous years in our country’s history. I was born a few years later, so I didn’t experience this first hand. But from conversations with people who lived through it and from my studies in history classes, I can appreciate the struggles and sacrifices we made as our nation experienced tremendous changes.

Consider the social issues that the nation faced over segregation and civil rights. Add to that the heated debate raging throughout the country over America’s military involvement in Vietnam. 1968 was the year of a presidential election so contentious that the incumbent President, Lyndon Johnson, decided not to seek re-election. Finally, we saw senseless violence through the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and presidential candidate, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Riots broke out in many cities across the nation leaving dozens dead, thousands injured, property damaged, and local economies ruined.

I find myself thinking about 1968 as I consider the state of our nation today: Bombings in Boston, explosions in Texas, toxins being mailed to our elected officials, Washington politics hopelessly deadlocked in partisan feuds, gun control arguments raging, an abortion doctor’s tale of malpractice and murder, a decade-long military conflict yet unfinished, a potential new enemy making threats, even the weather has been nothing short of bizarre. Some might say that society is on the brink. It sure feels like we’re at the edge of a cliff, standing on ice and banana peels while wearing roller skates. It’s frustrating, disheartening and makes you scratch your head and wonder what could possibly be coming next.

Probably the way many people felt back in 1968.

So if things were so bad back then, why didn’t we go over the edge and meet our demise? As society continues to move ever closer to self-destruction, we need to be reminded that in spite of what more and more people believe, we are living in a world that was created, sustained and will be ultimately delivered by a God who is bigger than any catastrophic event our sinful hearts can devise. He tells us in Jeremiah that He knows the plans that He has for us – plans to prosper, not harm. Plans offering two things that we need now more than ever: hope and a future.

Maybe your struggles hit closer to home. Is your marriage is under attack? Are your children failing at school and hanging with the wrong crowd? Did your boss inform you that you have no future with the company? Was the doctor’s diagnosis grim? Cling to the promises brought forth in the word of God, empowered by the grace that comes from the death and resurrection of our Savior. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been or how bad things have gotten, God’s power is limitless, His love is unfailing and He is waiting there for you, for all of us, to deliver us away from the precipice and to deliver us to peace, joy, and salvation.

Stay strong in the face of every trial, confident in the knowledge that your future is assured in the power of the Lord.

Dear Bill

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world – John16:33

There are some things in life that we simply can’t imagine. I believe that God has gifted us in the way He created us to prevent our minds from allowing us to think about certain things that would be too painful to carry. Sadly, our sinfulness has changed the world in which we live, so we are forced to experience these things from time to time. But still, how curious it is that without these events we would be unable to bring ourselves to imagine such things.

I offer this thought in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing that at latest report has left three people dead and injured more than 170 others. As I think and pray about this horrific tragedy, my thoughts and prayers turn to one man: William Richard. I don’t know him and will probably never meet him, but I am sending up prayers for him as if he were my brother. As a competitor in the marathon, Bill was reaching the latter stages of the race; so close in fact, that his wife and two children had come to the finish line to wait for him, to give him a hug and to celebrate his accomplishment. It was just before 3:00 in the afternoon when this moment of joy would be stolen, only to be replaced with fear, pain and loss.

I’ve seen the video of the explosion – the blast knocking down runners and spectators in the area. I’ve seen the images of some running away in confusion while others ran toward the victims to offer aid. I can imagine both of those responses: uncertainty taking some to escape and compassion leading others to help. What I can’t imagine is the moment when Bill Richard came to realize what had happened to his family. Just reading the news report made me cringe: his wife Denise hospitalized with serious head injuries, his six year old daughter hospitalized after losing a leg in the blast, and his eight year old son Martin whose injuries took his life.

I sit here and try as I might, I can’t begin to imagine what he’s feeling – if he’s feeling anything at all. And while I am thankful that God has blessed me with two wonderful, healthy children to raise, to love, and to hold dearly to my heart, I can’t help but feel a certain weight that I share with my brother who has paid so dearly a price in the most senseless of attacks.

I can offer no rationale or explanation other than the sin that permeates our world. Unfortunately, that is enough to cause such an unfathomable act. Likewise, I can offer no solution or comfort other than what is found in the promises of God. Fortunately, that is also enough to overcome every attack that the enemy can launch. So to my “brother” Bill, though you may never read these words, know that you, your family, and the hundreds of others who were touched by this tragedy are being lifted up in our prayers. We are asking God for the healing of wounds, the recovery of health, and the peace that comes from our Lord. Rely upon His strength as you stand strong for your family. And know that the hug Martin was waiting to give you will be one of the many wonderful things you will receive when you are reunited with him someday in Heaven.

One Moment

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Today is a somber day on the calendar for many sports fans: the day after the finals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. This is the culmination of a month-long celebration of the best sporting event out there. There will be many who disagree, but no other sporting event brings out so many different responses and emotions. Three weeks ago we began to study our brackets to make predictions. Some of us used our heads, some of us used our hearts, but we all felt confident that we had every game properly analyzed and correctly picked; until the first of our legitimate contenders fell to the Cinderella teams. Which leads me to the only good thing today brings: now everybody’s bracket will be sitting in the shredder next to mine (which has been there for two weeks). But as any true college basketball fan will tell you, overcoming upsets and winning games you weren’t supposed to win are a part of what makes this tournament so great.

Only 68 teams were selected to play in the tournament. 67 of those teams ended their seasons in defeat. Only one team emerged from this tournament victorious. And while a season full of early morning practices, team meetings, training sessions, travel, injuries, close games, blowouts, exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats helped to prepare these teams for the madness of March, only one team had what it took when the time came to go into the history books with the title of champion. A six month season comes down to a 40 minute game (or even just a few minutes or seconds within). Preparation meets performance, overcomes pressure and produces prosperity.

This is what makes sports so compelling. Any of us can pass, dribble, and shoot a ball, but so very few of us will ever know what it’s like to perform on that great stage. But while that arena allows only a select few to enter, it mirrors so many of the great challenges that each of us will face over the course of our lives. Students across our country face exams and standardized tests that will determine their future educational and career paths. Young men and women search their hearts and minds to decide who they should marry. Many people today will face tough choices when it comes to job opportunities. Others will struggle with the news that they are no longer employed. Should I take the risk to pursue my dream? Should I have the affair and ignore the risk of getting caught? Should I invest more of my savings in something riskier but with a higher potential reward? Should I have the surgery or go into hospice care? Many of life’s moments require us to apply prior knowledge and past experiences to make an immediate decision that will have a lifelong impact. And while sports can emulate the feelings of joy and despair, they simply do not match the intensity or the importance of fully living the lives God created us to live.

Here’s to those with busted brackets but saved souls. Here’s to those who were vanquished but not defeated. Here’s to the victors who understand where our victory was actually won and the price that was paid to claim it. May God deliver us all from our defeats and lead us to that place where we find a shining moment that will last for eternity with Him in Heaven.

On Point

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27

I am currently teaching a course at Concordia University, Ann Arbor called “The Art of Teaching.” It is a curriculum and instruction class designed for elementary teachers, but none of the students are studying to be traditional elementary educators. My class consists entirely of music and art students seeking a K-12 endorsement. This is good for me because it allows me to include elements of secondary education – content in which I am more experienced. But this is also bad for me because I am extremely limited in my music and art skills, which is a polite way of saying I have no skills.

Undeterred, I have pressed on with the course, sharing insights into classroom management and instructional design, trying my best to make it applicable to students without insulting their intelligence. In using music and art examples, I find myself straining to remember what little I learned in my own art and music classes. I don’t know why, but whenever I’m searching for an artistic genre, pointillism comes to mind. You’re probably familiar with pointillism. Merriam-Webster defines it as: “The theory or practice in art of applying small strokes or dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together.” I have always appreciated the way artists can make something beautiful out of a collection of individual pieces that in and of themselves are rather simple. To illustrate this, take a look at these images of Georges Seurat’s La Parade.

The first image shows a series of colorful, random dots. Polite art critics might call this interesting. Blunt critics would call it ugly. Ironic critics would call it pointless (I couldn’t help it). There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. It’s not until you back up and see the picture as a whole that you see the outline of the face and the rest of the image. Stepping back and seeing the painting as a whole, provides clarity, purpose and appreciation of the beauty of the painting.

If you think about it, our lives can be very similar to the painting. Imagine our lives are the dots from the first picture. From time to time we find ourselves searching for the meaning of our lives. Why am I doing this? Where am I heading? Is this it? Am I really making a difference? It’s easy to look at all of the individual pieces of our lives: jobs, relationships, families, hobbies, etc… and think that there really isn’t much happening. The world will tell you that you are the master of your own destiny and that you will make of your life whatever you want. There may be some truth to that, but even the most driven and energetic people can only take it so far, rearranging the dots but not making anything close to the work of art found when all of the points are brought together.

If our lives are the dots, then God is the artist who has masterfully arranged us into the portrait of His kingdom. Just as each individual dot doesn’t get to see the fullness of what it has created, we too will never see the full impact we are making in the world. How many thousands of lives will be impacted by those students sitting in my class this semester? Children not yet born will be influenced and inspired by future teachers who learning their craft in my classroom this semester. When I look at it in those terms, I can see that my impact will be great but I also see that it is God who makes this possible.

In spite of hard times, pressures, and pain we must always remember the promises that God has made to us. As members of the body of Christ, we play an integral role in what God has designed for His creation. So as we come to those times in our lives where we feel ineffective or when we face a new opportunity, let us hold fast to the knowledge that God is directing our lives, leading us to the place He intends so that we will do the most good in furthering his plan.

At the end of the -dy

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Over the years, I have passed many milestones of aging. Some of them have been good. I couldn’t wait to turn sixteen to get my driver’s license, or turning 21 so I could have a few drinks with the guys. Lately, those positive milestones have had a financial theme; cheaper car insurance rates and all of the senior citizens discounts that await me. Even my favorite NASCAR driver is now sponsored by AARP, so aging must be a good thing.

Well………..

Sadly, aging brings with it changes that cannot be described in such glowing terms. My arthritic knee serves as a daily reminder of that. And if that were the only one! As I grow older, I find my view of the world has changed. Things that used to be critically important don’t matter so much. My body can’t keep up with my brain. I can’t run, jump and play the way I used to, and if I do, the recovery time is much longer. Years ago, the phrase “throwing them back until closing” meant something different. Now it means throwing back the lever on my rocker/recliner until closing my eyes and falling asleep. And the worst thing of all? It’s not gray hairs or nose hairs; it’s gray nose hairs! Whose idea of a cruel joke was that? Definitely something I’m adding to my list of questions when I get to heaven.

So why am I spending so much time thinking about aging? It’s due in part to a birthday: not mine, but my daughter’s. Emma, my youngest child, turns eight today. It’s a big day for her, and along with it come several thoughts for me – some positive and some eye opening. Starting with the positive thought, she will no longer need a booster seat in the car, marking the first time that my car will not need a child seat since 1998! (The parents reading this know my joy on that one). Every day that passes brings her increased knowledge, confidence and abilities. She is growing up quickly. Maybe too quickly.

For as long as she could speak, I have been known to her as “Daddy.” This is undoubtedly the greatest name I have ever been called. Before long, that name is going to change as maturity transforms me from Daddy to Dad. I’ve seen this before. My son made that transition back around the same age that Emma has now reached. I recognized the change at the time, but took it in stride. After all, he’s a boy heading toward manhood so losing the -dy wasn’t a bad thing. Besides – Emma was still young and the name was still in use. But it is clear to me that when Emma reaches the age where she refers to me as Dad, the -dy is going to die, and I don’t like it.

I’ve accepted growing older. 40 came and went and didn’t faze me. My son is in high school now and college is just around the corner. So why does moving from Daddy to Dad bug me? Think about the level of love expressed by little ones to their parents. Psychologists can better describe the developmental levels involved here, but from my simple mind comes this simple thought: My daughter relies upon me for food, shelter, security, strength and stability. I provide her with love, safety, rules, and rewards that will prepare her for life as a strong, confident, Christian woman. But for now, I am the ONLY man my daughter needs in her life until the day (MANY YEARS FROM NOW) that God presents to us the one He has chosen to be her husband. It’s an awesome responsibility that God has given me – one I have taken seriously. And while the full measure of my reward for this work will be realized much later, the short-term payments have come in hugs, laughs, and the words “I love you Daddy.”

Ecclesiastes 3 is an oft quoted scripture which talks about the natural progression of life. But when you read on you find words that bring a higher level of perspective; words that mean a great deal to me today as a contemplate this moment of my life. “I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). God brought children into my life, entrusting me with the task of raising them to do His work. As they grow, they will develop into the man and woman of faith they were created by God to be. Through the Holy Spirit, my efforts help ensure this future outcome for them. As for me, God promises that these sacrifices will create a bond of love built between parent and child that will never be broken. This provides us the slightest glimpse of the amazing, unconditional love that our Heavenly Daddy has for every one of us. So if He’s okay with me calling Him God, Father, Jehovah, or I AM, I suppose I will be okay with being plain old dad.

I will certainly be old – the gray nose hairs prove it!

In Your Eyes

Remember all of the advice your mom gave you when you were a kid? Eat your vegetables, don’t sit too close to the television, wash behind your ears, and the classic – make sure you’re wearing clean underwear. Most of the time, she was spot on, but every now and then she would tell you something that just wasn’t true.

Think back to those days when the weather turned cold and rainy. As kids, we would go outside to play, fully equipped with our coats, hats, gloves and scarves. However, it only took a few minutes before we realized that we couldn’t play with all of those layers of clothes. The gloves were the first to go, followed shortly by the scarf. Next we’d start to get a little too warm from running around, so we’d unzip the coat and ditch the hat. Finally, the open coat flapping around would simply be too cumbersome and because we were warm enough, the coat would join our pile of castaway clothing. And while all of this made perfect sense to us, it was only a matter of time before we would hear that familiar voice calling us from the window or the porch.

It would always start out the same: “Where is your coat?” In our ignorance, we assumed the question was asked for informational purposes only, so we point and carry on. This misperception would quickly be corrected with a command and a statement justifying the decision she had made. “Put your coat back on before you catch a cold!” And so we would comply; partly because we just wanted to get back to playing without extending the conversation any longer than it needed to be but partly because we didn’t want to end up sick. Little did we know that we had just been duped.

It seems that mom’s “catch a cold” threat simply isn’t true. Colds are not caught by being out in the cold, or running around without a coat when it is damp. Germs entering into the body are at fault. So why did she tell us something that wasn’t true? It seems that mom may have had ulterior motives when she wanted us to wear those extra layers – like keeping our clothes clean and eliminating the amount of dirt tracked back into the house. Sneaky? Just wait – there’s more! Some mothers went so far as to send their kids into the house if they didn’t wear all of their cold weather gear, surrounding them with germ-laden surfaces like sinks, toilets and doorknobs! It’s downright sinister! But before you contact Child Protective Services, just remember it’s not all bad. And you have to admit that her underwear advice has come in handy a few times over the years.

But let’s get back to catching that cold. Germs can be found all over – and often in unexpected places. In fact, germs can be transmitted from just about any surface we touch. That’s why doctors tell us to wash our hands regularly and to be careful about anything we place into our mouths, noses, and eyes. I realize that this is common knowledge to most people who have taken a high school biology course, or who have watched a daytime talk show, but in spite of our knowledge we still manage to catch colds. And considering our eyes are one of the chief entry points for germs, you’d think we could have seen it coming! (bad pun). But if you stop and think about it, a cold isn’t the only ailment that comes into our lives through our eyes.

Our eyes are the source of many good things. As one of the five senses, vision is clearly important. Vision keeps us safe and provides us with our most basic form of guidance, but there is more to it. Consider the aesthetic value of eyes. People spend millions of dollars each year on fashion eyewear and contact lenses. Women spend hours applying makeup around their eyes to make them more alluring. And most people who have ever been deeply in love will tell you just how easy it is to get lost gazing into a beautiful pair of eyes.

But just as a pair of eyes can be a good thing, they can also get you into trouble. Like germs entering the body through the eyes, other dangers can enter into our systems through the eyes. Ever lose the dieting battle just by seeing a piece of cheesecake? Advertising agencies use beautiful people to market their products, even if the demographics don’t make sense (think about the last time you saw a group of “supermodels” standing around a bar drinking beer). And when it comes to attraction – those beautiful eyes can lead us to places to which we simply have no business going.

Proverbs 6:25 provides a strong warning for men in particular as is says; “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” This isn’t to say that women don’t struggle with this, because they can. Nor does this say women are the cause of it because they are not. It reminds us that because men are more visual, we will burn an image into our minds and dwell upon it, allowing it to change our focus. And sadly, it only takes a slight glance to create a distraction which can lead to a life changing result. In Matthew 6:22-23a Christ clearly instructs us on the value of taking care of our eyesight as He says: “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Maintain the health of your eyes, both physically and spiritually. Be careful what you fill them with so that in all things you will find peace, joy and blessings. And though it doesn’t come from mom, remember God’s advice as He declares: “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes, delight in my ways” (Proverbs 23:26 NIV).

Sixteen Minutes

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

There are certain movies that leave a lasting impression on us, introducing characters that you never forget. One such movie is the 1991 thriller, The Silence of the Lambs. More than twenty years have passed since its release, but movie goers still remember Anthony Hopkins and his Oscar winning portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. We recall the way he spoke; formally and with an elegance that masked his darker character. We envision the iconic images of him in his glass walled cell, peering between the bars as he spoke with Clarice Starling, or being transported on a truck dolly in a straitjacket and a mask with steel bars covering his mouth. For Hopkins, this was the pinnacle of his career, the character for whom he would be most lauded and with whom he would be most associated. But what many people don’t realize is that when you add it up, of the film’s 118 minute running time Hannibal Lecter is only on screen for sixteen minutes.

Talk about making every moment count! You don’t need to be in every scene to leave your mark on a movie. Hopkins proves that character development, the content of the script and the feelings conveyed by the actor matter far more than the screen time. In film, as well as in life, substance is more valuable than length.

According to averages reported by the CDC, we can expect to live for 78.7 years. Of course, that is an average and not a guarantee. While some of us will live to see 80, 90, or even 100 years, others will only live 40, 20, or even 5 years. This is a sobering reminder that we must strive to make every moment of every day count. Life is precious, so take time to cherish it, to live it, and to serve and glorify God through the many gifts He has given. Anthony Hopkins’s acting career spans 50 years, but he will ultimately be remembered for 16 minutes. When you look back on your life, what 16 minutes would you offer up as your greatest moment? Live your life in such a way that when faced with answering that question, you simply cannot pick only one moment.

So take some time today, and every day, to share your joy with the people God has placed in your life; all of them – even those of us who make you crazy or don’t necessarily deserve it. They are the canvas on which our masterpiece will be painted and the instruments that will play our song. As Paul instructs the church at Ephesus, make the most of these opportunities to fulfill the role that God has given you in the kingdom. He will guide your steps and bring you peace as you extend the love of Christ to a world that is desperate to receive it.

God has blessed us with life, not time. Embrace the former as you maximize the latter.

Shout Out for Students

I heard a most interesting news story out of Japan early this week. It seems that a few men took the opportunity to go stand in a Tokyo park and shout declarations of love for their wives. As I read in a news story (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/30/us-japan-husbands-idUKBRE90T05D20130130), for the past five years, a Tokyo florist has promoted this event to get more men to “show their affection in more explicit ways.” Why January 31 you ask? Apparently when you say “January 31” in Japanese, it sounds similar to the Japanese words for “Beloved Wife.” All in all a cute story, but as I reflected upon it, I found myself thinking about the idea of declaring love.

In America, we are not lacking for holidays to express our feelings about the special people in our lives; Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Sweetest Day, and so on. We buy candy, flowers, presents and dinners. We write poems, cards, and notes dripping with love and admiration. This is a good and important thing. We should tell the people who mean the most to us just how strongly we feel. Too many people don’t hear these words; leaving them to feel alone and unloved. What if we could change this? What if we could share a simple word of care and concern for one another – simply telling each other what we admire about them?

That question sparked an idea. What if every teacher in America wrote a short note to every one of their students, telling them something they like and admire about them? Nothing elaborate or overly crafty: A simple 3×5 card laying on a desk or a sticky note on their locker. Imagine how they would feel when your students walked into their school and saw notes taped onto their locker or sitting on their desk in the classroom reminding them of just how special they are. Imagine how good it will feel for you as their teacher to remind yourself of the wonderful blessings that your students are to you and your school.

If you are a teacher or professor, I would encourage you to join me this Valentine’s Day by surprising your students with this simple yet significant act of kindness. Share the idea with your colleagues. Post and repost this on your social networking sites. Even if you are not a teacher, you could share the idea with the teachers you know. Together we can spread the word and show our students just how much they are loved. No shouting necessary!

Kathleen Elizabeth

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:10-11

As I approach my 20th year as an educator, I have seen many strange and wonderful things. Like every other teacher, I have experienced some pretty incredible highs and some rather disappointing lows. Many of these major events have fallen from my memory, but I can honestly declare that I will never forget the worst day of my teaching career: January 31, 2003.

Katie was a typical twelve year-old. She was good student, popular among her classmates, and a developing talent on the basketball court (when I could keep her thoughts away from cheerleading). As a friend of her parents, I enjoyed spending time with Katie and her family at different events away from school, including one memorable trip to a minor league baseball game where I had to explain (in vain) that she need not report the number of beers I had enjoyed (I wasn’t driving ). She had babysat my young son a few times and did a great job. As her principal, basketball coach, and classroom teacher, I was given the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her that year. I remember calling her by her proper name: Kathleen Elizabeth, but I don’t particularly remember why I started doing so. In a profession where you simply aren’t able to pick favorites, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the role I was playing in preparing her for a bright future.

This changed on the evening of January 17. Katie passed out while at a party with her family and was unresponsive. She was transported to a local hospital and later flown to the University of Michigan Medical Center. I was on a youth retreat in Northern Michigan when I received the word from our pastor. I remember sitting up all night waiting for news and praying for healing and peace. By morning she had stabilized but was still unresponsive. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to serve the youth on the trip, but my mind was on Katie, on her family, and on our school. I felt helpless. For the next several days I found myself working with many other people to meet the needs of an entire community of believers who were hurting. Many decisions were made. Many prayers were lifted. Tears were shed and hugs were shared. But as our church and school community rallied together, Katie’s condition never improved. Finally, after two weeks of fighting, on January 31, 2003, we received the news that God had taken Katie to her heavenly home. The days that followed were just as hectic. There were so many things that needed to be done – so many people coming together to offer comfort, to help in any way possible. But for everything that I was trying to do to help, I continued to feel absolutely helpless. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t imagine the shock and pain my friends were experiencing. I felt as though everything I had done and everything that I was doing was meaningless.

The funeral was a difficult day, but one that allowed everyone who knew Katie to mourn our loss while celebrating her victory. In his sermon, our pastor made a most simple yet enlightening observation. He said that all of the homework, all of the tests, all of the grades didn’t mean a thing. What had proven itself to be most important for Katie was the faith she had in her Lord Jesus Christ. It had been placed in her by the Holy Spirit, taught to her by her parents and supported through the work of Christian pastors and teachers. Because of this work, Katie went to the arms of her Father knowing full well that the destination was Heaven. It was at that moment that it dawned on me. I had been looking at it all wrong. My efforts had nothing to do with academic preparations or athletic achievements that would be unrealized. I had helped contribute to something far greater. On Wednesday, January 15, Kathleen Elizabeth and the rest of her schoolmates attended our weekly chapel where they were given a message that reminded them that Jesus Christ loved them enough to die on a cross so that they would someday go to Heaven. I just didn’t realize that my chapel service on that day would be Katie’s last formal worship opportunity…

and the single greatest accomplishment of my teaching career.