When It's Hard to Find the "Wonderful"

For many people, Christmastime is "the most wonderful time of the year." For others, those song lyrics are the last thing they want to hear because for one reason or another, it's hard to get excited about Christmas. Personally, every time my co-worker mockingly and randomly sings that line to me, I give him a "bah, humbug" kind of look.  It can be a struggle to have the Christmas spirit when you work at the Salvation Army and the "wonderful" time of the year is the most crazy busy time of the year.

As exhausting as all the busyness is, I know it's all worth it. Struggling families will be getting assistance and generous donors are ensuring that I still have a job to do as I process monetary gifts and take care of business. The ministry goes on because of this "wonderful" but busy time of year. God supplies all the strength and endurance I need to persevere through a long December; even with an ongoing cold & cough that is only now starting to taper off. I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Jesus is the one that propels me onward. He keeps me looking forward to the mystery and hope of the upcoming new year as the current one wraps up. What a blessing it is to see the world through "Kingdom" lenses; an eternal perspective. Christ is my confidence! He gives me peace and joy even on the most weary days. 

The only thing that sometimes gets me down is when I become aware of the emptiness and sadness of others. Christmas and New Year's doesn't look bright and shiny to them. Fear has drowned out Hope because they have forgotten (or don't know) His name. The holidays have come at a bad time because they've just lost a job, a home, a loved one, or maybe more than one of those things at once. They may be dealing with a severe illness or injury, an addiction, or financial struggles. They may be a veteran struggling to overcome PTSD and are still fighting a war; the fight for the will to live. Some have buried parents, siblings, and even babies and children. Others have friends and relatives who are incarcerated; whether literally, figuratively, or both. 

The scenarios I mentioned all have names and faces attached to them; most of them are the people I listen to, hug, and pray with when they're coming in for help. You may not know the ones I know, but chances are you know someone who is going through this kind of pain and grief (maybe it's you). It's far too easy for Satan to use these tragedies for his gain; all he has to do is keep the focus on the problems rather than the One who solves them. He cleverly keeps our attention fixed inward rather than upward; on that next fix, hook up, lottery ticket, shopping spree, or alcoholic beverage. It's all about keeping you obsessed with filling the void; returning to empty wells or salt water that can't quench or satisfy. In fact, some of those wells are downright contaminated with poison; yet the compulsion to draw from them remains and the cycle continues. The negative emotions and depression deepens and digs its hooks deeper into your soul; becoming more and more of a stronghold and stumbling block.

The good news is that there IS "good news"; "tidings of great joy" for ALL people (yes, YOU too)! It's the Gospel message and the whole reason this season is truly "wonderful": Jesus. I can vouch for the fact that He is the only One that can rescue and restore a heavy heart and weary soul. He is the key to freedom from those strongholds! I've been to the empty and toxic wells as much as anyone else. Because of my own struggles, I can promise you that Hope really does deliver, because that deliverer's name is Emmanuel; "God with us." He is the way, the truth and the life, who gives us living water. Turn away from the kind of water that isn't good for your soul and turn to the one and only pure water source. Christ's living water is fresh, pure, and sustaining. HE is the answer you seek. Be a wise man (or wise woman) and journey towards the Savior who has come to rescue and restore you! Fall on your knees before the Savior. Humble yourself before the One who humbled Himself as well. Our Creator came to Earth in the very human form in which we ourselves are made. God came to be with us so that He could also die for/deliver us, and then live IN us through the Holy Spirit. He was forsaken so that we would never have to be. In your greatest need and brokenness, He is with you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. You are not alone! What a most wonderful time of year it is indeed! HE makes it wonderful!

Grace and peace to you, my dear friends! Please, pray for those that are seeking, hurting, grieving, and needing to know the hope and joy that the Prince of Peace brings. In this season of giving, look for every opportunity to do the most good. Give spare change to the Salvation Army red kettles (or volunteer to ring the bell!!), adopt a family for Christmas, donate food to the pantry, smile at strangers, visit a nursing home, etc. As John Wesley said: "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." Don't waste a moment to make an impact! Be the hope of Jesus everywhere you go; through your words and actions. Love well! Additionally, if you are reading this and are desperate for the hope and peace I've shared about, please comment or contact me. I would love to listen to your heart, hear your story, and pray for you! God bless you!

God on the Greenway: Impact, Purpose, and Restoration

Nearly four years ago, I unknowingly composed what would be my last "God on the Greenway" blog post (up until now!). Even as I state that fact, I'm amazed because I'm reflecting on just how much has changed since that stormy day on the Greenway. That day had such deep meaning for me! Re-reading it now, I remember the mixture of emotions I felt because the "personal pain" that I had mentioned was the divorce that was looming in my future. I had no idea what I was in for in the coming months and years ahead. Nothing can ever prepare you for the death of a marriage; even if you mistakenly think (as I had thought) that you're ready for it.

My Greenway walks and runs have been very few since then; I've mainly been doing Team Beachbody programs. I also haven't run any more 5k races since my first initial one. I've returned to the Greenway from time to time, but this most recent visit just happened to be the one that felt special again. I was thinking about the difference between "then" and "now" as I used the Foursquare app on my phone to check-in to the Greenway. I love that app because it tells me cool things like how many times I've been there or how long it has been since I had visited a place. On this occasion, it told me that the last time I had been on the Greenway was last September; which would have been when I participated in the Steps of Faith Walk to raise awareness and collect shoes for those in Africa that don't have the luxury of foot protection (check out the group on Facebook if you would like to know how you can help!). When I saw that little fun fact, I not only remembered the blessing of walking barefoot to empathize, but the fact that I was SO GLAD that I didn't have to do that now lol! What a privilege it is not only to exercise on such a nice day, but to be fortunate enough to have shoes on my feet!

I was soaking it all in and preparing for the four mile round-trip journey; wondering what God might have in store for me because I just had that old feeling I always used to have when these special posts originally came about. I thought that my Greenway posts were a thing of the past, but for some reason I felt like maybe there might be one last one to write. Oddly enough, it was cool and comfortable; and ready to rain at any moment! Once again, I relished at the thought of being caught in a possible downpour! However, there was one huge difference; this was a "dancing in the rain" kind of feeling rather than a "weeping in the rain" kind of feeling. Three of the last four years had been really terrible, but in the last year, things had finally taken a positive turn as my faith rebounded from all the turmoil. Everything was ending back in 2010. Now, in 2014, everything is beginning as I prepare to make a new life with a wonderful Christian man that would soon be my new husband. Finally, a new and happy chapter rather than painfully having to close the book on something! God has rebuilt and restored my life! He is so good!

I felt full of energy and anticipation as I journeyed through the first two miles. I saw many different people as I walked and ran. I happened to notice an older gentleman who was wearing a "Navy" shirt and a veteran's hat. I smiled as I went by, and then wished I had given him a better acknowledgement after I had passed. After I had turned around to finish the last two miles, I saw him again. This time, I smiled once more and said, "Thank you for your service!" He promptly said with noticeable pride (as well as gratitude for my thanks) "Oh, you're welcome!" Something about his response made me tear up as I continued to trek down the Greenway. I thought about the willingness that he and countless others have had to serve our country; to knowingly put their lives on the line for the sake of EVERYONE in this great nation! For most civilians, we don't remember their sacrifices often enough or even comprehend it. That's when it made me think of how Jesus willingly laid down His life for all of US and how we sometimes don't give that a second thought either. Maybe some find it hard to truly grasp Jesus' sacrifice for us, but the men and women who are our parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, friends, etc. should be able to make us appreciate that kind of sacrifice MUCH MORE! It amazes me and always deepens my gratitude and appreciation!

The blessing of a perfect stranger would have been grand enough to share. However, there is one more person I met that blessed me even more. That person was Tony Garton. For those that live in this area, you probably already know who I'm talking about and WHY it was so nice to run into him. He truly needs no introduction and he is well-known for his service to the community (that link will make you cry lol!). For the benefit of those who aren't fortunate enough to know him, I'll simply tell you that he is a kind-hearted, giving, and friendly person. He is admired for his service as a school teacher as well as his faith and guest speaking in area churches. I'm sure I don't even know the half of what all he has done, but all I know is how much I enjoy seeing him around town, on the Greenway, and when he used to speak at the church that I went to when I was growing up. My grandma Sauers also greatly appreciated him, and I think that's what made him stop and and say "hi" to me as I was finishing up the last of my walk. I had seen him earlier as he was riding his bike and I smiled and and gave a quick "Hi, Tony! How are you?" He reciprocated equally and we both kept going at the time but now, he stopped his bicycle and we gave each other a hug (yes, even after the sweat and rain lol!). I told him I had just been thinking of him the other day because I had remembered the time he was encouraging some of us women at a Mother's Day banquet to write letters of encouragement to each other. He had said it was my Grandma who inspired him to suggest it because she ALWAYS wrote him an appreciative and encouraging letter every time he came to speak. When I told him that, he smiled and told me that he still had EVERY letter she wrote to him and that it always meant so much. He also mentioned that if she was driving by the Greenway and saw him, she would pull over so she could say "hello" to him and he would come over to the car and she would give him a peck on the cheek. That was so like Grandma! She was always so sweet and loving to everyone! I don't think she realized just how often she made someone's day; just by being "her"! We both expressed how much we missed her and he said that she was a "special lady."


As Tony and I began to part ways, I thanked him and told him how much I appreciated his preaching. He insisted he wasn't a preacher, just a teacher. I told him he was both and that we're all called to preach the gospel and that he has touched a lot of hearts. He thanked me for my words (and for the hug) and pedaled off.

I unsuccessfuly fought off tears as I finished my walk. People like him, my Grandma, and even those I didn't really know (like the Navy veteran) had touched my heart. My life and my character is enriched because of them. Whether they know it or not, they MATTER! We ALL matter! We were all created on purpose and FOR a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). NO ONE is an accident! God meant for each and every one of us to be here and to make an impact on this world! Writing letters and giving hugs makes a difference. Teaching and preaching to the young and old makes a difference too. Serving your country and sacrificing a normal life (or maybe even your life itself); that also makes a difference! Nothing is too big or too small. IT ALL MATTERS!

When I got back to my car, I felt a little tired in body, but very refreshed in spirit! I was a mess from the rain

and sweat; just as I was the last time I had gotten caught in it. The big difference this time was that instead of feeling hurt and broken, I was feeling thankful and blessed. I was reminded that God (and the people who had blessed and touched my life) had helped me become a better "me". I became a better person because of the fact that God (and many others) never gave up on me; even when I wanted to give up on myself. I had almost stopped believing that God would rebuild and restore my life the way he did for people like Joseph and Job. Thankfully, He came through! He always does! Now, my life is better and more blessed than I ever thought it could be and once again, I am finally LIVING life again instead of just existing! I'm living life on purpose and WITH purpose again! Amen!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember that God is always with you in every season of your life! He's there in the calm and in the storm. He works through you, and others, no matter who you are or what your gifts may be! It all works together for good (Romans 8:28); the big AND little things. EVERYTHING leaves an impact....so make it a GOOD one! It's all going to work out! God bless you!