GOT YOUR GOAT?

My neighborhood is quite a suburban mix; single-family homes, apartments and townhouses, mobile home courts, and even a pasture nibbled down regularly by a small herd of goats. When God created goats, I wonder if He stifled a chuckle. Their bearded little heads and nervy behavior bring a smile to my face when I drive or walk past their pasture.

One day I thought about the phrase “got your goat.” I knew it was connected to situations when something or someone upset or angered someone else. Like, “Sorry, didn't mean to get your goat.” Why goat​? Why not another animal, like dog or cat or cow or baboon? If you have ever wondered, it's supposedly related to how goats could be used to calm racehorses. If a nervous, on-edge horse's “calm goat” was removed, it would possibly get upset and lose the race.

Well, I won't get into Derby fashion (if you want to, try this link: What To Wear: Kentucky Derby fashion and outfits for women & men | KentuckyDerby.com ) But it's interesting that the cultural icon of animal prowess (read: prizing fast horses) has a big-hat dress code! But goats are also in its culture....

Maybe more needs to be said about goats. They're interesting creatures:

*They have a reputation for being curious.

*They can be taught their name and come when called.

*They're picky eaters.

*Their sneezes are alarm sounds.

*They don't like water. Confronted by a puddle or stream, they try to leap over them.

*They're excellent climbers.

*They have an efficient digestive system. (Sorry, not tin cans.)

*They have distinct personalities: shy, nervous, curious, aggressive, affectionate.

*Their tendency to be fearful means they like having an escape “platform” or “partition” in their resting or eating areas.

In our era, their name has become an acrostic for excellence or prowess—Greatest Of All Time. Sports heroes crave that distinction. Likewise, standouts in other vocations or positions.

You know where I'm going with this. In God's writing of history, only ONE was the Greatest of All Time. Jesus. Got HIM?

BY THEIR FRUITS.....

I was rushing through a local mega-mart this spring when a little plant in a near-the-register display whimpered, “Take me home!” You've seen those random near-checkout display shelves. The ones with the same compelling power as those of candy and gum by the conveyor belt where a child is apt to tug on a parent sleeve and say, “Please, Mommy (or Daddy), please.” The bedding plant looked so forlorn, I almost didn't “listen,” but I did decide to adopt it, and re-homed the plant in the sunniest place in my yard, right next to the mailbox. I put the wire supportive “tomato cage” around the infant plant it as preemptive protection!

I didn't hold much hope for its survival, but that little tomato start hung in there and grew and grew...and now is expressing its gratitude with tiny red, joy-prompting globes. “Cherry tomatoes.” Maybe call them “cheery tomatoes,” too, because their vibrant red skin promises delight inside, and I am not disappointed when I add them to my meal.

With time, my pitiful clearance plant grew strong and fruitful. So it is in the Christian walk, with time as we take in the nourishment of Living Water (scripture) and bask in the Sun of Righteousness (the Lord Jesus). And maybe that's another way of looking at His parable about the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). In the parable, a barren tree was due for the rubbish pile because it just didn't produce figs. The farmer decided to give it one more year to prove itself. The analogy is to complacent Christians who aren't going anywhere in their faith walk. The lesson of “one last chance” holds both hope and fear.

Tomatoes, of course, are “annuals” with just one chance to bloom and yield fruit. Then the cycle begins again with the tiny seeds in each fruit that can carry on the fruit line. Without reproducing believers, faith would not grow and spread.

Living in an agrarian society, Jesus wisely taught from common things the people knew in their quest to feed and house their families with the basic necessities. And though our times have taken food production to new and sophisticated levels (ever eaten a green house tomato?), the lessons of God's creation never fail to teach again, and again.

Maybe next time you grab a tomato to put in a salad or BLT, pause a moment. That red globe didn't pop out of the air. God had a plan for it to grow and reproduce. Sound (humanly) familiar?

GUIDE ME!

The story behind a hymn of the faith.

Years ago in Wales a youth grew up in a family that chose a worship style different from the established church. That resulted in persecution so severe that his family and like-minded other families had to meet in a cave for worship during twilight, to avoid being “caught,” arrested, scattered or imprisoned by the king's soldiers. His father thought this brilliant son would become a doctor; instead, he became a preacher and writer of hymns including one we still sing: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.”

That's the quick backstory of Welsh evangelist Rev. William Williams (1717-1791) --and yes, his first and last names almost matched. His aspiration to become a doctor was changed one Sunday morning he traveled home from college. By one account, he was drawn to a service held in a local farmhouse. By another account, one day while passing through a little Welsh village, he heard church bells and slipped into the little “official” church, sitting through its very formal service. Afterwards, he noticed many reassembled in the cemetery outside the church where a man started preaching. Not flat, cold formal preaching, but fiery, convicting preaching like that of John the Baptist.

Whichever account is true, Williams' focus turned away from medical training to enter the Anglican ministry. But he never felt “at home” in the ritualistic church. Deciding instead to make all Wales his “parish,” over the next half century, on foot and by horse, covering 3,000 miles a year, he presented the Gospel of Christ in his home country. One source estimated he traveled more than 95,000 miles, drawing crowds of 10,000 or more. Of such large crowds in those pre-microphone days, Williams wrote in his journal: “God strengthened me to speak so loud that most could hear.” One mob nearly beat him to death. But he pursued God's will on his life until dying at age 74.

He was a hymn-writer as well as a preacher, leaving behind a reported 800 Welsh-language hymns, the best-known of which is “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” That text was inspired by the Bible's account of the Exodus from Egypt and as a symbol of a believer's spiritual pilgrimage. One writer remarked, “He sang Wales into piety.” Soon, all of Wales was singing, from the coal mines to the soccer field.

By the way, in Welsh this 1745 hymn's title is “Arglwydd, arwain trwy'r anialwch.” Learning Welsh was part of tasks facing then-19-year-old Prince Charles (now King) when his mother Queen Elizabeth II designated him “Prince of Wales.” For that, he was taken out of Cambridge University and enrolled at Aberystwyth University (at a seaside city in West Wales) for intensive language study. Years later, the hymn was sung at the 2007 funeral of Charles' former wife, Princess Diana.

Notably, a century-plus earlier, it was sung at the deathbed of U.S. President James Garfield, an inoperable (in those days) assassin's bullet lodged deep in his body. One day while hearing Mrs. Garfield singing this hymn, the dying President, aware of his own “soon exodus” to Heaven, remarked, “Glorious, isn't it?”

A Welsh choir and congregation sing the hymn in this You-Tube: 'Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah'.

(The site ends with the Welsh words.)

HOT STUFF

Yes, (baby), it was hot outside—no intended reference to a 1979 high-energy disco anthem about passionate connection which elevated the “hot stuff” saying. (Whew!). The first thing that came to my mind when I checked my outdoor thermometer one day was a quote from a half-century-plus ago, by Harry S Truman: “If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” (Ironically, this thermometer was in the shade outside the kitchen window!) In at least two instances, his quote came out in committee and staff meetings dealing with some heavy-duty national concerns. The essence is this: if the pressure of a high-stakes task is too much for you to cope with, leave so someone more capable can take over.

Few remember that Truman grew up in a Baptist church in Missouri, and claimed to have read through the Bible twice before he was twelve. He was said to have considered the Bible the moral core of American government. (More here: Sam Rushay: Harry S. Truman was a man of true faith ). (1) But long before Truman there lived another guy who found “the kitchen” way too hot. In his case, the kitchen was his God-invitation to the royal palace, which its current occupant did not want to leave. You've probably guessed: David, anointed to replace King Saul, but who had to endure a tumultuous transition in which Saul hunted him down like a criminal.

It's unlikely we'll be hiding in caves and behind rocks in a desperate effort to escape a would-be killer. But those intensive, faith-challenging times birthed the lyrics behind many of David's psalms. He didn't “get out of the kitchen.” He had to endure life in the “heat.” He listened to the voice of God, not that of his enemies. His Psalm 29 seems to emphasize that. Seven times he writes about the power of “the voice of God.” It's not an audible voice (as cartoonists tend to illustrate, which I think trivializes the mystery and power of God). But it's His voice revealed in His creation and the circumstances of life.

As I consider the imagery of Psalm 29, I notice that much is connected with loud, thunderous, scary storms. The psalm has vivid verbs: thunders, breaks, strikes, shakes, twists. It ends with God enthroned over all of this—after all, He created it! And the conclusion?

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (v. 11)

Life will have its share of storms. But through the tumult and mess and destructive power, these never change: His strength, His peace. The writer of Psalm 119 claimed this offer: “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word” (v. 28). The heat in the spiritual “kitchen” may get oppressive, but we don't have to stay in there and “stew” without relief when God offers His presence and help.

(1) Sam Rushay: Harry S. Truman was a man of true faith

GENTLE WORDS

Two "gentle" things from nature....
cotton and feathers

Gentle—even the word is usually pronounced softly, like the quality it describes. It makes me think of soft things like cotton and feathers. I was surprised to learn that our English word came from one meaning “a clan” or “a person of high social station.” That makes sense because a person born of “status” typically (though not always) has refined and polite manners and mannerisms. Think: “genteel.” Recall movies of old-time, manners-conscious aristocrats. Or, in another realm, the healing powders or lotions rubbed gently on inflamed skin.

People who portray the trait “gentle” usually have a kind face and mannerisms. There's no fire, hatred or bluster in their speaking or writing. They have control over anger. These scriptures come to mind:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:20)

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) (The “salt” reference reminds me of how in Bible times salt was used to ward off spoilage. The verse does NOT refer to “salty language” associated with negatives.)

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver....” (Proverbs 10:19-21—two of many “tongue” references in Proverbs)

“Put off falsehood and speak truthfully...in your anger do not sin...do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:25-27) It is possible to answer harshness with gentleness. Someone I know told of answering the phone one day and hearing the words, “I hate you!” Recognizing the voice of someone with anger issues (and for whom they'd prayed for years), they replied, “I can tell this is a negative call, so I'm going to hang up.” As expected, the caller immediately called again. But the recipient let the rebound call go to “message” rather than inviting more harsh words and an “anger foothold.”

Jesus could be harsh with the stiff-necked religious leaders of His times. He could reprimand His disciples when they got out of line. But He was also gentle with His followers and the fallen, wanting them to make wise and healing choices. Perhaps seeing that in the Gospel accounts has helped fasten a contemporary worship chorus to my heart. Listen here to the Gaithers' well-known “Gentle Shepherd.” (If there's an advertisement before the video, be patient for the performance.) Remember these lines: “We need your help from day to day.”

Gaither, Gaither Vocal Band - Gentle Shepherd [Live] ft. Gaither Vocal Band

WHAT'S 'RIGHT' ABOUT 'LEFT'

Ever given a thought to the trait of being right-handed? Or of the estimated 10-12% of the world's population who are left-handed? Even the Bible took note of it as a trait, highlighting a “leftie” Israelite judge and warrior who killed a Moabite king by pulling out his sword left-handed instead of the usual right-hand. It wasn't what the enemy king expected! (Judges 3:12-30).

Other than that, the Bible doesn't dwell too much on “handed-ness.” Most of the time I read about extending a right hand of welcome or the “right hand” side of a person being an honored place. When the Bible speaks of the “right hand of God the Father,” it's a metaphor for a place conveying authority, power, and honor. Jesus was accorded that honor upon ascending into Heaven. 

I have a grandson in elementary school who is left-handed, and for whom writing (especially cursive) is a not-fun task. When I help him with his homework, I sometimes wonder why our culture is so right-hand-focused. Another question: how much genetics affects that trait. In my family we were split: “lefty” husband/dad and lefty daughter, but “righty” mother (me) and son.

My “lefty” husband had a flowing cursive writing style, but he handled his pens or pencils in an “overhand” position. My “lefty” daughter chose a different way to hold a pen, but she capitalized her left-handed dexterity to become an accomplished violinist. (Have you ever watched a very good violinist and all the acrobatics the left hand accomplishes on the violin fingerboard?)

In modern times, the name “Lefty” has popped up in old Westerns (for characters with that trait and left-handed weapon-handling prowess). Many sports figures, especially baseball players, were called “Lefty” because that was their dominant hand. (Find the list here: Lefty - Wikipedia ). Left-handedness runs in British royalty: King George VI and the Queen Mother and their famous long-reigning daughter Elizabeth II. Her son (now King Charles) and grandson (Prince William) are also known to be lefties. The trait includes famed scientists: the Curies, Einstein, Newton, and Alan Turing (founded modern computer science).

Does “handedness” affect personality? Some say “lefties” are more independent because of how they've had to adapt to “righty” skills, like using scissors or can openers, writing in spiral notebooks (with the wire on the left), driving with a stick shift, and using computer mice.

Lots more could be dug up about the differences between “right” and “left.” But I am comforted and secure in knowing that such things are not a big deal to God. He said He is the way, the truth and the life. He who created us, also has a plan for us: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'” (Isaiah 30:21).

ASSIGNED SEATS

The grandson "side" of the table--three in a
row--Jimmy's with the "booster pad"

He turns the big “eight” in September—James (JimmyJohn, our pet family name for him), the youngest of my grands. With two just-older brothers, he's always wanted to be “just bigger” than the calendar allowed. It was a major moment when he outgrew the high chair and was allowed to eat right at the “big people” table. But that presented a problem. His chin lined up vertically with the tabletop, and he needed a “lift.” Enter a substantial foam “seat lift” from a yard sale, secured with a bungee cord. And thus has JimmyJohn felt like he's part of the “boy tribe” of my son's family.

The family meal setup in my compact kitchen/eating area, however, pales next to the elegance of what various artists have imagined might be Heaven's banquet hall (if we could even dare to suggest an earthly convention for Heaven's mysteries!). An internet search will bring up luxurious table settings with multiple goblets, and royal-worthy cutlery, gorgeous plates, and the soft lighting of candelabra. (This is one-- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/home-decor--33495590955158074/ – or search others with key words “dinner in heaven images.”) The truth is that we don't know. But if--BIG IF-- our earthly reality of gathering to eat and converse has a future heavenly "match," I'd say it's a good thing to keep having! 

Granted, it's chaotic when my son's family comes over. Because spills are inevitable on the “boy side” of the table, I have plastic place-mats featuring Washington state landmarks at the boys' places. That cuts down how often I need to wash the tablecloth, which covers a refurbished antique oak pedestal table. But we are together!

I realize that in many households, sitting around a communal table has become a thing of the past. Instead, dinners are placed on trays and the family “sits around” the television. Since dinnertime programming is typically news stations, I question (in jest, but partly in truth) if that habit might encourage indigestion. The worst and most vile seem to get the headlines around the dinner-hour news shows. And those who try to talk over the chatter of the news anchor are apt to get shushed by those wanting to keep on the keen edge of news events. On the other side of the spectrum, there are many who eat alone, quiet or with TV chatter in the background.

I prefer the “connection meals,” the ones where families ask each other, “Tell me about your day.” Or the celebration meals (like Thanksgiving, where many begin, “Tell one thing you're thankful for”). And such conversation should include the kids who are old enough to talk. Or who have graduated from the “high chair” to a regular adult chair (though helped with a thick cushion).

We need more at the table than “pass the peas” or “I want another roll.” In our fast-paced world, the table is the platform for talking to each other. I hope my grandsons see it that way, especially now that “younger brother” has a seat “up with” his older siblings. Someday, I realize, he won't need that booster. I'll put it away for possible “company need.”

In the meantime, let the conversation flow. More than, “Please pass the rolls.” “I want some more chicken casserole.” (Grandma: “Magic word?” Grandson, “PLEEAASSEE.”) Then, the second serving for a growing boy, soon to outgrow the booster seat. When they leave my home after a meal, and cleanup is done, sometimes I think...someday....how majestic, how sacred, how joyful, will be Heaven's "marriage supper of The Lamb"!