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"!

LIKE A RED-RED ROSE....

My home has a showcase flower bed that's packed with roses, including this brilliant red one named “Mr. Lincoln.” I am in no way qualified to rave on and on about hybrid roses. I just know the rose-bed that my husband had planted before we were married is a beautiful thing to behold. Especially this bush of red blooms reminds me of a famed poem by Robert Burns (1759-1796), titled “My Love is Like a Red-Red Rose.” He did other works which led to his reputation as the “national poet” of Scotland. If, at New Year's time you sing “Auld Lang Syne,” that's also a Burns work.

Although he's known in history as a Scottish poet, he was also infamous for his love life. He reportedly had at least twelve children by four separate mothers, seven of those children illegitimate. Historians also highlight his rebellion against morality and orthodox religion. But 250 years later, a little poem about a red rose and love is still around.*

The reputation of red roses pre-dates Burns' poetry, with the flowers symbolizing love, fidelity, passion, respect, and admiration.  As early as the third century AD, a thorn-less red rose was said to represent the virgin Mary for her purity, love for God, and motherly sacrifice. (Oddly, some early Christians were warned against planting red roses as they were reportedly a symbol of paganism!) In the 1500s in England, a “war” between royal families fighting for control of England was symbolized by white roses (House of York) and red roses (House of Lancaster). There's more...and if you're curious just go to this site: What Do Red Roses Mean? Symbolism, Spirituality & History

In our times, the saying “Bloom where you are planted” encourages people to make the best of their current circumstances. Our lives may have chapters that are difficult and simply not fun--"thorny," to continue the rose analogy. But instead of our fighting or complaining about them, God's way is to work through them and bring glory to Him through how they hone our character for good. In writing that, I inevitably go back to the humble wisdom expressed by Joseph of the Old Testament, an abused-brother-turned-slave-turned-royal-official in Egypt, who declared to his once-treacherous brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

So, how can I connect a famous (and mushy) red-rose poem by a morally wayward Scotsman to life today? Maybe to get past the color symbolism, and to the basics of what “blooming” entails. The rose bloom is connected to the branch, which is connected to the root. And for believers in Christ, being “rooted” in Christ is the way—the only way—to bloom forth the beauty of His character. Burns, not known as a "man of faith," had problems with “real love” as he indulged in passion with many women. We have a Savior who loves us with absolute purity and the all-out sacrifice offered at a criminal punishment hill called Golgotha. One where crude execution crosses were stained....with red.

This spring I planted a rose where one had died. A red one. First one I saw at the hardware store plant display. Its name: "Forever Yours."  So appropriate in memory of my rose-grower husband. Its first blooms popped June 6 (to quote Burns' poem: "that sweetly blooms in June"....).

*The full text of the poem (and a commentary) can be found here: https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/red-red-rose/

EXAM TIME

It was time again to separate the weeds from the flowers, and toss the unwanted, wild greenery into the garbage bin. As I went through the routine of yard-work chores, I thought of how God does the same with those who seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. Like earth's rogue grasses, thistles, horsetails, and dandelions, there are spiritual faith-chokers that need removal so the soil of our souls can nourish the blossoms of godliness. Maybe, for this, we could use the term “eternal exams.”

Of course, the word "exams" takes me down memory lane to my education, especially college. The academic semester was full of lectures, papers, quizzes and such to convey information and evaluate how students were taking it in. With finals at the semester's end, two groups of students emerged: those who passed, and those who didn't. There were flowers (who bloomed through acquisition of knowledge) and weeds (those who slunk through without bearing the good fruit of learning).

Okay, done with poetic comparisons (and my analogy was admittedly a bit weird). But Jesus told a similar story (Matthew 13:24-30) about a farmer who sowed good seeds, symbolizing the goodness that God has sown into the world. But during the night, an enemy sowed weeds in the same field. Obvious analogy here: the work of Satan—sneaky and dark.

The weeds I pull are obviously different from the plants I want to nurture. But Jesus' parable makes a lot more sense upon learning the “weed” He probably had in mind: “darnel,” which looked like a stalk of wheat until mature and was toxic when ingested by animals and humans.* “Weeding out” the tares before harvest would damage the remaining wheat stalks. (Ever try to walk in a grain field without smashing the stalks?) After harvest, the weed-tares could be separated and burned.

I weed my flower beds and uproot dandelions to keep my home attractive and a credit to the neighborhood. When I get down on my knees to eradicate the unwanted weeds, I am reminded of how that humble posture is one way to approach a holy God in prayer.

My most-used tool is a long rod with a V-shaped tip to slip down the weed's stem to take “more” of the root than just snatching off the bloom. Maybe there's a lesson in that, too. When we're made aware of behaviors that aren't pleasing to God, it's easy to say, “Well, I won't do that anymore.” But casual declarations don't get to the “root” of the problem. God's “eternal exam time” digs deep into attitudes like selfishness and entitlement that grow from a life focused on me-me-me.

God's Final Exam is coming. In the meantime, we have the privilege of soul checkups—the “weeding out” of actions and attitudes that don't honor Him, giving the true blooms of godliness space to thrive.

*For more about the toxicity of “darnel,” check this reference: Topical Bible: Darnel

BLOOMERS V. GLOOMERS

“I hate this town!” the newcomer complained to me. “I can hardly wait to move back to my old town.” I don't remember what I replied—maybe to give the town a chance (as I had—and I was now quite comfortable and happy here). But difficult family circumstances had mandated the move. 

I thought about the phrase “bloom where you are planted.” I first heard it back in the 1970s when it was featured on posters showing lovely flowers. That's also when I, new to this town, decided I'd try to bloom, not “bomb out.”

Later I realized the principle was Biblical. The Old Testament's David probably had times of wanting to say, “I don't like living here.” Like, when as God's next-king-designate, David was hiding out in caves to escape murder by a deranged King Saul, whom he would succeed. I'm not sure when in his life he wrote what we call Psalm 37, but it sure speaks of navigating times when life doesn't turn out the way you'd hoped. Yet, of such times of “discombobulation” (I love that word; it means “a time of being upset or confusion”), David was able to declare:

Trust in the Lord, and do good,

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Delight yourself also in the LORD,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday. (Psalm 37:3-6 NKJV)

In other words, wait and see what God can do with your new circumstances. Be willing to flex, maybe learning new job skills and adjusting to new people, who just might bring out your “better self.”

I photographed this rhododendron in early May, when it was at its prime. (It reminded me of an orchid!) A few weeks later, the bloom had wilted, as “rhodies” are prone to do. I was reminded of the transience of God's floral kingdom but the wisdom He exercises with humans in “who” and “what” He plants and “where” for longtime “blooming.”

The prophet Jeremiah (long after David's time) used similar analogies in speaking of the sovereignty of God in moving people around. At this point in Hebrew history, his nation's widespread sin and apathy would soon result in a judgment of being captured and carted off to Babylon, a vicious and pagan nation. In his prophecies, Jeremiah emphasized that even when his nation's “location” and “vocation” wasn't what they dreamed of, to dig in and make it work.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 compares a person who trusts in the Lord to a tree planted by water, and thriving in that environment: “Blessed is the man who who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is in the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river."

The prophet also counseled his displaced people to “settle in” and make a new life, instead of pining for the way things used to be: “Build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat their fruit....take wives and beget sons and daughters...and seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it” (Jeremiah 29:5-7).

The person who complained “I hate this town” certainly was a candidate for such counsel. But their heart remained closed for years, nourishing bitterness.

I wish I could report a better end to this person's story, but...I'm praying. And really, the “end of the story” could still be rewritten to an outcome of hope and fulfillment. For that person. For any of us.