NESTED

My son-in-law was helping trim up a fir tree when he came upon an abandoned bird nest. How small, how meticulously put together with twigs and mud. What a builder, probably a swallow (known as a restless bird, always flitting about) or a sparrow (symbolizing utter loneliness in Psalm 102:7). Both birds (common to us!) also flew in and out of the Bible's tabernacle and the temple

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.(Psalm 84:3)

Remembering this verse, I thought of how this home, where I've lived for nearly 42 years, became the “nest” for two little ones who grew up to be responsible, loving adults. Especially through their dad's final illness, and my new journey without him, I have appreciated their love and support.

But that little nest said more to me. Though no longer needed in my yard's fir tree, it was a “history” of where the bird parents raised their family, teaching those hungry hatchlings over and over, over and over. Showed them how to fly, find food, and make their own way in the world. Released them from the nest. How much a picture of human parenting! (Well, I didn't teach my kids to fly but driver's ed was equally scary!)

Swedish hymn-writer Carolina Sandell Berg noted these things in lyrics for her tender, enduring hymn:

Children of the heavenly Father safely in His bosom gather

Nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e'er was given.

One phrase in Psalm 84:3 always makes me pause: “a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty.” Both the ancient tabernacle and temple, given their size and construction, couldn't keep out the birds. Thus many nested in places they deemed safe. Probably their chosen “safe place” was atop a wall or in a niche—not on a hot altar where sacrifices were burned. But who's to say the birds didn't fly down at night to inspect things—even altars--when all was calm and the ashes cool?

And could that also be a picture of human home life at night? When my son and daughter were younger, we tucked them into bed with stories and prayer. Yes, the “family altar” of seeking God. How touching to hear them pray for their own needs, other family members and their friends. Under-girding their prayers: the trust in the Lord Almighty, their King, their God. Now they do the same with their children.

“Nested” near HIS altar. Our King and our God. There's no better place to be.

Garden-tender

A series inspired by sights of Kauai.
With its nickname as “The Garden Island,” we expected to see lots of eye-candy as we traveled throughout Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. But when we came over the top of one hill and saw a sign, “Nursery,” we turned in, wondering what a commercial nursery in the tropics could offer.  Oh, my, the shelters went on and on and on, protecting new and maturing plants. The web site of this facility boasted 60,000 square feet of greenhouses and more than seventy acres of landscape plants and materials. The facility covers 150 acres and employs about a hundred people.  What a far cry from one of our town’s seasonal “garden centers” at a local appliance and furniture store. It exists for a few months in the spring, a third of the parking lot covered with bark and rows of plants and trees.
 

As we walked through a small portion of the facility, I thought of how appropriate it is, that the word “nursery” is applied to the “beginnings” of both plant and human life. The repeated use of the term “little children” by the aging, venerable apostle John echoed in my heart. The last of the apostles to die, somewhere in his nineties after a long imprisonment on a remote island, his weak old heart beat with compassion for the spiritual children he would leave behind.  His first epistle ends simply but with an impassioned plea, “Dear children, keep yourself from idols” (1 John 5:21). Of all the ways he could have said, “the end,” he “punched out,” as it were, with what he saw as the greatest threat to the church: idols.

 

The whole epistle seems to throb with John’s fatherly concern for believers. Frequently he used the term “children” (Gk: teknon) or “little children (teknion, diminutive form).  As an old man, weak in body and soon to die, it seems all he can think of were those fresh-faced believers who haven’t been spiritually seasoned like him.  He wanted them to grow into a robust faith, despite the apostasy of the times:

As I read the epistle, I have to stop whenever I see “children.” It suggests both our position in Christ and our spiritual vulnerability. Linger as you read these:

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.” (1 John 2:1)
“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (2:12)
“I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. (2:13)
“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.” (2:18)
“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him as his coming” (2:28)
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (3:1)
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.” (3:7)
“This is how we know who the children of God are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother.” (3:10)
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (3:18)
“You, dear children, are from God, and have overcome them [false prophets], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (4:4)
“This is how we now that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands” (5:2)

Here’s the big message I get from this: in God’s nursery of young, growing, vulnerable  believers, the early church was blessed by a passionate, caring “attendant.”  For the Gospel to be properly “propagated,” John would not shirk his duties until God called him Home. He left us an example.

Careful: endangered ones crossing

In September, my husband and I enjoyed a generous gift of nearly a week in Kaua’i, the northern “Garden Island” of the Hawaiian chain. Our son and daughter-in-law arranged the mini-vacation as appreciation for a year-plus of babysitting while they worked. Our “sitting” was win-win for us—no pay expected—as we invested in vulnerable babies and had confidence that their day-care (us!) met our standards J.  This gift-trip allowed us to unplug from tasks and concerns “back home.” As we drove around the island, I snapped photos of things that reminded me of God’s fingerprints. I start sharing them with this blog post.

As a mother and grandmother, I could relate to this sign intended to protect Hawaii’s state bird, the endangered nene (the name sounds something like the goose’s soft call). Found in the wild only in the Hawaiian islands, in 1950 the birds were close to extinction with only fifty left. A half-century later, they had grown back to about 800, but were still considered “endangered.”

The state is working to restore a healthy population of nene and other native birds at risk. During our visit, tropical storms slammed the islands. One wild night of thunder and lightning resulted in “navigation confusion” for about a hundred endangered seabirds, most of them “Newell’s shearwaters,” which fell from the sky and needed rehab; nine died.

Other protective tactics are signs like this one at a cramped parking area near a habitat overlook area, where it’s tempting to throw the birds human junk food. This sign brought to mind a Bible verse I learned in Sunday school as a small child:.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of God is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV).
I didn’t understand it at the time, but I connected it with the illustrations in a classic children’s book my family owned: Make Way for Ducklings. Like the book’s ducks following their mommy duck in an obedient row, I was to follow my Sunday school teachers and parents in living “circumspectly,” which, whatever it meant, sounded quite serious!

 As an adult, I had that verse clarified for me in a newer translation:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Ephesians 5 details the differences between “the light” (God’s way) and “the dark” (Satan’s temptations). Such choices faced us one evening when we visited the hotel’s free-to-guests video kiosk, thinking we’d choose one. But as we scrolled through the various available movies, nothing seemed right for us as Christians. Violence, sex, crime and abnormal behavior characterized nearly all.  Even the cartoons had doubtful content.  We left empty-handed. Interestingly, the next morning we picked up a copy of the island’s newspaper and read of school children taking a public vow to quit watching violent movies and videos. The day’s editorial lamented the demise of more innocent television shows, like Mayberry “sheriff” Andy Griffith.

I thought of the nene bird crossing sign, and the warning not to feed the birds. I asked myself: Is my culture wisely supervising what goes in our children’s minds, or is it inviting them to peck at garbage?

Heaven: The Greatest Home Makeover--Day 17

THE NURSERY
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”—Matthew 19:14

It’s hard to walk among cemetery grave markers for babies and small children. Parents dream big with each pregnancy and birth. When a little life is cut short, we have many questions. Why did this little one have to die? Why is the pain so deep? Will I recognize them in heaven? Some people wonder if babies and children become little angels in heaven, something like the chunky, rose-cheeked “cherubs” on Valentine’s Day cards. But that’s not a teaching of the Bible. Yes, God created angels, but for special sacred jobs in heaven. Babies are not pre-angels.

But God does use little ones to draw us to greater awe of His creative power. You’ve probably watched a little hand curl around your finger, and marveled how this life started mere months earlier as an egg and sperm. Children teach us about our weaknesses and need for God’s help as we struggle to care for them and train them.

Make no mistake: God loves children in a very special way. We see that in how Jesus reacted with children. One of the most poignant scenes of His earthly ministry involved the common people bringing their children to Him for blessing. Jesus’ disciples tried to stop the crush of parents, but Jesus urged them not to interfere. “Let the little children come to me,” He said. Stop and think about that. He wanted them to come! These weren’t influential people or religious leaders—just children. Yet about them, He added, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 9:14). Envision Jesus nuzzling a newborn and touching its cheek to encourage a smile. Stroking the downy head of an older baby, transfixed by His eyes. Hugging a toddler to His chest as He spoke quietly of His Father’s love. Scooping older siblings to His side, maybe laughing with them.

Earlier, His disciples had asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. No doubt they hoped to know who was His favorite follower. Instead, he called a little child out of the crowd. “Unless you change and become like little children,” He said, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). After commending child-like faith, He revealed something else: “For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:11). Children are so special to God that they have assigned angels!

This side of heaven, we’ll never understand fully why children die. Some people worry that babies and children, who never got a chance to understand truths of salvation, will be left out of heaven. But the Bible says God is merciful and knows those who are His (2 Tim. 1:19). The Judge of all the earth will do right (Gen. 18:25). Like a shepherd who went to great pains to find his lost sheep, Jesus said God the Father “is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” (Matt. 18:14). So, expect to see the children, including those who died before birth. Will they “grow up” in heaven? The Bible is silent on that, but we’re assured that in heaven we’ll recognize one another.

Ely Swanson, a mechanic and inventor, believed that. His son Norm says his father often told this story as an encouragement about heaven. The second of seven children, Ely was in his seventies when his sister Lillian, a retired missionary, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. A few weeks before she died, Ely had a vivid dream. In recounting the dream to family members, Ely said he couldn’t find words to describe what he saw, and thought it must have been heaven. Some sort of being guided him around this place where he saw four family members, all appearing to be in their early twenties. These included his godly father and mother, plus his brother Philip. Philip had rejected his Christian upbringing from an early age and lived a difficult life, but became a Christian at a Billy Graham crusade shortly before his death. Ely also thought he saw his sister Lillian, but because Lillian had not yet died, he was confused and asked why she was here. The guide in his dream responded, “That is not Lillian. It’s Marie.” Ely had forgotten his parents had a baby girl, Marie, who lived only four hours.

A life too short for heaven? Not at all. The song is right. Jesus loves the little children….they are precious in His sight.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the assurance that Heaven will include the little ones who died so young. Amen.

Praying by the book, Part 3: Special prayers for your children

Central Washington, where I live, is a high desert area with inspiring mountain views, irrigated and fruited valleys, and a moderate climate that gives us four seasons without too many extremes. We don’t have hurricanes (though sometimes a wild wind storm), tornadoes (just dust devils in the wheat fields), blizzards (though a few significant snowfalls), or major earthquakes.

But we do have fires. Whether lightning- or man-caused, they quickly churn through dry forest or brush lands toward homes and towns. Sometimes smoke settles on our valley like a dirty shroud, hard on those of us with asthma and other breathing issues. I remember a couple summers when our urban area of about 40,000 was put on notice for possible evacuation because the fires were rampaging our way. Thankfully, it never happened for us.

As a result, those who live in rural areas prone to wildfires have learned what not to do, like not planting trees near a home where they’ll just act like torches. Instead, they create firebreaks with cleared, bare land, often ringing homes with gravel.

This whole scary fire scene is a picture of the need to pray for our children. They’re out there in a fierce world where sudden gusts of opposition or trouble can put them at risk. Spiritual battles aren’t fought well with the garden hose of wimpy prayers on the order of “Bless Billy” or “Be with Jane.”

For years, I prayed with my kids at bedtime and privately when there were crises, like a health issue or a difficulty at school. But I wasn’t consistent in prayers for the “big picture” of their lives. When they got to high school, I realized that needed to change. Every time they entered that big, gray, almost windowless building, they were in a battlefield of standing for God in a culture that for the most part ignored or dishonored God in word, deed, and purpose.

That’s when I decided I would pray for character issues for my children on a daily basis, in addition to whatever immediate need they faced. I came up with seven big areas on which to focus their prayer, one per day of the week. These I wrote on the back of each divider page of my personal prayer notebook, as follows:

Sunday: growing faith, place of ministry.
Monday: to delight in God’s Word.
Tuesday: purity, future mate.
Wednesday: health and safety.
Thursday: careers, values
Friday: positive attitude, gratitude
Saturday: true, godly friends.

My son and daughter are now in their late twenties. They upheld purity and married Christians. They’re active in their churches. They survived hundreds of miles driving to and from a college four hours away. They prepared well for their careers. They value simple things, like growing a garden or enjoying a community park. They express gratitude to their parents and others. They’re helpful. They have chosen good friends. They are good friends.

As I write this, I thank God for His care as they navigated those turbulent teen years. Many of their peers got too close to the fires of bad choices and continue, as young adults, to grieve their parents.

I still pray for them daily, revising those big areas for the needs I’m aware of in their lives. For example, instead of “future mate,” I’m praying for the mate they now have.

A special note to those who have no children or may not be married: carry the prayer burden for the children or a relative or special friend. God will honor that. Just as dozens of fire fighters stave off destruction in a real fire, there’s lots of room for those who intercede for the next generation.