Lisa Hetzel

As the blustery winds pushed me through the doorway, I caught my breath. My inside- out umbrella made me chuckle as I thought of another windy day.

My husband, seven year old son and I were all strapped together on the edge of a speedboat zooming over 50 miles per hour. As the rope and sails hoisted us up 700 feet above the Atlantic, we saw the endless ocean. It was so beautiful. Then I looked down at the skipper and his mate. I felt a huge lump in my throat as I realized that we didn’t know too much about this “dynamic duo.” They looked so young. I couldn’t believe that we had put our life in their hands. We were literally flying by the seat of our pants.

Of course, the worrywart self that I am, I calmed down just long enough to enjoy the view and make it back to the boat (and yes, I did kiss the ground).

Whoops, how many times have I just gone ahead and done something in good faith and then found myself in a predicament? What if I had taken time to pray, research and reflect on more of my big decisions? What if instead of a quick prayer to consult God, I patiently waited for his response? Would I enjoy more peace and less fear? Was I ready to move into a deeper, more trusting, relationship with the Lord?

Sometimes it’s so hard to trust a God that I can’t see. I get tired from this whole thing that we call life. Once in a while, it even feels as though I’m flying solo.

It’s a good thing that faith doesn’t rely on fluctuating feelings. God is still God. He is always with me.

Ps 31:14 “(But) I trust in you, O Lord; I say, You are my God.”

     My sticky legs peeled away from the burgundy, vinyl seat of our station wagon. Squeezing and squirming between my three brothers on the floor was tricky. Dad’s voice was strangely urgent as we took an unexpected detour to Grandma’s.
     “Stay down!” my dad barked as we bumped along the steamy , smoky, noisy streets of Detroit, Michigan. Roofs were on fire and people were running all over the place. Sirens screamed and horns blew as we navigated our way through. After what seemed like a million years, we were finally able to crawl back to our spots and breathe safely again.
     I didn’t know in that summer of ’68 that this was only one of many times when my parents would shield us from the danger that exploded near my two safest places in the world: our home in Cleveland and Grandma’s near Detroit. Seven year olds didn’t understand a whole lot about any of it.
     Forty years later, I’m still amazed at the lessons that my parents taught us about community, respect, justice, truth, peace and love. They showed us that Jesus’ gospel message isn’t easy. But it is worth every moment.
    ”Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV)
     God knows that many times that I have failed to live up to his gospel promise. I’ve learned the bitter truth that misunderstanding and miscommunication can expand quickly. God can guide me straight through the conflicts that I face. Every single time.
 

Dear Lord, please guide me to love others the way that you do.

      Back in the olden days (okay, the 70s), we would spend afternoons playing kickball, hide-and-go-seek and Red Rover in each other’s backyards. Occasionally, someone would argue that something was unfair. Heated arguments would reach ear piercing levels until someone would cave in and declare, “Okay, it’s a Do over!”
     Surrender to this option would satisfy both teams, keep everyone accountable and allow the game to continue. I need to “do over” parts of my own life. Instead of making new resolutions, I’m going to re-examine my attempts at last year’s: listen well, be part of the solution, and  celebrate the joy in each day.
     I have to admit that I haven’t made as much progress as I could have. Too often, I didn’t give people time to really speak before starting to come up with my own response. Sometimes, when divisive words were said, I remained silent. I even ignored the beauty right in front of my eyes.
     I’m left with the option of improving last year’s list or throwing them out and starting all over. As I think about it, my morning devotional directs my choice:

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col 3: 13 NIV)