Just for laughs
So, you know how much time I have to think about life’s little quirks eh? Well, it turns out that I actually have a couple thoughts about things.
I remember it was early spring and I was sitting quietly out on my back patio looking up at the barren branches of the poplars out back thinking to myself “I wonder if I will live to see the leaves of summer.” How far away that seems! In reality it is a whole life ago. Back then I would never have thought I would still be around in a state of illness in November! Surely God would have either taken me home or healed me.
So, here I am, such as I am; a gaunt remnant of the body that I used to inhabit stares back at me whenever I dare look in a mirror and it actually makes me chuckle.
I remember it was early spring and I was sitting quietly out on my back patio looking up at the barren branches of the poplars out back thinking to myself “I wonder if I will live to see the leaves of summer.” How far away that seems! In reality it is a whole life ago. Back then I would never have thought I would still be around in a state of illness in November! Surely God would have either taken me home or healed me.
So, here I am, such as I am; a gaunt remnant of the body that I used to inhabit stares back at me whenever I dare look in a mirror and it actually makes me chuckle.
What I have learned is that life is experienced on a myriad of layers. What is truly incredible is just how unaware I was of so many of them.
Take for example, listening to the wind in the trees. On the surface, there is the sound, then digging in, there are layers of sound. What is making the noise? The soft rustling of leaves as they hit and bump into each other; moved by the invisible form that is wind. The breath of life without which, nothing could live (but that is another thought) moving quietly but for the objects in its path. Closing my eyes I hear so many different types of obstruction, evergreens, their needles cutting through the air with a sound like a soft hiss; almost as if they rent a cut causing the deflation of a huge bed of air. In contrast to the clumsy patter of leaves, it seems more regal somehow; like the difference between a jet and a propeller. Now I expand my ears outward and begin to isolate different sources of sound. The faint cawing of crows, birdsong from a dozen different birds; the squeak squeak squeak of squirrel undoubtedly upset by something; the faint roar of a thousand 4 wheeled memorials to the ingenuity of man; now it’s as if I have opened up the floodgates of sound as layer upon layer of sound becomes evident to me. I start to distinguish a steady rhythm; now two rhythms which turn out to be emanating from within me; the steady thump thump thump of my heart, giving way to the rushing of blood through my veins accompanied by the slow intake and exhale of the very air that first caught my attention. I have come full circle and the sensations continue to build.
I find that I have, at once, a reaction to each new revelation of sound. In the moment I experienced it, my emotional responses were as varied as the textures of sound themselves.
I found myself amazed at the genius behind the laws of thermodynamics, in awe of the function of trees, taking carbon dioxide and heat out of the passing air and doing so with seemingly no effort.
The endurance of the squirrel (doesn’t he ever get sick of hearing himself?) the variety of birdsong and the complete standard of each species; how complex some of the songs are and how exact the birds are at reproducing it across an entire species.
That is a rather weak attempt to explore some of the layers inherent in just one sense; there are so many more layers of experience across each and every one of our senses.
Take for example, listening to the wind in the trees. On the surface, there is the sound, then digging in, there are layers of sound. What is making the noise? The soft rustling of leaves as they hit and bump into each other; moved by the invisible form that is wind. The breath of life without which, nothing could live (but that is another thought) moving quietly but for the objects in its path. Closing my eyes I hear so many different types of obstruction, evergreens, their needles cutting through the air with a sound like a soft hiss; almost as if they rent a cut causing the deflation of a huge bed of air. In contrast to the clumsy patter of leaves, it seems more regal somehow; like the difference between a jet and a propeller. Now I expand my ears outward and begin to isolate different sources of sound. The faint cawing of crows, birdsong from a dozen different birds; the squeak squeak squeak of squirrel undoubtedly upset by something; the faint roar of a thousand 4 wheeled memorials to the ingenuity of man; now it’s as if I have opened up the floodgates of sound as layer upon layer of sound becomes evident to me. I start to distinguish a steady rhythm; now two rhythms which turn out to be emanating from within me; the steady thump thump thump of my heart, giving way to the rushing of blood through my veins accompanied by the slow intake and exhale of the very air that first caught my attention. I have come full circle and the sensations continue to build.
I find that I have, at once, a reaction to each new revelation of sound. In the moment I experienced it, my emotional responses were as varied as the textures of sound themselves.
I found myself amazed at the genius behind the laws of thermodynamics, in awe of the function of trees, taking carbon dioxide and heat out of the passing air and doing so with seemingly no effort.
The endurance of the squirrel (doesn’t he ever get sick of hearing himself?) the variety of birdsong and the complete standard of each species; how complex some of the songs are and how exact the birds are at reproducing it across an entire species.
That is a rather weak attempt to explore some of the layers inherent in just one sense; there are so many more layers of experience across each and every one of our senses.
My friend Dave started to explain how certain chefs are able to break apart a taste into an entire spectrum of experience, from the way the food begins through the entire process of enjoying the subtle textures of mingling flavours, and on to how the tongue senses different parts of each flavour at different physical locations.
The same is true for the eyes of an artist, the nose of a wine connoisseur, the fingertips of someone blind, and the imagination of a poet.
Forgive my crude analogies; I suffer more from lack of imagination than I would like to admit.
Forgive my crude analogies; I suffer more from lack of imagination than I would like to admit.
So that got me curious. Where does that put our spiritual sensitivity?
I suppose it’s a question that I have started to ask myself lately, because of the condition of my body (not good) . As I have considered eternity, it has become apparent that I am woefully unprepared for it. What I mean is that my spiritual senses are incredibly dull. I find it difficult to hear God, though not impossible, and my awareness of His heart for those around me is limited at best.
In some ways I feel like a dullard invited to savour exquisite food, view magnificent artistic displays of masterpieces, become enveloped in musical expressions that lay bare the heart, become enraptured by exotic and breathtaking perfumes and consider the most delicate of fabrics caressing my skin with such tenderness and delicacy as to cause shivers of pleasure.
Am I not as a rogue would be; hurriedly stuffing down a tasteless burger, flipping idly through a newspaper, humming off key to a commercial jingle, sniffling as a dirty child with a runny nose, and aware of tenderness like the rough hands of a blacksmith – all finer abilities to appreciate the multitude of life’s sensations burned away by years of neglect and abuse.
Which kind of got me thinking about the mysterious wonder of becoming one with God through the incredible offer of Jesus.
I suppose it’s a question that I have started to ask myself lately, because of the condition of my body (not good) . As I have considered eternity, it has become apparent that I am woefully unprepared for it. What I mean is that my spiritual senses are incredibly dull. I find it difficult to hear God, though not impossible, and my awareness of His heart for those around me is limited at best.
In some ways I feel like a dullard invited to savour exquisite food, view magnificent artistic displays of masterpieces, become enveloped in musical expressions that lay bare the heart, become enraptured by exotic and breathtaking perfumes and consider the most delicate of fabrics caressing my skin with such tenderness and delicacy as to cause shivers of pleasure.
Am I not as a rogue would be; hurriedly stuffing down a tasteless burger, flipping idly through a newspaper, humming off key to a commercial jingle, sniffling as a dirty child with a runny nose, and aware of tenderness like the rough hands of a blacksmith – all finer abilities to appreciate the multitude of life’s sensations burned away by years of neglect and abuse.
Which kind of got me thinking about the mysterious wonder of becoming one with God through the incredible offer of Jesus.
I asked God what He could possibly get out of becoming part of our mortal existence; why He would possibly leave the company of glory beyond compare to live in hovels of flesh and humanity; what could I possibly offer Him?
The answer was instant and clear, and made me laugh.
Absolutely nothing; but I have lots to offer you.
The answer was instant and clear, and made me laugh.
Absolutely nothing; but I have lots to offer you.
That's exciting Stephen! Right away I thought of the story of Peter and the lame man recorded in the Bible!
Act 3:1 ¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].
Act 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Act 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Act 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Act 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Act 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
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Excellent, Steve. Simply excellent.
Blessings to you on this day.
Jim Bugg
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BINGO! We don't have to get it right in life, He's already done that. And THAT'S all there is to it! Praise God!
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Hi, Dear Stephen!
My cousin, Heather, told me about you, and has sent me a couple of your letters. When Heather found out that my sister, Barb, had ALS, she suggested I read what you had to say,because you're suffering from the same horrible disease.
You are blessed, Stephen! You have so many Christian friends, and family, to support you, and to uplift you. My sister doesn't know Jesus. She has started to pray to Him,now that she feels her helplessness. However, she doesn't know much about Him, and doesn't have the hope, and trust, that other Christians have.
As we go through this life, as "pilgrims in a strange land", our walk with Christ grows stronger and stronger, as we get to know Him, and trust Him. We need to get to know Him as soon as we can, in this life, so we will have His power, and strength, when the rough patches come.
Because you have such great faith in our Lord, you are prepared to let go of this life, and go to meet Him, who has given you a full life (from the sounds of it).
You are suffering from a very nasty disease, but you are being strong, and you are trusting in Jesus, for that strength. You have learned to see all the beauty that God has given us in this world. Many people never see what is good and beautiful. They complain, and see only the negative, in everything.
You say you have nothing to offer God, but you have. You have given Him your life, which is what he wants from us. Satan wants to take us away, from God. He will take as many people as he can, by causing trials, and tribulations, in our lives.
Your letters show that you have not let Satan win your life. Praise the Lord!
I want you to know that you are a great witness for Jesus! You share your faith with all who enter into your life. We can see that you haven't given up your faith in the face of adversity.
We know that whatever goodness, and beauty we can see, and hear, in this world, it will be like nothing compared to what God has in store for us, in the new earth (1Cor 2:9)Look forward to that!
When God makes the world new, He will dwell with us! There will be no more tears, no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and no more pain. (Rev 21:3&4)
Be at peace, my brother! God loves you, just as you are. He knows your every thought and feeling, and understands you, as no human being can.
We're all born sinners, Stephen, so nobody can judge you except God. Jesus came to save us, because we can't save ourselves. He paid the price for all of our sins. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(1Jn 1:9). Do not fear death! Rest in Jesus arms! He has conquered death, and will cover us with his protection, until it is time to leave this old world.
When the time comes for you to go to "sleep", you will wake up to see Jesus, and all His glory. Hallelujah!What a glorious day that will be!
May God continue to bless you, and keep you in His precious arms, until the end.
Virginia
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En citat fra H.C. Anderson:
"Gud giver os Nødderne men han knækker dem ikke for os."
Min Bestemor e-mailed mig den. Knus og Love!
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Stephen,
I have been following your posts for some time and have been moved by your candor, humor and insight. I continue to pray for you and your family as we approach Christmas. Bless you.
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Stephen, I've been reading your blogs this morning. God bless you in your strength and weakness. You are loved.
Jim Meggait
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