Full circle

I trust that God is doing the things He says He will.

I have to admit, I feel like full circle really means “in my lifetime.”‘

But, it doesn’t.

God works in and through generations for resolution and healing. Life isn’t just neatly tied up in a bow while I am living. And, when I am no longer alive, I can trust that God’s work continues on.

Some things do come full circle within my life but I don’t think that is the standard.

Here is a non-spiritual full circle moment that struck me the other day: My dad never visited Hungary even though he spoke Hungarian fluently and was a champion of all things Hungarian. He died when he was 40 and with 4 young children, I am sure it was on his bucket list of things to do some day but you have to feed the kids and pay the bills with a young family.

My mom took my brothers and I to Hungary within 3 years of my dad’s death. Maybe the two of them talked about her doing that when it was evident he was not going to survive. It was an incredibly brave thing to do as a single parent. Our ages at the time were 5, 8, 12, and 16.

Fast forward to 2012 when Don and I took our 4 kids to Hungary. We had hoped to go with my mom but she just wasn’t feeling up to the travel as she was ill. After she passed away, we knew we were in a golden moment before the kids had adult commitments that we wanted them to go to Hungary.

And, as a bonus, we even met some of my dad’s relatives that we didn’t even know existed before 2011!

In 1957 my paternal grandmother apparently wrote a letter to her relatives stating that she was hoping that she would travel to Hungary at some point. “So, we will leave this for the future when travel is allowed to all countries, and then we will also visit you in Tiszakeszi—by the will and grace of the Lord.”

She didn’t get there. My father didn’t get there. But I was able to get there. And, I even met the cousin she was writing in this letter! Incidentally, upon meeting us, that cousin said, “Now I can die.”

Wow! I mean, truly, she waited 55 years from that letter to meet a U.S. relative. And through the many years of correspondence there were probably even earlier references to someday meeting face-to-face so I am quite sure she waited longer than 55 years.

I think that was a full circle kind of thing. And if God can orchestrate something like that, I think I ought to leave Him to do His thing in my life and in the life of my family.

The timing may not be what I have planned and the way may not look the way I think it ought to, but, I need to trust Him in how He pulls it together.

Have you noticed something come to completion in your lifetime that was started a generation or two before you?

God is trustworthy to bring things full circle!

Offense or defense?

What is your prayer posture?

For me, it all depends.

Sometimes there is an immediate need or situation I am praying for: healing from illness or injury, peace in the midst of a difficult circumstance, or protection when I know someone is in peril.

Other times, I am just praying much more generally for someone — in advance of any need I know about, but will surely come their way. In terms of my kids or grandkids it might be things that occur in their lives after I am no longer on this Earth.

It is easy to see that praying for others can take quite a bit of time. As we get older and spend less time doing and more time being, we may more easily find the time to pray.

But, we can also start today!

Do you have someone you can pray for through all of their upcoming life stages? I have my grandkids in mind. We have two 5 year olds and a 3 year old. They have a lot of life coming up and I am praying for them and all their upcoming life experiences.

Whose life are you covering in prayer?

Slow Down

I have a friend who I really enjoy but don’t get to chat with very often because we both have busy schedules and we live in different states. I often text her a quick greeting or a quick question and, if she can, she calls me back for a few minutes. The other day I sent a short message and she responded with a phone call.

But, this time was different.

We got through all the “official business” we needed to get through and then she said, “How are you and Don doing?” I explained we had been ill for several weeks and a few other things.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own drama.

Then I was prompted to ask, “How are you guys?” I do believe God nudged me to do that. It isn’t that I don’t care. Sometimes I try not to take too much of someone’s time and I cut short my natural inclinations of care and concern to not be a bother. But I am so glad I asked.

I had absolutely no idea, but she is going through some challenges on several fronts and I listened and asked a few questions. We weren’t in quick text mode — it was the share-your-heart conversation mode. She is in the middle of a lot. It’s not what one expects as you get close to all kids being launched. But then, not all launches go perfectly. And then with aging parents on the other side, well, you get the picture. Sometimes life gets messy.

She didn’t expect me to solve any of her situations. She simply shared her heart. And I am so thankful she trusted me with the less-than-glamorous parts of her life. I have been praying for her and her sweet family ever since.

I could have easily tried to “respect her time” and not ask how she was doing. She was intentional about asking me the question first. And I am thankful I asked the question of her.

Of course, there are times when things are hectic. But, by and large, it is important to slow down and check in with your people. Ask how they are doing and get ready to listen to the answers. You’ll be strengthening your friendship as well as deepening your prayer life as you intercede for them.

Clear vision

This week I will have surgery to address the cataract in my right eye. While I have cataracts in both eyes, only the right one is a problem at this time.

Have you ever noticed your vision or perspective change slowly over time? I rarely do. But, when things get to a point when it really feels different then I seem to realize that something has been happening, over time.

It’s kind of like the frog in the kettle. You don’t really notice where you are — maybe you are lulled into complacency — until it is (almost) too late.

Of course, I don’t feel like I am too late dealing with this cataract. And, by the end of the year my left eye might need to be done, too. That would be convenient, “deductibly” speaking.

But, if we are speaking about the way of the world and the destructive rabbit trails and worldly views that can subtly and quickly surround us, now that can really cause some issues.

How do we stand guard and protect or ensure God’s perspective is coming through?

By walking close to God.

Surrounding ourselves with Scripture is a big help. Regular communication with God — even if it is lamenting 😊– just keeping that door open is also important. Attending church services or Bible studies — and having Faith- filled friends and family are all ways to ensure — or at least help — your spiritual eyes to be aware and in synch with God.

And, sometimes, you might need to go “under the knife” to address the issue.

God is there, too!

Dear Lord…

Today I am praying for all of the people I am related to by blood or law. It’s such a long list. I am not sure how often some of these folks pray — for themselves or others — because everyone is in a different place in their relationship with God and it is my privilege to pray for them! I love them each and so I pray for :

their relationship with God, May they grow in their knowledge of His love for them and their need for a Savior.

perseverance through trials

physical health

mental and emotional health

good relationships with the people they love and care about

their jobs and studies

I typically start with my husband, our children, and the grandchildren. Then I move on to my siblings and their spouses and their children. Then my husband’s siblings and spouses and children and grandchildren. Then the living aunts and uncles on both sides and then all the cousins and their families. Then I move onto the next round of second and third cousins on my side and then to those on Don’s side. I don’t necessarily list everyone’s names the further down the line I go because I actually don’t know or remember all the kids of all the cousins but I typically will say the head of the family and ask God to bless those who fall under that family line. Honestly, it all depends on the time I have that day. And it may not always be a formal prayer time. If they cross my mind during a day, I might just ask God to bless their day and their situation. Formal prayer time is great, but I would rather think of my day as one long conversation with God.

Dear Heavenly Father…

The birds are singing so sweetly this morning. The coffee tastes great. And I am thankful to be back home after a week of traveling for work.

Please be with all those who are running small, family businesses! From the day-to-day details to the big picture plan to the finances — t’s a lot to juggle, particularly in the last three years with all of the pandemic challenges.

Please grant Your wisdom in decisions and the energy and discernment about where the efforts should be invested. Help the people who are looking for particular goods and services find the businesses that match their needs. Help satisfied customers share their experiences so positive words are circulating and a good reputation grows stronger.

And, finally, help the business owners to be able to rest. The last several years has taken quite a bit of energy in trying to figure out what can work with supply chain and other restrictions. Thank you for always providing and paving the way!

Amen.

The gift of family

I have been gifted with some wonderful family members. While we certainly don’t all agree on everything, there are common bonds of family history and relatives. There are various degrees of genetic connection to these “relations” and, of course, there are some who have no genetic relationship but we are connected “in law”. There are some “in laws” who really know how to be family. What a blessing.

I am thankful to be surrounded by such diverse and wonderful people.

And then there are other folks who are not related to you by blood or law and yet they feel like all the good things about family. They are in your life because they choose to be. And, sometimes, they know us better than family. There is not an obligation to connect, it just is such a natural thing. A relationship so natural and frequent that sometimes the kids think they are cousins because of the amount of time together, and it just seemed easier to have them referred to using something more familiar like “Aunt Mary” and “Uncle Don” instead of the more formal “Mr. ________ or Mrs. ________”.

I am thankful for the people I love in my life, whether or not we are technically related. God seems to bring just who I need in my life at just the right time.

All is calm…

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia.
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born! *

For some of us, everything is ready and the house is relatively calm. But for others, there is a lot of last minute hustle on tap for today.

It all depends on what is happening in life at the moment. And yet, it is important to press the pause button and choose calm. I prefer less hustle, but that probably has to do with how busy things have been for the last six weeks helping everyone else get their Christmas gifts in order due to our business. It is a wonderful change in pace to go from long working days to just shipping out a package or two a day and spending more time with the kids and grandkids.

Nearly all is calm here in my neck of the woods. We don’t host a huge dinner because we don’t have the space. That’s okay with me because these limitations contribute to my calm. They also limit my distraction from the true celebration here. The gifts and family time are fun and precious. But…

Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

When I ponder these words, the what is and what isn’t in my life takes a back seat. Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the gift for the whole world, is here. His salvation is a gift for me. And this so very personal gift from God is an incredible treasure to me.

Christ, my Savior, is born.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz

*by Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848

Hello Friend! Day Fourteen

Hello Friend!

I am thrilled to have two grandbabies added to our family since May and so I have been extra introspective about a lot of things, particularly in how one is “wired”!

The fun (and sometimes frustration) in learning about a new person in your life is understanding them. What are their needs? What makes them tick? What is their communication style?

We all have a lot of people in our daily lives and some people fit with us so easily while others take some getting used to. When I am in the midst of figuring someone out, it helps me to remember that we are all knit together, created by God — even those people that take a lot of effort for me to connect with.

If you have tiny new people in your life, enjoy the process of getting to know them. Pray for them. Love them in the way you know how but don’t be afraid to learn new ways to love!

Love,
Liz

Team

When my brother was younger he was very industrious and energetic and it was a challenge to keep up with him. He also always had a “catchphrase” that he would use for at least a year. One of them was RESPONSIBILITY. He would say it loudly and then go on to explain to anyone around him, often my kids, what it meant to be responsible. He was a hard worker and he still is. And he always has little nuggets of wisdom for his nieces and nephews and his own children.

One of my favorite memories is when his “catchphrase” was TEAM. He would always say “Together Ernie Achieves More!” If we would just all work together, we could help him get to his goal. What a funny guy!

Teamwork is always about working together but rarely about us doing the exact same job. We each have our own specialties and roles needed to accomplish the goal – and we need to recognize and value each of the roles. The best team is where there is trust and adequate skills for the task and good communication.

But being on a team isn’t always easy. People have different styles of work as well as different paces. Working out the differences in opinion and approach are important. Valuing the different perspectives is also important. As the process moves along it is important not to trample on people just to get to the end goal. Good relationships are important when working on a team.

But, be careful with whom you partner! Sometimes an assignment is made and we don’t have a say in the matter. But other times, we definitely have a choice. Naturally, we can’t know everything about a person before we team up with them but for those lifetime partnerships, it is important to take time to observe them in a variety of situations, spend time in conversation, and connect with them over time. Also, introducing them to family and friends can help get a larger picture of how they interact with the other important people in our lives.

⁹Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up. [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV]

May God bless your work and play partnerships!

Liz

PrayerPrompt: TOOLS