‘Twas a double sermon Sunday. First, Dean Borgman’s soul-tending reminder to keep seeking first God’s kingdom, while learning to live free from worry and fear. (Luke 12) There’s plenty to fear and worry about in this country, our world.
Sometimes, I want to put my hands on my hips, like Kate did last month in VBS, when playing the part of the elder brother in the Prodigal Son, and yell, “It’s not fair!” Times when the wicked prosper, innocents suffer, the world’s out of balance, I grab Psalm 73 to gain perspective.
The unintended sermon following Dean’s came during communion, as I watched one small boy skip down the aisle, dodging cracks in the slate floor, while holding onto his Mama’s hand.
Who hop-scotches to the altar?
One who is care-free, who trusts the hand holding his.
” Look at the ravens. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (from Luke 12 ,New Living Translation)
Dean wrapped up his sermon and us in words from an old poem by Elizabeth Cheney,
“Said the robin to the sparrow, ‘I should really like to know why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so.’
“Said the sparrow to the robin, ‘Friend, I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me.”
Next time I find myself out on a limb, it might serve me well to listen to some care-free birds, singing away while I fret.
Thanks for reminding me, Dean, birds and one small boy.
“…of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
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I love this reminder of just how precious we are to God. Over the past couple of months this exact verse has popped up in so many places for me….devotionals, blogs, quotes, sermons. I have been able to use it to encourage a dear friend who was hurting and my own child asking how God feels about homosexuality. I can also speak from experience as someone who was blessed to have someone tuck me under their wing and show me first hand what following a loving God looks like. There are days that I’d like to run back under that wing 😉 and even though I know I always can I remember words like these that are tucked into my heart for just such an occasion. xo
Thank you for the reminder, Jan, Dean, and trusting little guy.
Love you, Jan!
My late sister-in-law Bobbie Wolemuth loved that poem about the birds and quoted it often. She enjoyed painting and one of her specialities was birds.
Thankfully, our Father knows what things we have need of . . . a portion of Scripture you used to remind me of waaaay back in our MSU days! AND, today I received what I needed . . . a sweet remembrance of my 75th August birthday! Let the fireworks begin!! Thank you, thank you, sweet Jan . . . and keep the blogs coming. They make my days sweeter and brighter! Sending you much love to you today on a hot humid day in northern Michigan!