Notes from Jan

Thank God for WE Day

March 21, 2020

The handyman wasn’t all that handy. When asked when he’d get at such and such, his usual response was, “Most any time now.” I still  remember my parents’ frustration as he kept them dangling with his casual approach to real needs.

In the midst of this catastrophic time, some have chosen a casual,”most any time” approach to social distancing. If we listen to the scientists, we learn just a few can  nullify the sacrificial acts of  many. The health and healing of our world begs  daily sacrifices.  Before it’s too late, my ME needs to  join the WE movement, for goodness sake.

Still,  we who call ourselves Christians, should be used to this way of living.  You know, “loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.” Since I’m isolated from my usual comings and goings, I’m left with time and space to think.  Homework’s still tough.  I’m learning I love me and not so much we.  Some days, Jesus must be tempted to renege on His promises.

Today, an old Swedish hymn roused me from sleep. While I  faith most days with hope, sometimes  fear nibbles around the edges. Apparently, God knows my weapon of choice is music, so delivered a song this morning.  If you know the tune,  sing along.

“Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength  I find to meet my trials here;

trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

gives unto each day what he deems best

lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

mingling toil with peace and rest.”

 

“Most any time now” is neither handy nor wise.  Lent nudges us to increase our love for WE  over ME. 

When you think about it, God made the first move.

 

 

D

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12 Comments

  • Reply David L Smith March 21, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    If we can remember, Elizabeth and I will sing you that song at our next encounter!

    • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      I’d love that, David. With your good memory and heart, I’m confident you won’t forget.

  • Reply Dale March 21, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    I sang along, but, fortunately, God translated it to music the angels could bear. At times, Marty and I have asked each other “what day is it?” When we start asking, “where are we,?’ you will know to call 911 on our behalf.

    Moments are what we have and when they are experienced in His presence they last a long time.

    Thanks for all of your sweet reminders.

    Dale

    • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      These moments add up to more than we can imagine, even on a bad day.
      Hope today’s a good one for both of you.

  • Reply Radina Welton March 21, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    My widowed Swedish mother’s most sung
    -out-loud hymn in the days after my father died and left her with four children under the age of eight, I being the oldest. I know it by heart. I sing it often and a few months ago introduced it to our little church congregation.

    • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      What a heart-warming story, Radina. This is a good time to share stories of courageous men and women before and among us who demonstrate Holy Hope and trust in God while in the middle of hard times.

  • Reply Maggie Rowe March 21, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    Jan, your site should be required daily reading for all people of faith. So often you articulate what I simply do not have the words to express but it speaks right to the heart. Thank you for touching the lives of so many in the very best way.

    • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      You, too, dear Maggie have done that for many through your life and words. Continue to spread Holy Hope.

  • Reply Marty Lefever March 21, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    I sang along!! Love it!!

    • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      I thought I heard you and your piano.
      Sing on , my Faithful Philodendron Friend, while paying no attention to Dale.

  • Reply Jody March 23, 2020 at 8:05 am

    Loved this Jan. One of my favorite hymns from long ago. So many things to pray about every day.

  • Reply Jan Carlberg March 23, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    Yes, dear Jody. Day by Day…strength we find and Amazing Grace to “faith” whatever comes.

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