Bookmarks and Footnotes

About the bookmarks...

Because Wendy asked, here are the front and back photos of the bookmark Jud and I gave Gordon grads at our last Gordon College Commencerment in May 2011. (See October 4 Blog post: Time to Stop Screaming...) And also, here is the photo of the Message translation by Eugene Peterson, given with the bookmark. My copy is tattered but treasured. It's a small paperback copy, about 5" by 3." Also, you'll need 5 minutes for this blog, since it's a longer one.

As for footnotes...

Today is my grandson Luke's birthday. To him, as well as for you, our friends and families, I pray these same words, found on these bookmarks. It's easy to pick the wrong fight and weapons, and to let fear and worries squeeze out joy and hope. But we must recognize the real enemy. It is not each other. Then, resist and persist. And speaking of footnotes, Frederick Buechner wrote, "When you wake up in the morning, called by God to be a self again, if you want to know who you are, watch your feet. Because where your feet take you, that is who you are." Well, that's worth more than a passing thought.

So what guides our feet?

In Community Bible Study we are studying the Psalms. There are many reminders about feet. Who we follow and what we value are at the heart of where our feet go. Read Psalm 1 for a contrast between one who walks in the ways of God and one who does not. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God's word is " a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." (New Living Translation) And how often have people taken comfort from Psalm 23 and the word picture of The Good Shepherd who leads, feeds, protects and calms our fears by providing everything we need for this journey.

Well, the Psalms include laments, joyful moments and more. They are honest prayers expressing fears, complaints. But honest because the psalmists trust God to listen, then to faithfully show up, as in the past, with steadfast love, bountiful provision and protection. But they get impatient, too. Like us. The psalms are songs to sing in good and hard times. And songs remind me of the joy I saw on faces in Israel and Gaza as some hostages and prisoners came home. It is a beginning and, like many of you, while I am deeply troubled by how President Trump is dealing with issues within our country, I am grateful for how he helped broker this homecoming for many on both sides of this horrific war.

So where are your feet heading today? And do you have a song to sing?

Some days I'm more like Psalm 137. The Israelites were in captivity and so they sat and cried. They hung up their harps on tree branches. Why? Because "our captors demanded a song of us. Our tormentors requested a joyful hymn...but how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:3-4, NLT) That's how I feel some days, like sitting and sobbing. And sometimes I do. However, while we are living in a "foreign land," Christian Nationalism is not the answer. But we, who identify as followers of Jesus, are to be answers to onlookers and curious cynics by how we dare to love, forgive and care for the least of these, welcome strangers, etc. You get it. Now, we just need to help each other keep doing it.

Why? Because sitting and sobbing only give temporary relief for the weeper. But like my practical Norwegian grandmother told my Mama, " Ya, ya, Margaret, life is hard. Now iron." Get to work. Do what we can with what we have to make a difference today. A good one. Look for the joy, then share some. And speaking of sharing, today is Oscar Wilde's birthday, like Luke's. Only Oscar was born in 1854 in Dublin, Ireland. Wilde wrote, "The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself.

Which, after laughing, while reading his quote, recognized a cautionary tale. It reminds me to beware quoting Bible verses and getting too preachy. Why? Well, I already know more than I do. And it's easier to pass along good advice than to take it. You, too?

So, how're you doing? Remember you and your everyday life matter to God. And to others. So does your choice to spread hope and joy. Remember the gift of faith my grandson Luke spoke into our fears when Jud was facing cancer's unknowns in 2011? Luke said,"I choose hope."

Thanks, Luke. And thank you, Jesus, for your faithful love, tender mercy and strength for this journey. And like Jud wrote on the bookmark: "The tests aren't over but neither is God's purpose for you. Be strong in his power and faithful to his call. Shalom."

Choosing hope, spreading joy and promoting peace are sacred steps for our hearts, minds and feet.

So, check your feet. Like my Mama wrote to me many years ago, when I wanted high heels for Christmas, "You live in a culture that tells you what's on your feet is very important. But we believe it is more important where your feet go. So, while we wish we could have afforded to buy the shoes you wanted for Christmas, we believe it is more important where your feet go. So our gift to you is that your Daddy and I will pray daily for your feet. And that you will always walk in God's ways."

Tusen Takk(Norwegian for a thousand thanks) to you, Mama, Daddy and Luke.

And Happy Birthday, Lovable Luke. Keep choosing hope and remember to pay attention to where your feet go. I'm praying for you.

And I'm praying for you who are reading this blog.

Remember, faith and hope dare to sing.

No matter what's on their feet.