Tis so sweet to trust... Really?

As our kids grow, so it seems, do the struggles. That is to say that the struggles may not actually be the same, but they are always present realities- truth even. Some of the struggles are do to the reality of my parenting limits or just plain limits as a human. While some of the struggle realities are do to my children pushing the limits. In any case, the common thread is our mortality- our human-ness, our dusty-ness so to speak. Within this human struggle is the desire to control or push beyond, with a mere "I Can!".

This season of Lent can be a time of deep reflection on who we dustly humans really are. It's also this mysterious time of coming to grips with such mortality yet simultaneously in faith recognizing that we are also ones loved and known just as we are. by God. Yet, I also believe (and find comfort as well) that God loves me too much to not leave me the way I am. Faith fills me with a hope for transformation. That is, in a better way to be alive - including in my parenting.

The question for us during especially during this season, just might be, do we want God's love and grace to transform us? I think if we answer, "yes", than this journey has an endless limit of graceful and loving recreation in store because God's love and grace is limitless. If you're looking for a resource this season, don't hesitate to use Lent Guide 2018. It was once again an honor and privilege to write and collaborate with some amazing folk at Tree City Church of the Nazarene on this years guide and videos.

The Hebrew (Old Testament) Psalms are a great place to dig deeply during this season of reflection and mystery. If selected thoughtfully, when read of sung, they can help center meaningful worship. Psalm 51 allows us to begin to reflect upon this redemptive ad recreation story we seek. It provides a place for us to profoundly confess, together with David, our sins to the One who forgives and saves. Together, we can seek deliverance and praise simultaneously; "Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise." 

Our confession here, is not only of a need for forgiveness, but married with a declaration of praise! It seems, that while we seek forgiveness from our gracious and loving Lord, we are also confessing that God is able to forgive and heal. This is a confession of trust and one that comes to grip with a reality that, "I can't" most of the time. Within the "I can't", we find, I think, that we really do need our Lord and that moves us to declare our hope and trust in God, "who can". 

I believe it is sweet to trust in Jesus. While it's not easy - because when is trust ever easy - it is full of redemptive grace, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy or love. And who knows, maybe this is why the journey of trust is one that is done immediately and over time? Simply, what fills the narrative that takes place between one confession and the next is time. 

Lent reminds us that the journey as beloved sons and daughters of faith is filled with urgency and waiting. Faith requires action and sometimes it needs to be done in the immediacy of time. While, faith also requires growth and growth requires time- especially, time filled with watching and waiting. Wherever you find yourself on your journey, I hope and pray that your confession of need and your confessional declaration of trust will both find it's place in Jesus -  both in the immediate of today and along the long slow road forward in Christ. Ultimately, it's in Jesus where recreation and new life are found - even in the struggles of parenting or just growing up.  

Father, helps us confess our whole selves to you and our need of you. Help us press forward in unconditional love by fixing our eyes on you and giving you our undivided attention. Prepare us imperfect sons and daughters to release control and trust in your perfect grace, love and mercy in order that you might grant us the ability to then extend grace, love and mercy to all. Amen.

Tis So Sweet to Trust. . .