Saturday, September 02, 2006

one of those days

Today was one of those days. It seemed like nearly whatever might go wrong, did. There were a few highlights. Getting to visit some with an overly busy daughter. Purchasing a cheap copy of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship at Bakers. And last, and almost least, since it was so hard to watch, yet worth it- Deb and I watched World Trade Center.

I won't go into all the craziness that happened today. But in this case, I think, much more important than the adversities and disappointments, was my reaction to them. Not the best. The day started and was hit with difficulty. But ended with some good time reading and reflecting.

I realize anew and afesh, in the words of Rich Mullins: "Oh, we are not as strong, as we think we are." We may know that in our heads, but little appreciate it, until we get a fresh baptism in it.

Lord. I know you are there in my weakness and woe. Thank you that such days end up driving me to seek you, as I know afresh my deep and utter need of you. And also deepen my sense that it is not I, but you by whom I live, in this life of faith. Amen.

7 comments:

Angel Feathers Tickle Me said...

Love to all......

L.L. Barkat said...

What, do you suppose, is the cause of our tendency to think we are strong?

Anonymous said...

l.l. barkat,

Maybe it's more of where our confidence lies. I think it's okay to sense strength, but our strength is to be in the Lord, not in ourselves.

I think for those of us who are older, it is more of a question of growth and depth in living out the truth that Christ's strength is made perfect in our weakness. And that when we are weak, then we are strong. At least I think that is so in my case.

What would you say on that?

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Glad the day ended well, and hope the weekend has only gotten better.

Anonymous said...

Rob,
Thanks. It has. What a beautiful day here today! And yesterday. And good to relax with family.

Hope your picnic is good, no rain or ants!

L.L. Barkat said...

Ted,

So, I think I hear you saying that age is a factor? As our bodies experience more limitations, we reach out for a strength that's in Christ?

Of course, suffering can also have that effect... which I think has been so in my case (concerning a difficult upbringing).

Still, I fool myself all too often. It is the Spirit, speaking through the Word, who calls me back to a properly placed sense of strength.

Anonymous said...

l.l. barkat,
Well worded. Yeah.

I certainly think the sense of experiencing physical limitations as we grow older, can help us to more cast ourselves on God. I wasn't thinking of that. But just of the maturing that can come with experience, and having gone through some of the hard places. Though I think God works to help all of his people, young and old, to depend on him in the midst of their weakness.