It has been a while I know. Rather than give you excuses, I feel like writing. Know that it has been an awesome season of life. Even my bad days are good days.The Movies
I grew up enamored with Superheroes. If Batman, Hulk or the newly acclaimed Iron Man is on the big screen, I am there. Period. It gives me a taste of my youth that I would otherwise ignore. Paying $11.50* for my cinema-graphic piece of history is worth it. *One must never forget the $8.50 for the oil drenched popcorn, B-rated Sour Patch Kids and sugar-loaded Cherry Pepsi!
The Dude
In my travels of late, I have met an impressive man. I am not going to name him. Just know that he is a good dude. This 'dude' has a physical ailment that keeps him committed to a walker. Also, his movements are somewhat uncontrolled and his voice is slurred, but he IS a calm, sweet man. Plus, he likes superhero's just as much as I do. I guess that makes him a nerd too.
I have learned a solid lesson from my new friend: He finds strength in community. He attends seminary as an auditor with some of his boys from his home church. Although, he isn't taken the class for credit, the dude comes prepared and ready with bold comments. It is a pleasure to see him every week.
The Dude's Walk
Everyday he deals with an ailment can alienate him. But, he is not alone. The dude does not try to hide the pain that comes from being constricted to his condition. By having an open heart, he allows his friends to enter into his life. I feel like I know him more, and it is a privilege. Also, he is able to know me more. There is a freedom with being real with each other. Man, it's heroic.
Man, life gets heavy. I need to cry out sometimes. It lets me know that I am loved...by my community and by God. Yeah, crying allows me to eventually laugh. Praise God.
A side note on 'Pain and Suffering'
I can't explain why my boy has this condition. Temptation is lulling me into thinking about a 'purpose' behind this. Although I am sure there are many, we Christians can tend to project God's intention with purpose of painful events. Here, I would reiterate what my professor states: "God's 'purpose' suggests planning and makes Him the primary agent of these catastrophic events. We should not put it this way. Rather, God salvages good from these occurrences. He never wanted this pain to be realized in the same way that we never wanted it. But God works with the brokenness to bring any beauty He can from it. Let us draw towards Him in these times." ~ Dr. Glen Scorgie.
God is not only the God of sufferers but the God who suffers (meaning he knows and experiences our pain). On the original Good Friday, God the Father suffers when Jesus, His son, suffers on the Cross. Momentarily, the Father lost his Son. If you are a parent (which I am not), you know that pain that comes with the vicarious suffering of your child.
If times are tough, find rest in God. Take some time to check out the following Scripture:
James 1:2-4 - Experience real spiritual growth
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Remember the suffering of Jesus Christ & the invitation that comes with it.
Romans 8:37-39 - Embrace God's steadfast, unconquerable love.
It is a good day to know that we are alive.
Stay tuned.
AK
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn form me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
"Access into the presence of God is when you open to Him and He opens to you. You rest in Him as the fulfillment of your deepest desires." ~Puritan writer John Owen.
PS - The beautiful girl on the top of the page is my girlfriend, Courtney. This Tinkerbell has my heart. More to come on her....
