“Zoom Out”

In the movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel, Prince Caspian of the Narnia Series, the four Pevensie children – once kings and queens of Narnia – are magically returned to an unknown yet somewhat familiar place. (Those of you who have seen my classroom know I am a true Narnia buff.) As Susan, the eldest sister, finds a lone chess piece that once belonged to Edmond, the camera zooms out to reveal the vast ruins of Cair Paravel- the thriving, beautiful kingdom that once was.

Widening our view to the world around us is hard – especially when a tragedy in life has forced us to focus only on what affects us.

As God has firmly held onto my hand and gently guided me through the stages of grief these past few months, my internal camera lens has begun slowly zooming out, allowing me to see not only the influence Tonya had in the lives of so many, but also the loving kindness of other dear friends who have shown the same heartfelt commitment to me during this struggle.

Jesus is all we need – a fact we as Christians hold with certainty - but the beauty of that statement lies in the truth that sometimes God uses others in our lives to share the love that Jesus so willingly exemplified. During difficult times, if we listen carefully and look intently, we will see Jesus in the words and deeds of other believers.

The concern of a friend…. I could see it in the eyes of the sweet ladies at my church when they looked at me with deep compassion; I could feel it in their hugs as they whispered prayers of comfort; I could sense it in the messages received which reminded me they were there when I needed someone to understand.

I didn’t notice this concern at first. I wallowed too deeply in my own grief to be able to lift my head and see, but as God began the healing process in my heart, He used these friends to help restore my broken spirit. Now, with my camera lens focused from a new perspective, I can easily take in the beauty of life surrounding me, the hope of days to come, and how each moment… each picture… each “camera shot” is enhanced because of friends.

Thank you to my friends.

Simply Scripture:

“Then you would trust, because there is hope; And you would look around and rest securely.” Job 11:18 NASB

Think of a time when God brought you through a difficult situation and helped you see the “bigger picture”. Did Jesus show Himself as the “friend that sticks closer than a brother” in your life? Did you see traits of Godly character in the deeds of those close to you? I pray that by meditating on the simply scripture verse this week, God will bring these comforting words back to your remembrance the next time you find yourself weary from the labors of this life. God’s Word is our portion. Rest securely, dear friend.

Broken Beads

“O my dear brother Jonathan, I’m crushed by your death. Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I’ve known – or ever hope to know.” 2 Samuel 1:26 MSG

Standing in front of the class, delivering ever-so-precise instructions before allowing my brave warriors to dive into their computer assignments for the day, something unexpected happened. I heard what sounded like gentle rain drops, but as I looked down, I noticed the actual cause of the sound – my favorite strand of beads had broken, spilling to the floor and scattering in every direction.

At that moment, as I studied them, (some fading into the multi-colored carpet), I realized that on the inside, I felt exactly like those beads: scattered, disconnected, broken. It was the week following Tonya’s death, and I just couldn’t seem to get it together. Nothing seemed to make sense, trivial things triggered agonizing emotions, and I couldn’t remember from one minute to the next what I was supposed to be doing. Sure, I was putting on a brave face, but that was just as much for me as it was for my students. If I paused to think, even for a brief moment, Niagara Falls would begin to stream down my face yet again. Before Tonya’s passing, life was moving along in an orderly fashion. Everything was in place, for the most part, organized and structured, much like a strand of beads. And, just as instantly as this very moment, it all seemed to fall apart.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 NIV

After gathering the beads together, with the eager help of the warriors, I began the intricate task of gently putting them back together again. The completed piece, though it may not look the same as it once did, will be special because I will fully comprehend how much time and care it took to mend it.

God, in this same manner, works to reassemble our brokenness, taking great care to ensure that the new, changed person, though made from the same “beads”, is stronger, sturdier, and yes - even more beautiful.

If you are feeling disjointed, isolated, or even broken today, let God, the great Creator, continue to craft you into a unique, refined, and stronger strand. He is the ultimate Artist, and you are his special work.

Simply Scripture:

“Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

God’s precious Word can serve as the strand that connects our broken pieces. Would you be willing to share your favorite scripture from God’s Word with us today? Click on the link to comment!