Monday, September 29, 2008

Are you waiting?

I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting I will serve You
While I’m waiting I will worship
While I’m waiting I will not faint
I’ll be running the race Even while I wait
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
John Waller
© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Monday, September 22, 2008

Bright Blue

The weather was beautiful that day. If only the inside had been half as sunny. The heavy weight of disappointment and scar tissue filled me. Am I going to do this for the rest of my life? Is it really worth the hours? As I stood on the playground watching them run off energy, I felt a tug and I looked down into beautiful, blue eyes. The small voice said, "Miss Ryder, when you were sitting in group time today, you looked so pretty...and you still look pretty now."

I don't think that this youngster was speaking about my outer appearance. Instead I think he was responding to love.

Lord, my prayer is that the beauty of you would be seen in me. Help me to respond in kindness and compassion. Help me to be firm when they need that approach. Help me to teach them the academic skills in preparation for the next grade level, but more than that, may they catch a glimpse of you.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Rejection

I've been thinking quite a bit. :) I teach little people so I'm kind of like you Mommies out there that hunger for adult conversation. I understand your pain. :) I love teaching, but there are times when I need my mind challenged a bit. Thanks for blogging, you help me to think in this pseudo-conversation/eaves-dropping thing we have here! :)

Recently I experienced rejection. I had created, pressed, polished and prepared only to find rejection. Rejection is difficult on any level, but when you've given your best and you've read the research, it stings. You see and understand a better way. You realize what could be accomplished by choosing this way and still you are rejected. Your name is mentioned in whispered tones, a hush falls over the room when you enter, and knowing glances are cast in your direction.

Not long ago I experienced a different sort of rejection. As I stood before this audience, I presented the thing that could change their lives. If they chose to trust what I presented they would avoid death and have eternal life. Some cold eyes stared at me. Rejection. Why should they believe that God cares for them? No one else has. Sturdy fortresses guarded their hearts.

As I viewed their nonchalant attitudes, my thoughts turned to Jesus. Rejection...He knows about it. He presented Himself and was laughed at and spit upon. Living water met with whippings. Yes, He knows about rejection. Yet, He continues to reach to the lost. He's reaching to the very ones who have their walls reinforced.

My walls were once pretty thick. I'm thankful for a God who reached beyond my fortress and reached to my heart!