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A loose gripSaturday, December 9, 2000
Matthew 10:8 It comes naturally for us to do this together, maybe because I did it with my dad. What I've received, I can give. I hope Christmas tree traditions become a natural part of the family lives of Chris, Marc and Andi in later years. What they've received, they can give. Jesus sends out his disciples with instructions to do what they saw him do. Pass it on. Don't hold on too tight, and don't ever think this is an exclusive club. Push way past what you thought you could do before you met me, Jesus says. What you saw, you can do. What you have been given, give it away. If I'm holding on tight to something...anything...it probably didn't come from God. Or at least it's lost its blessing, and I've stopped being grateful. I appreciate God's nudges, helping me see how tight I'm holding on. I hold on too tight a lot! Tense, anxious, afraid, tight...letting go and giving is to become free to receive. God's giving has a liquid generosity about it, flowing freely from the source. Margaret painted a simple word picture many years ago that I'll never forget; she is like a water tower, filled from the top and flowing out from the bottom. If she stops flowing out, her fullness will become a curse. The incoming water will just run over her sides, chaotically, uselessly, painfully. She can grab at it, reach for it, but it runs away. Lord, make me thirsty, and then pour me out. When I grab on too tight, break my hold, Lord! And thank you for giving so much to me. Teach me to be grateful, to give thanks, every moment. |
Last night Margaret, Andi and I picked out our Christmas tree, freshly cut, brought in from northern Wisconsin, balsam branches soft and smelling of the north woods and winter nights near a fire, rainbow of lights glowing. Andi and I carried the tree together, and after going out for pizza we brought it home. We settled it outside while I made a fresh cut, and then Andi held it up while I attached the tree stand. When she let go, it stood straight. Didn't move. Perfect. Hallelujah!