january 20, 2009 – history in the making

Today we witnessed history.

And it was amazing!   I love history.  Knowing that you are seeing a moment in time that will be talked about for generations to come… well, it just does something for me.  I’ve been fortunate to be able to walk the fields where Gettysburg was fought.  And even though it was only for a brief afternoon while on a family trip somewhere else, I still remember that hallowed ground.  The feeling that you were surrounded by history was thick.  Things happened on that battlefield.  Horrible things and the best of things.  Things I don’t want to imagine and things that go beyond what I only hope to imagine.  In the midst of it all, I believe God was there.

And I believe God was in the midst of what has happened in our nation’s capital today.  I prayed that people sensed Him.  His love, His wisdom, His compassion, His grace… Him.

It was important to me that Troyer was awake and watched the moment of the swearing in of our 44th President.  And so he was.  He even paid attention – well, as much as a 14.5 month can pay.    We prayed, and cheered for both Mr. Obama & Mr. Bush.  And I sat and tried to soak up as much of the history as I possibly could.

I believe it’s very important to show honor to those placed in authority above us.  From the local police, to the city mayor, to the governor, the members of congress…  yes, especially the President, whomever he (or she) may be.   I Peter 2.17 (NIV) says it like this:

“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

And, of course, we have I Timothy 2.1-4 (NIV):

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Just a thought… if Christ-followers did the job of honoring and praying for those in authority over them, maybe they wouldn’t have time to complain about the government or those holding positions of authority.  And yes, I think it was and is a job that was given to Christ-followers.  Notice that there isn’t a clause for those who don’t agree with the President, or if you don’t think he’s qualified, or if you don’t like the way he talks, or the color of his tie, or that he can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound.  No! NO EXCUSES! We’re instructed to honor and pray – period.

And all that to say, over the last several days, I’ve realized how much I want my children to understand some things…   things like honor.  I do believe the heart of the king rests in the hand of my Father.  And I trust Him more than my own power to vote.  I hope you do too.

(this post was written on inauguration day: 1/20/2009)

p.s.   yes, i know this post was long overdue.  i’ll try not to let it happen again.  and thank you for all your very kind comments.

 

to troyer

Today we danced…

I want to remember every little thing about you. I hope I do… but chances are I might forget how soft your freshly bathed skin feels, the way you tilt your head, the way you play by pinching those extra inches around my belly… ahhh… you make me want to quit everything and just enjoy you and your daddy. Instead, we must cherish each moment given, find the balance somehow, grow, live, sleep & do it all over again tomorrow. And so we will.

We’ll take in the moments when we read together, even though you want to skip ahead. The stickler mum-mum side of me doesn’t want to let you, but I will once in a while.

We’ll take moments to talk about our family and friends when we see them in pictures. So you don’t forget why we hold people dear. So you’ll always know the heritage you’ve been given…

We’ll play swords with the wrapping paper rolls and then smile at each other through their damaged tubes of goodness.

We’ll sing loudly off-key to all of our favorite tunes. And when those end, we’ll have fun making up our own. (Even if daddy thinks they all sound the same.)

We’ll play outside even when the inside yells at me for things left undone, dirty things to clean, dinner to be made & things to be organized… And just for yelling at me, we’ll take the extra time to examine the leaves you find, chase you into the neighbors yard and down the sidewalk… all the while you look behind to see if I’ll chase after you.

And we’ll take the time to dance. Your mum-mum in her silly, no rhythm, white girl ways will dance with you. Dance until she’s blue in the face and just can’t do it anymore – just to see that sweet smile and hear that “music to my ears” laugh.

Why all this? I know time is short and at the end of the day, I don’t want to wish that I had done it different. I have to work at it, but I choose not to care if all these moments might take us away from the other things “we should be doing.” Who determines what “we should be doing” anyways? Is there a committee, a board of trustees, an election? I somehow imagine a very matronly bunch of women whose children are devoid of fun and laughter getting together a list to pass on to every girl-child when she enters this world. We take it because we don’t know better, but then we come to a point in adulthood when we must figure out what truly matters and what doesn’t. I feel myself in that time – more than ever before. Maybe it’s because of those little pitter-patters that follow me around. They make me stop and think. What do I want to remember in 5 years, 10 years … the perfection I might have created? …or those moments with my boys? Hands down, the boys win.

Whether I’m the dipped or the dipper, dancing wins. I’m so glad it does.