Good Friday. Every year I'm caught off-guard again by this title - no surprise there, I know. But it's true.
I had today off, which was definitely good. I went for an invigorating run this morning, also good. Woke up with a headache - not so good, but coffee and ibuprofen worked - good. Apple muffins were already made - good. Just realized I left wet clothes in the washer almost all day, not good. Ate Pei Wei for dinner - good.
"Good" according to a few definitions from good ol' Webster: "of a favorable character or tendency, profitable, fit, advantageous, suitable, agreeable..."
Good Friday: Christ's sacrifice = suitable and fit substitute payment for what I owe, thus "good" in my Heavenly Father's eyes.
Good Friday: Christ's sacrifice = advantageous, profitable, and life-giving for me based on nothing I've done or deserve, thus very "good" for me.
Good Friday: Christ's sacrifice = horrible agony and pain willingly and unfairly suffered by perfect Jesus, thus what for Him?
I don't know.
I ran this morning through the most beautiful version creation gives me of Good Friday. It was my favorite kind of outside moment - the gorgeous deep, billowy dark blue-gray, stormy sky with golden-bright sun shimmering through like spotlights on trees, houses, landscape. That fleeting, wonderfulness where the illuminated spring green of the trees against the deep purple backdrop is fiction-esquely beautiful but very real... because I'm running smack into it, weaving in and out and through it, breathing it in...
Breathing in the oppressively gray sky, heavy with grief and pain and death. Breathing in the glorious golden beams of hope and life shimmering in brilliantly stark contrast. Each opposing and complementing the other in a beautiful tension.
And I know that knowing how the story ends makes all the difference, and I know that this day is beautiful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
One cool thing.
The holidays have been a whirlwind, of course, just like for you...
BUT - in the midst of the whirlwind as I, in a dazed and confused holiday whirlwind-induced stupor, stood at the front of the checkout line at Target, a moment happened.
It was the day after Christmas, I think. I navigated the familiar and wonderful Super Target like a pro, albeit a dazed one, zombie-like, making no eye contact with a single human being. I almost forgot there were others of those in the store.
Grabbing my bags of purchased goods, there was a lone box of Uncle Ben's Original Long Grain and Wild Rice Fast Cook version that I realized never made it onto the belt. It was not bagged, and it was what would turn leftover smoked turkey into Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for dinner (except with smoked turkey).
The next guest was now being served, so I finally made eye contact with the cashier and asked if I might be allowed to quickly purchase my main ingredient after the current guest was through. Yes, I could.
Waiting in my continued dazed state, I began to surmise my surroundings. A family of four with two small boys was behind me - all with such a joyful countenance. I wondered at their joy, being at Target on the day after Christmas with the rest of the city and two small boys. Then I was alerted to the fact that the cashier was trying to get my attention.
She smiled and said I could go. I looked up and noticed the couple was looking at me and smiling. They bought my rice.
I was abruptly shaken out of my dazed state and realized that this couple saw me. They didn't just accidentally notice me or vaguely take a glance about - they SAW me.
And I knew the source of their joy, and I felt ashamed that I had forgotten. I walked to my car with a goofy, unstoppable grin on my face.
May I have eyes that see in 2013.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
BUT - in the midst of the whirlwind as I, in a dazed and confused holiday whirlwind-induced stupor, stood at the front of the checkout line at Target, a moment happened.
It was the day after Christmas, I think. I navigated the familiar and wonderful Super Target like a pro, albeit a dazed one, zombie-like, making no eye contact with a single human being. I almost forgot there were others of those in the store.
Grabbing my bags of purchased goods, there was a lone box of Uncle Ben's Original Long Grain and Wild Rice Fast Cook version that I realized never made it onto the belt. It was not bagged, and it was what would turn leftover smoked turkey into Chicken and Wild Rice Soup for dinner (except with smoked turkey).
The next guest was now being served, so I finally made eye contact with the cashier and asked if I might be allowed to quickly purchase my main ingredient after the current guest was through. Yes, I could.
Waiting in my continued dazed state, I began to surmise my surroundings. A family of four with two small boys was behind me - all with such a joyful countenance. I wondered at their joy, being at Target on the day after Christmas with the rest of the city and two small boys. Then I was alerted to the fact that the cashier was trying to get my attention.
She smiled and said I could go. I looked up and noticed the couple was looking at me and smiling. They bought my rice.
I was abruptly shaken out of my dazed state and realized that this couple saw me. They didn't just accidentally notice me or vaguely take a glance about - they SAW me.
And I knew the source of their joy, and I felt ashamed that I had forgotten. I walked to my car with a goofy, unstoppable grin on my face.
May I have eyes that see in 2013.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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