{photo by Laurie Mitchell}
“A funny thing happened on my way to Heaven…Lessons from the Deep End of Life”
I may have it all wrong – but it feels so right! Last week I wrote a new tag line – of sorts. The experts say to keep it short, succinct and to start with a verb: leading, inspiring, writing, discovering, living…You get the idea. The problem is I just couldn’t make it work.
For nearly two years my tag line was, “A Faith that Endures.” (Even then I didn’t have it “expert” right!) In grieving over the loss of my precious twelve year old son, Andrew, the message of enduring faith strengthened my hurting heart.
In the spring of 2012, I finished writing my Bible study, “Life in the Key of G ~ Grace & Glory.” I was startled when I saw how many of its pieces – what I viewed as remnants and fragments – were divinely interwoven.
For a blink or two I used the Bible study subtitle as a tag line: “Living by God’s Grace for His Glory.” While this is precious to me after having spent hours researching and writing, I felt the theme of “grace” is one I often see on many blogs and websites. No wonder, as “grace” is such a beautiful and life giving gift. How divine is the connection of faith and grace! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV).
As I pondered and prayed about what changes to make on my website, I did a couple of things. First of all I considered who I am at my core. I thought about how I approach tasks and creative projects and the answer was easy. I am a teacher. It is my primary gift. Whenever I learn something I immediately want to teach others whether it’s a new recipe, a fitness tip, or a spiritual application from an unlikely source.
I enjoy learning new things – deep things about God and His Holy Word and simple things like what kind of turtles swim in the park’s pond where I run. I’ve learned surprising things about my family and me since my son was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in August 2009. I have also unlearned things about who God is and what God does.
Before our family was faced with the terrible news and sudden loss of our Andrew, I thought I had lots of answers. I thought I needed them. I was afraid that if I didn’t know the answers to the hard questions of life that I would be ineffective as a Christian. As a Bible teacher I felt I should know the answers to most any question about Scripture that might arise. I thought my lack of knowledge would be a hindrance to living a successful Christian life and being a powerful influence in the world.
But I was wrong.
Turns out I only need one “Answer” – the one I’ve known for many years. Everything I need to know can be found in the life of Christ. The rest doesn’t matter. Not really.
One day last week I sat and thought about the changes in me. I thought of who I have become and then the words came – like a breeze through an open window. A “funny” thing happened on my way to Heaven. The “funny” thing? I lost my need to know. The Bible Teacher became a remedial student of the Word.
In tempest waters lessons learned. I’ve been in the dark of the deep but I glimpsed the horizon. Tossed about by waves, Faith pressed me on to endure the storm and survive. At last, exhausted on the shore, Grace whispered words that sustained me.
This morning while in a strength class, thoughts on faith and grace helped distract me from the burn! Somewhere between the tricep dips and the reverse crunches, I had an epiphany.
Faith and grace are the needle and thread of the believer’s life. Grace is threaded through the eye of the needle of faith. Each needs the other for the weaving of color and pattern – the intricate design of a life hemmed in by God.
“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5 ESV).
It seems that God has done it again! Pieces of my life that I’ve viewed as disconnected fragments and discarded remnants, He’s shown me are the colors and design of my spiritual dress. On my way to Heaven, He will not leave me helpless nor hopeless for He has hemmed me in. Faith leads me forward and Grace bids me come. Join me here as I teach and tell my stories from the deep end of life.
Wade in with me. I like the company.
© 2012 Melanie Dorsey
