A “funny” thing happened on my way to Heaven, I’m learning lessons that have taken me to some deep places in life.
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 pond at the park where I run. I’ve learned surprising things about my family and myself 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 I sat and thought about the changes in me since losing my son Andrew. 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.
One morning while working out, thoughts on faith and grace helped distract me from the burn! Somewhere between tricep dips and 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).
Pieces of my life that I viewed as disconnected fragments and discarded remnants, God has 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
