Robin's Reflections

I got in my car the other day after my son, proud owner of a new license, had driven.   My seat and mirrors all needed readjusted.  It got me to thinking about some people who say the past isn't important and that we only need to look and move ahead.  While a part of me agrees with this, I know in my spirit that our past affects us more than we care to admit.  Which makes me wonder about how much time we should spend dealing with the past. Are our pasts like a rear-view mirror?  Do they warrant some attention?  I think so.  May you spend some time this New Year's Eve, thinking about the past.  Not to live or stay there.  Look and reflect so that your  parking lot maneuvers (everyday living),  turning, changing lanes and acceleration forward can be done with knowledge of obstacles that may need addressed for more confident  and productive driving (living).

My Dad reads the story of Jesus' birth every Christmas Eve.  I like to close my eyes while he's reading and picture the story unfolding.  This year as he was reading I was struck with the Shepherds and Magi...two total different cultures and life styles, each called to the newborn king.  We are told that it actually took the Magi over three years to follow the star and arrive to worship Jesus.  The shepherds were visited by angels and found baby Jesus while he was still in the manager that night.  A thought occurred to me.  Could we actually be somewhat like the magi?  Is it possible that money and intelligence slows our journey to Christ?

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse , nor his delight in the legs of a man ; the LORD delights in those who fear him,  who put their hope in his unfailing love." I came across this verse a few years ago and it made me laugh out loud.  And then it became a comfort to me when I realized that God isn't too impressed with power and busyness! strength of a horse=POWER legs of a man=BUSYNESS These things are so important in our culture...ahh, but God delights in ME when I am more focused on honoring Him, and trusting in His love. (UNFAILING LOVE)

So, we're headed to Peru for a two year mission trip and told that we need to pack everything we'll need in two suitcases.  That's two suitcases for two years.  Well, we have a 4 bedroom house.  So, I've been trying to think about what I really want in these two suitcases.  In fact, every time I go to the store now, I have to filter it thru these two suitcases.  It has really cut down on my spending, which makes me think...Is God up there trying to get our attention?  Hey, you're coming to heaven soon, do you really need all that "stuff"? 

"Attention is the most concrete expression of love.  What we pay attention to thrives.  What we do not pay attention to withers and dies.  What will you pay attention to today?" I came across this quote this morning while reading. Although I don't completely agree with Zen I found this worth pondering and applying.  (Hand Wash Cold, by Karen Miller http://www.karenmaezenmiller.com/blog )

In God We Trust To be human is to experience broken trust. As I look at my title, it makes me sad to think how far our country has strayed from having a "firm reliance" on God. But whenever I view "my country", I have to turn the view finder back to myself, for I am a small piece of this vast, multifaceted country. What happens when we lose trust in one we love? Or maybe worse yet, lose trust in ourselves? Usually we are sent rushing to our foundation-to see where our trust ultimately lies...people, things, family, technology...ourselves? I lost trust in myself...I failed myself in a way that I never dreamed I would. If I can't do this, And i believed I absolutely could...then who can I trust...NO ONE...ugh. Then i lost trust in a close friend...and again in my own protection, that I thought I was providing...who can I trust...no one...can I even trust God's protection? I know I must...even though I don't understand it. I cr