Last night I read that familiar passage in Romans 8.

The one that tells us that all things work together for good. The one that says that nothing not present, nor future can separate us from the love of Christ.

And it got me thinking about why we humans have this capacity for regret, is it linked to remorse? Is it because we have enough perspective of time to realize that our past is there behind us, that but for a few changed words things might have been different? Does God regret? Even as He must have known from the beginning that it would end on the cross, does He ever think back to that moment in garden and wonder ruefully why on Earth, Eve didn't trust Him? And wonder further why Adam fell too?

Well, I don't know, and in those situations it's best to stick to truth instead of chasing things there are not answers too.

The truth is that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, who submitted Himself even unto death, that we might rise as conquerors of death. With nothing to fear. Therefore, we may lay down and sleep in peace, we may live in light and laughter, for we have not one single thing in heaven, nor on earth to fear.

That is not to say that there is not a place for tears too. Jesus wept. A precious truth, I know I've overlooked before. Jesus wept in grief. Thank God for such sympathy in our conditions.

In Christ we may know that our futures, despite present tears, are bright. For His love is precious, and He has sought us out in our grief and in our darkness.

I'm not sure how it's possible to experience moments of joy, and gratitude, in confusion and sadness, and so I am sure it has to be a kindness of God.

Today, on my run, a beautiful butterfly pratically flew in my face. That made me laugh. Then I nearly ran over, on foot, a baby bunny who just happened to be crossing the sidewalk in front of me. That made me smile too.

I'm trying to understand what it means that "The joy of the Lord is my strength." One thing I think it might mean is that the joy God takes in His relationship to His son and the Holy Spirit is our strength. That the Lord delights in relationship. I think the Lord really loves relationships, and I think He really loved spending time in the garden with Adam and Eve.

We can take joy in God's joy even when we hurt. What good news is that!

Mockingbird

My Mom and I went to a church service down at the local Anglican church today. It included the 121 Psalm - I lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help...

And the priest preached about waiting upon the Lord's purpose and plan.

Both of those things are very good to reflect upon, but my favorite part was when a mockingbird lighted on the cross outside the window behind the altar. The cross is set in a beautiful little garden, and here came a mockingbird to sit on one of its arms.

The bird fluffed and preened, and looked at the cross as though to say, "Goodness this is a strange tree,"

And it crossed my mind that Christ came and is coming again to redeem all creation, from my poor heart, to this funny little bird. Christ comes to set all things right, to reconcile creation to the Father.

I'm keeping my eyes on the hills.

I'm in the middle of a great sadness.

But I am profoundly grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. They are truly being the body of Christ to me. What a tremendous kindness of God, to give relationships to us, to comfort us through other people.

Lord, thank you for your kindness. For food, and for sleep. For legs to run with and eyes to cry with, and hands to play piano with. Thank you, God, for all these things.

Heard this story on NPR this morning

The lede of it seemed like it was going to be about a daughter who lovingly restored the 1956 Thunderbird that her parents drove on their honeymoon as a gift for the 50th anniversary.

But when the reporter talked with the couple who driving the Thunderbird on their second honeymoon, it quickly appeared that the story was really this delightful couple who were celebrating their long marriage. The story wasn't the car, it was the love and the life that was traveling in it.

Crystal City, Missouri