John 17:6-11
“I have told these men all about you.
They were in the world, but then you gave them to me. Actually, they
were always yours, and you gave them to me; and they have obeyed you.
Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have
passed on to them the commands you gave me; and they accepted them and
know of a certainty that I came down to earth from you, and they believe
you sent me.
“My plea is not for the world but for those you
have given me because they belong to you. And all of them, since they
are mine, belong to you; and you have given them back to me with
everything else of yours, and so they are my glory! Now I am leaving the
world, and leaving them behind, and coming to you. Holy Father, keep
them in your own care—all those you have given me—so that they will be
united just as we are, with none missing.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Arkansas was blanketed
yesterday with a heavy coating of sleet and snow. Facebook is flooded
today with pictures of children sledding, beautiful snow scenes, and
reports of how many inches of “the white stuff” accumulated. Several of
our friends have posted pictures of kiddos on makeshift sleds and more –
pulled through the ice and snow by their dads and friends. This
brought back fond memories of my own childhood, when we would sled on
the city streets with my dad and my cousins.
There was one
particularly long, steep street that was the “go-to” hill. It spanned
about three city blocks in length and culminated at Main Street, where
bales of hay and saw horses blocked any potential thru traffic. My dad
and my cousin Leo would park their pickup trucks on the street one block
above Main and load up sledders to haul them back to the top of the run
for another exciting trip downhill. We did this over and over until
we were frozen like Popsicles®. Then we would go home and warm up before
returning. A bonfire was built in the yard of one home near the top,
and it seemed like half the town gathered there for a few days/evenings
to share in the fun.
My dad and my cousins are all gone now…and
I’m pretty sure that the city doesn’t allow sledding on this street
these days – much less a bonfire in someone’s front yard!…but the
memories remain. What does this have to do with the presence of God and
this scripture passage? Like the memories we make as children…the
teachings of Jesus remain with us. As these adults stopped what they
were doing for a few days of play, Jesus has given us His time and
teachings…His love and nurture. And in doing so, He laid a foundation
for our faith…provided us with life lessons, hope and promise…and
sustained us with faith and confidence as we bring Him to mind in our
daily living.
I no longer engage in sledding. Instead, I am
enjoying the beauty of this snowy landscape from the warmth and coziness
of my home as I look out the windows. But I “feel” the joy and
excitement of my childhood. I recall the exuberance of chilly wind in
my face, hot cocoa to warm me, and the thrill of that long ride down the
hill. I remember the lessons in “sledding technique” and safety. And I
treasure the memory of those loving adults who nurtured me and
facilitated such precious memories.
In the same manner, I bask in
the presence of God. I ponder the earthly life of Jesus and study His
teachings…and I try to apply them to my own life. I feel His love and
nurture…and I gratefully appreciate His blessings and gifts. I treasure
the legacy that He left…the hope and promise that we will be together
again in Heaven someday. And I am incredibly comforted to know how much
God loves me.
As you go about your day, consider the “memories”
and legacy that God has given to you through Jesus Christ. Even if it’s
not a snowy day where you are, take some time to sit quietly and
reflect on God’s presence – and His promises. Embrace the warmth and
coziness of His love and care…and thank Him for what is yet to come!
©2015 Debbie Robus
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