"Taking a Breather"

 

“Taking a Breather”

 

In the early 20^th century the saying “taking a breather” emerged to describe a time to recover from intense physical activity. As the years passed the adage moved from a literal to figurative meaning referring to a temporary pause from emotional or physical stress to calm down and, to use another maxim, “recharge one’s batteries”. This can provide a respite from life’s demands imposed by ourselves and others.

Earlier this spring I began to write an article but it didn’t come together. I shared my struggle with Karen and she suggested I “take a breather” from my self-imposed practice of posting four essays each month (at times one or two more if I was working on a series). As usual she was right (although it took me some time to realize it) so after we returned from our April cruise I determined to follow her wise counsel.

Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). So beginning next month I’ll break my twelve year and 580 article routine and continue at a slower pace as ideas develop and come to fruition. I have a file (or pile) of seed thoughts which I’ll review periodically and seek to be sensitive to God’s leading and open to the Spirit’s voice through listening and observation and with Samuel say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10).

Maybe God’s telling you to “take a breather” from the “same ol’ same ol’” of your life and try something new. Keep your mind open to His promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8). Remember, too, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Yesterdays of Life"

 

“The Yesterdays of Life”

 

In 1965 Paul McCartney and John Lennon of “The Beatles” composed the hit song “Yesterday”. It’s a ballad about a broken romantic relationship, the heartache it brought and the desire that the clock be turned back to days of happiness. Many of us wish we could go back to more trouble-free times rather than face the struggles of present-day life but, revisionist history notwithstanding, we can’t change the past. But we can certainly learn from it (“…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4). In the words of Rick Warren, “God never wastes a hurt.”

In his 1973 book The Seven Last Words of the Church or We Never Tried It That Way Before Pastor Ralph Neighbour wrote of “the yesterdays of life” which brought a feeling of comfort and were comparatively non-threatening. But we can’t stay in the past—we must live in the now and look ahead in faith. A cruise ship’s captain once observed, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Great words of wisdom.

In Isaiah 43 God addressed His unfaithful people through His prophet: “This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters…Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Verses 16,18-19, emphasis added). “A “new thing” suggests something different—in other words change. We might want to stay in yesterday but as time marches on change is inevitable (it’ll happen whether we welcome it or not), intimidating (it makes us uneasy) but also inspiring (it can bring us to a new level in our faith in and walk with Christ.

While the world in which we live is in constant flux we can be thankful that Who or what really matters doesn’t change: God (“I the Lord do not change.”—Malachi 3:6); Jesus (“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8); the Holy Spirit (“…the eternal Spirit….”—Hebrews 9:14); God’s Word (“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”—Psalm 119:89); God’s purposes (“…God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”—Romans 11:29). So let’s allow God to teach us from life’s yesterdays to prepare us for today and tomorrow.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(See “Life’s Gilgals” and “A Personal Gilgal” to see how these principles worked in my life.)

"Songs from the Psalms"

 

“Songs from the Psalms”

 

In Colossians 3:16 Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…as you sing, psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Similar words are found in Ephesians 5:19.) Commentators have suggested that psalms refers to setting Scripture to music, hymns to those melodies that express our belief in the great doctrines of our faith and spiritual songs tell of our experiences of living out our commitment to Christ. A Men’s Bible Study I led in our New Hampshire church once took the musical numbers we used in our services and discussed how they fit into these categories which helped us to better understand our worship and praise in song.

In the hymnal (remember those?) we made available in the pews for use in our traditionally formatted service each of the 800+ selections gave its scriptural basis under the title. Of these many came from the Psalms, Israel’s hymnbook (or as someone once said, “Himbook”). Here are a few examples—please look up the references and read the entire Psalm along with the songs’ words:

*”As the Deer” (42:1). Karen once saw a deer drinking  from a pond while she was on a walk which touched her in a way she needed at that moment (she called in a “God hug”).

*”Surely Goodness and Mercy” (23:6). Many have been comforted by these words over the 3000 years since David wrote them.

*”Cleanse Me” (139:23-24). This is a prayer of David asking God to search his heart, forgive his sin and renew his relationship with Him.

*”I Exalt Thee” (97:9). Only God is worthy of our worship and praise.

*”Sing unto the Lord” (96:1-4). All creation cries out in praise whether He’s recognized or not (see Psalm 19:1-6).

*”This Is the Day.” (118:24). I usually sing this to myself at the start of each new day. Try it—it may set the tone for what lies ahead.

Music is a great way to worship and praise our Lord. And no source could be better than His Word. So lift up your voice to Him even if it’s a “joyful noise” (Psalm 100:1, KJV).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Roomz"

 

“Roomz”

 

When I arrived in Denver to begin seminary training in September 1965 one of the first students I met was Tom Sandhoff. He’d begun his M.Div. program the previous semester so was helpful in my adjustment to seminary life as well as navigating the city. We became roommates the second semester from whence came my nickname “Roomz” for him. This began a 60-year friendship which I cherish to this day.

After graduating in 1968 we didn’t see each other much, mainly due to distance and busyness with family and ministry life. We maintained contact via snail mail, phone, occasional visits and attendance at conferences, emails and praying for each other’s needs. Over the years we were in each other’s wedding parties (we both married godly young ladies named Karen), participated in each other’s ordination services, began our pastoring in small rural churches, went through difficult experiences in the 1980’s which led to our leaving vocational ministry for times of healing, returned to church work and concluded our careers as health care chaplains. Then came the empty nests, traveling to our families and places we never expected to see and taking up residence in seniors’ communities. I didn’t realize the parallels God’s paths had taken us until I began jotting down thoughts for this article.

In early February Tom called to ask for prayer as scans had shown lesions on his pancreas and liver. My Karen and I prayed daily for him and his Karen. Then on March 18 Karen called to tell us that Jesus had welcomed Tom into Heaven on March 16. Typical of him, he expressed concern for the salvation of those around him on the day he died. Roomz, Paul’s words ring true: “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3) and I’m sure you heard Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) when you arrived in His presence. Until we meet again, enjoy fellowship with our Savior and His redeemed people. See you soon.

 

Grace, Blessings and Love

Jim

"Variety"

 

“Variety”

 

In his 1785 poem “The Task” English writer William Cowper said, “Variety is the very spice of life”. (He’s also the author of two great hymns: “There Is a Fountain” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”.) The adage has found its way into the vernacular to describe how having diversity and new things makes life more enjoyable.

One TV genre, particularly in its early days, has been “variety shows” in which comedy skits, musical numbers and other artistic forms are featured. Familiar ones hosted by Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey, Carol Burnett and others provided entertainment for millions but, sadly, they’re now all but extinct. But we can relive these days of yesteryear on YouTube.

Speaking (or writing) of variety, in the New York City area in the 1950’s we had three network TV affiliates and three independent local stations broadcasting mostly sports and movies available to us. Our cable system in Lakeland now offers some 150 options covering almost every category one could imagine. The post-World War II era offered the original Cheerios—now more than 15 variations are marketed by General Mills. On your next supermarket trip check the number of kinds of pasta sauces, tomato products and other commonly purchased items staring at you from the shelves. And let’s not forget Baskin Robbins “31 Flavors” (the company has actually created more than 1400) and eateries ranging from fast food to elegant gourmet restaurants. All these choices complicate our decision making—witness a group of friends’ trying to come up with a consensus on where to go for dinner.

Someone has observed that God loves variety. Think of the world He’s created with mountains, shorelines and other topographical features. How about the myriad of colors of plants? In the words of Solomon, “(God) has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and Paul’s statement that “…God…provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17). And of the Church the Apostle says, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For…you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NLT, emphasis added). So let’s appreciate the variety of the body of Christ and rejoice in our common relationship with Him.

 

Grace and Blessings,

Jim McMillan

"Out of My 'Comfort Zone'"

 

“Out of My ‘Comfort Zone’”

 

The term “comfort zone” was coined by Judith Bardwick in her 1991 book Danger in the Comfort Zone which she described as “a state where people feel safe, in control, and experience low stress”. Most of us would rather live and work under such conditions (including yours truly) than in circumstances that call for us to do what we’d rather not since they may call for unwelcome changes.

I went on my first short-term missions trip to Honduras in 2004. Karen had gone on two trips previously (China and Honduras) and a number of people from our Manchester church had traveled to different places to serve in construction, medical clinics, leadership training and other ministries. I’d had a life long interest in missions, albeit from afar, but felt God’s tug to be part of this team even though it was out of my “comfort zone”. When the departure day arrived I was anxious but thought I’d hidden it well. Several days into this new adventure I shared with our team leader that it wouldn’t have taken much for me to get back on the plane and return home. He said he knew that and had been praying for me. His prayers were answered as I went on three other trips over the next several years. It was a joy to see people from other countries and cultures respond positively to the message of Christ and grow in Him.

Since this wake-up call of 20+ years ago Karen and I have been faced with other situations which required us to leave a “comfort zone”: transition from the pastorate to health care chaplaincy, two relocations to new states, becoming part of churches in which we knew no one and traveling to new places, among other changes. These new experiences weren’t always easy for us but God’s always given us “…grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). And we’ve often found that our fears weren’t to be feared.

The Apostle Paul moved from his “comfort zone” of legalistic Judaism to following, serving and suffering for Christ. But he wrote inspired words of what he’d learned that help us move from our “comfort zone”: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11,13, emphasis added). Have I learned this? Have you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Limitations"

 

“Limitations”

 

When I worked at a camp some 65 years ago the staff members would attend a nearby church when our work schedules permitted. One Sunday we were in the teens’ Sunday School class and speed limits in high school parking lots came up. One of my colleagues observed that the limit at his school was 15 mph which prompted the locals to complain that theirs was 5 mph. Another visitor then said, “Don’t feel bad. We don’t even have a parking lot!” Sometimes we don’t recognize and appreciate our good fortune.

When driving from home to the church office in Manchester there was an oddly configured and dangerous intersection. Leading up to it there were four signs saying, “No left turn”. Apparently about half the drivers couldn’t read too well because they made the left turn anyway (I witnessed several near collisions). And Interstate 4 runs through Lakeland with a posted speed limit of 70 mph which is rarely observed (guilty as charged). These three examples show how our human natures balk at limitations.

Most laws on government books impose some kind of restrictions which are intended for the public’s good. I have a couple of physical issues which keep me from eating certain foods, most of which I don’t like anyway! But even though we might grudgingly admit they’re for our and others’ good we still don’t like to have our “liberties” curtailed.

Have we ever felt this way about God’s commands? Do we view His directives as impeding enjoyment in our lives? In reality they’re anything but this. The Lord’s friend and apostle tells us, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3, emphasis added). Since obedience appears to be God’s “Love Language” (see the previous posting by this title) it’s a practice we need to take seriously (“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”—John 14:15). Truth be told, God’s “limitations” provide freedom to serve Him (1 Peter 2:16) and others (Galatians 5:13). Will we/I see them in this way and be thankful?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan