I am the Lord's, I belong to Him

This weekend I sat with a unique perspective as Nina played Mary in our church’s Christmas Program.  As she sang her solo, tears began to well up in my eyes, of course I was proud, and she was cute, and joy overwhelmed me.  But for those few lines of the song, I was transported into the shoes of Mary’s dad.  Nina’s solo said: “I am the Lord’s, I belong to Him, I will call Him Jesus, Jesus, the Son of God.”  What powerful words, not said lightly in Luke 2:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.  “May it be to me as you have said.” 

The incarnation of Jesus did not come without serious impact.  As a father, I pray that my daughter will respond to God with the words, “God I’m yours, I belong to you.”  But as a protector, I realize that I relinquish control and the way that plays out leaves me quaking.  Following Jesus brings with it inherent risk to our comfort and will.  In response to God’s call, my baby girl could follow Jesus across the country, or into the jungles of an unfamiliar nation where the danger of disease, animals, or broken humans could cause her harm.

Mary’s response to carry the Son of God, meant that she could lose her future husband Joseph, who was not the boys biological father, lose her reputation and dignity, or lose her life.  I believe that behind the scenes of the scriptural text stood Mary’s father who feared these losses as well.  He felt the shame towards his family, the fear, and heartache at the thought of losing his child.  Yet, Mary responded “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”  I can’t help thinking that her peace in the face of difficult circumstances was contagious.  As hard as it was for her father to relinquish the task of protecting his little girl, I hope in his tears he felt an overwhelming peace that one much more capable was in control.  That the presence of God that dwelt inside his daughter would bring peace to the hearts of mankind, an everlasting peace that could not be destroyed by anyone or anything had entered the world.

I’m reminded that Jesus breaking into human history was not just an occasion to overtake the government, or stop all war and conflict.  Jesus came to save the world, bringing peace that would break the chains of oppression, injustice, war, and sin.  In the presence of Jesus we can experience power that makes every obstacle and fear pale in comparison.  I want to experience Jesus like Paul said “I want TO KNOW Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10).  Our call to follow Jesus is not a call to an easy, comfortable, or happy life.  Instead, it is a call to experience the power of love and peace in the face of any circumstance that this world throws at us, knowing the one who has come to us, to overcome the world, and give us His life so that we may too.

I am the Lord’s, I belong to Him… 

Running Towards Him

I've recently split my personal blog from our youth group blog, if you're looking for parent insight visit sbcyouthparents.blogspot.com.  I was training to run the Babcock Gristmill Grinder 13.1 mile trail race (wow, that was hard, I can't wait til next year to do it again!) when all these thoughts rushed into my head and I had no place to put them.  I decided that running and doing triathlons has become a steady part of my life, meaning large chunks of time alone running, riding, or swimming, which means me, God, and my thoughts get lots of time together.  I find that there are so many parallels between racing and living the Christian life that I could put my thoughts on training, racing, faith, and life as a father and husband in one place.  So here goes my journey into blogging, chasing the finish line of life toward eternity with God as I make every step here on earth count.

A few weeks ago I finished my second triathlon, the Stonewall Jackson Triathlon, for the second year.  I had to repeat because my first experience was miserable.  I have ridden bikes most of my life and thought that would be the easiest leg.  Needless to say as Carmen, my wife, was on bed rest and making multiple doctors visits each week preparing for our second child(more on that from my awesome blogging wife), I pushed the bulk of training aside.  I began cramping with 8 miles left on the bike leg and waddled like a duck through the 4 mile run.  There were people watching from their cabins as this crazy guy in spandex beat his legs mercilessly trying to get the cramps to subside.  I finished, but it hurt, and I was not happy.

Well this year I wanted vengeance on a triathlon, so I trained using Chris Carmichael's "Time Crunched Triathlete" training plan.
 
It's amazing how training specifically for a race, and putting in the effort before the starting line can change an entire experience.  I discovered pickle juice helps alleviate cramping and brick workouts help you get used to the feel of transitioning between disciplines.  I finished 10 minutes faster than last year, 2:30:55, and much happier with my performance.

I love a challenge and look forward to trying new styles of racing in upcoming years.  My motto since I was a teenager has been "that which does not kill you makes you stronger" in Romans 5 Paul says "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because Gods' love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,who has been given to us." All of the struggles, hard times, and pain is not a waste, but makes us stronger, whether it be physically or spiritually, God doesn't waste opportunities to train us for our future with him.
I run and hurt in training, I drink pickle juice (I HATE PICKLES!!!!), and endure the work and pain, because there is something great about crossing the finish line.  In the same way I live my life, enduring the good, the bad, the easy, and the painful looking forward to my reward, the hope of eternity with God.  But for now, I'll just keep running towards Him.