I'll be there for you

"When you have your health, you have everything.” You’ve probably heard this statement, or a variation of it, countless times and wondered if it really is the “be all, end all” declaration people intend. Recently, something more important than health presented itself – a selfless act of true friendship. There are many ways to define a friend: those within your immediate circle (almost like family, the really close ones who will answer a 2:00 a.m. call), those within your circle of influence (co-workers, neighbors, church or social group members) and those with whom you maintain a more distant, generally passive acquaintance. Every friendship, no matter its duration or definition, is important in this life, and each one serves a unique and distinct purpose (1 John 4:11) –- an occasion for God to bless both parties through the time they spend together (1 Corinthians 9:23). Whether a friend goes out of his or her way to drop you at the airport, bring you fresh homemade chicken soup when you’re sick, or help you move all your personal belongings on a Sunday afternoon in 100+ degree heat, you can count on God to make that time engaging, energizing and valuable (Proverbs 12:14). Having good friends you can count on for anything is, in no small part, a measure of being one yourself and helping others at any and every opportunity, no matter how large or small the task at hand might be. Step right up, you’re being served.

A leap of faith

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).” Newspaper editorials, special interest magazines, talk shows and news programs, public radio, the internet, countless blogs, friends and family. These days, there are so many outlets of information, and misinformation, it has become almost impossible to separate fact from fiction. If you need an educated opinion or want the truth, where do you turn? Who can you trust? All of these sources affect, in ways both positive and negative, our perspective of the world and how we perceive our role in it. The uneasy feeling that civilization is becoming less civil or that we’re losing the human touch of humanity could be a sign of lacking faith, but it’s not the reality (2 Timothy 1:7). Although there are no “no-risk guarantees,” we don’t have to tiptoe timidly through the landmines of life when we walk with God at our side. Sordid tales of heresy, perversion, murder, adultery, theft, extortion, child endangerment, sexual harassment, and elder abuse always include a lie or two at the heart of the story. Being lied to brings a strong desire for truth, however, and there’s no better place to find truth than in the One (Psalm 56:11) who always has your back. When it comes to following the “straight and narrow,” the first step’s always the hardest one to take.

Fly, firefly...

A few dozen years ago, the children of our suburban neighborhood would gather nightly and spend countless hours in passionate pursuit of an ever elusive and now vanishing breed of amazing winged creatures known as fireflies. These “lightning bugs” seemed to thrive by the hundreds and adrift on the gentle winds of a summer breeze, they would flash a brilliant yellow-green glow as they labored to elude entrapment within the cozy confines of a mason jar. Fireflies never appeared to shy away from letting their light shine and as believers, we could take a lesson from those whose conspicuous crepuscular use of bioluminescence sends a distinct message (Matthew 5:16). While an unshakable foundation of faith is important for every Christian, we’re also tasked with being more than simply obedient to our Creator. God desires that we share the gospel of good news with others (Mark 16:15-16) and then He makes such opportunities a regular part of our lives. At the end of those timeless evenings, the tiny fliers were released unharmed, no doubt to go forth and bring a smile to someone else. Glowworms beam brightly for the purpose of attracting a mate, and we’ll accomplish a similar purpose – attracting others to Jesus Christ – when we let the light of the Holy Spirit shine from within us (Acts 15:8).

I'm always going home

Friends traveling on vacation this week enlisted my assistance and entrusted me with three valuable possessions for a few days: their two delightful dogs and a lovely home. I occasionally provide such sitting services and am routinely refreshed by the opportunity. Although pets guarantee interesting interaction given their individual needs and often amusing behaviors, it’s the physical house that reveals the true spirit of its residents. From the family’s many framed portraits filled with smiling faces to the refrigerator covered with calendars, coupons and to-do lists, visible signs of the love, joy and connectivity that make life most meaningful are readily evident (2 Samuel 7:29). In the stillness of a quiet house, one can also sense the presence of the Holy Spirit and be assured that God not only provides abundantly for His children, but also watches over them – regardless of where they may be (Deuteronomy 31:6). Perhaps we consider houses as merely brick and mortar, the physical construction of a place designed to contain all our “stuff.” Yet, a house itself is not nearly as important as the home we make for Jesus Christ when we invite Him into our hearts (1 Corinthians 6:19). Once that threshold is crossed, there’s no “leaving it all (or Him) behind.” While I do enjoy a change of scenery from time to time and don't mind sharing a blanket with two tiny yippers, I am comforted to know that no matter where I lay my head, I am always right at home.