Do You Realize?

We recently went to the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis.  We had a great time.  It's a must-do if you have kids and live close enough.  We were most impressed with touring the old train engines and passenger cars.

I was amazed by how massive the engines were.  They were so huge that they felt fake.  Some of them had wheels larger than 6 feet tall.  Inside, we got to sit in the conductor's chair and see what driving the massive thing was like.  It looked like such a difficult, pressure filled job --only tiny windows to see ahead, the many levers and knobs, and the firebox inches away.

I wondered if the once-upon-a-time conductors knew their impact on the world.  Did they know they were literally leading the way to changing our country and even the world forever?  In their day in and day out hard work, did they realize they were revolutionizing life as they knew it?  Did they know that generations of tiny men-children (aka little boys) would pretend to be just like them?

I have missed out on the importance of those day in and day out things. What about you?

We tend to look only for the big leaps of faith.  We measure our lives by the immediate impact of our decisions.  Often, we only see the people in the world who are easily noticed and are making the most obvious impact.  We have a streak of jealousy that rears it's ugly head.  We fight feeling guilty for "failing" when compared to others.  We can't stand the thought of living a life that doesn't count in some way!

Well, I'm learning a whole lot from people like the old-time conductors.  It seems that many times the people with the biggest impact are behind the scenes doing the hard work day in and day out.  It can be such hard work.  It can take tremendous perseverance and self-sacrifice.  I write these words, hoping to encourage you.  If you are feeling like a failure or wondering what your impact really is, take heart!  

The everyday, unnoticed things you do truly are making a difference.  Living a life filled with His Love will literally lead the way to changing our world forever.  In your day in and day out hard- Love work, you are revolutionizing life as you know it.  Do you know that generations of tiny people (you know what I mean) will pretend to be just like you?  You are leaving a legacy.

"Trust Me, I Can Do This"

Do you remember what it felt like when you mastered riding a bike?  The freedom was exhilerating.  Soaring down hills was the biggest adrenaline rush of the pre-teen days.  And, remember the nano-seconds just before the crashes when you knew the pain was coming?  Yeah, we can all still show some scars from those accidents.

I have a few memories of riding uphill or against the wind when I truly did not think I would make it home.  My thighs were practically numb and my knees burned.  Tears would well up and I would get that hot feeling that made me just want to quit.  Somehow, I always made it home.

Heidi recently learned to ride her bike.  Her daddy being so patient and gentle coupled with her determintion has been so cool to watch.  I have learned many lessons by observing the process!  So, now Heidi is experiencing that freedom and exhileration that we all did as kids.

Last week we went on a bike ride.  I rode behind soaking up the moment.  Brent was leaking that joyful pride watching Heidi soar.  I imagined God feeling that same way about us. 

Our sweet little town doesn't have a single level surface in it.  Yes, I'm exaggerating... but, only barely!  So most of our ride was downhill.  I warned Heidi that the further we got from home, the harder it would be to make it back.  She was fully convinced she would be able to do it.  

The sun began to settle behind Shepherd Mountain and we turned home.  Thus began our uphill journey.  Heidi began moving slower and slower.  She would stop and rest her legs a bit.  At one point her daddy, who was carrying her little brother on the carrier seat, said, "Come right here by me and I'll pull you."  Heidi puffed up with a burst of energy and went right by him, doing her best to prove she didn't need help.  Seconds later she stopped.  She put one leg on the peddle and tried again. And again.  She couldn't even get the bike to move an inch now. 

Her daddy gently said, "Walk over here to me and I'll pull you."  She conceded.  

He tightly grabbed her handle bars.  He began peddling.  She fearfully pulled away causing her to wobble and nearly crash.  He said, "Trust me Heidi, I can do this.  I am strong enough.  You have to let me do it."  

I marveled at this daddy hauling two children uphill balancing them.  I watched Heidi relax and let him carry her.

I am like that.  Sometimes, I need to stop my striving and let Him carry me.  Let Him breathe life and restore me.  Draw close to Him.  Submit to His strength and provision.  Yes, we'll soar again and He'll be close delighting in us, teaching us, guiding us all the way.  

The Lord your God is with you,

he is mighty to save. 

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17