The Lord is my shepherd. My dad was one, too. He guided me when I was young. He taught me to balance when I rode my bike and he held me the day I got stung.
Like fathers before him, my dad punished me. He spanked me those times I was bad. But when I was bullied, he comforted me. There is no one who cared like my dad.
When heartache and loss found me asking God why, my dad could be found on his knees. Beseeching the Father in Heaven above, he modeled how faith is the key.
And though far from perfect, my dad helped me see the value of clinging to grace. He’s left me with snapshots of prized memories that time cannot ever erase.
This week’s post is a chapter from Greg’s book Sheltering in Grace
Speaking of Morning Has Broken. That hymn came to mind earlier this week as I witnessed a gorgeous sunrise very early in the morning from one of my favorite lookouts. As often happens when I find myself in a breathtaking place, I start to write.
Words flowed from my heart as I reflected on the contrast between the beauty of the sky and ugliness in our world that is being documented by daily headlines. There is so much that isn’t right. So much pain. So much fear. Cities are beginning to unlock the lockdown but normal has a new definition. I thought about the evil in our world as well as the sinful nature that punctuates our fallen humanity.
Here’s what I typed on my iPhone… While morning has broken, our world’s in a mess. The virus still threatens and causes us stress.
But even more deadly is what lurks within. It, too, is a virus. God’s Word calls it sin.
Sin masks racist motives. It keeps us apart. Sin spreads just like COVID as hate fills our hearts.
But love is a vaccine. That’s where hope begins. Love dares to say “sorry” again and again.
Love mends what is broken. It breaks what needs fixed. Love brings us together without stones and sticks.
It risks being slighted. It owns ugly pride. It claims God’s forgiveness for which Jesus died.
Yes, love is the key. And love is possible. It’s a choice. It’s a daily choice. With the dawn of every morning, we have the chance to choose love over fear. Love over hate. Others over self.
Speaking of daily choices, every sunrise is a reminder that we have a chance to start anew each day. The words of Jeremiah convey that thought. In his journal we call Lamentations we read, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22)
Why don’t we take our cues from our Creator? And live a life of love a day at a time?
Greg’s book, “Sheltering Grace“ is listed on the BOOKS menu at $15.00 from Lulu Books.
This is a photo of Greg Asimakoupoulos sitting at his pastor-father’s typewriter
“Become like children,” Jesus said. “Remember who you were. Wide-eyed with wonder, innocent and shy. Acknowledging dependence on that Someone whom you trust. Accepting more than always asking “why?”
Childlike-faith is what we’re called to. Resting in our Father’s arms. Trusting in His vantage point that we can’t see. Making peace with limitations, while believing dreams come true and believing I am loved for being me.
With their arms upraised, small children reach for Someone whom they love. Hands aimed Heavenward convey what’s deep inside. Unconditional affection, longing to be cradled tight in those strong inviting arms that beckon wide.
There are shadows on life’s highway that we just cannot avoid. Unexpected times of darkness hide the sun. Death and illness. Loss and sorrow. Doubts that linger through the night. And those nagging fears that question what’s to come.
Still the shadows offer contrast, give perspective. They provide a point of reference for God’s faithfulness. In the shadows we are privy to the promises of grace that remind us God is with us in our stress.
The poem above is included in this book:
Greg’s book, “When God Speaks“ is listed on the BOOKS menu at $14.99 from Lulu Books.
My Rhymes and Reasons 