How Many More Days 4-3-2003
“How many more days?” That is a question that many people have on their lips as they listen to the reports of the war. More than one person is anxious to have the war resolved.
“How many more days, Daddy?” was the question I heard when our kids were little. They wanted to know the number of days until Christmas, Easter, birthday party day, vacation, school start, Saturday, trip to Grandma’s house and a variety of other special events in the life of a young child. Their question of “How many more days?” was one of the most asked questions we heard, right up there with, “Are we there yet?”
Bunny figured out a great way to answer the “How many more days?” question. She would cut strips of colored paper, loop them to form a circle and then intertwine them together to form a “counting chain.” She would hang the chain up in the child’s bedroom and then after prayers one more loop would be removed. That way the child could count the remaining days to the event and not have to bother us. (I solved the “Are we there yet?” question by having the child read the odometer. I would calculate the remaining miles and then the child could read the numbers and watch them revolve. Sometimes I would just use time, “We will be there in two more hours. When the clock says, ‘6:04’ we will be there.”)
The counting chain of youth has given way to the Palm Pilots, Day Timers and computer calendars to track important dates. A reminder just popped up on my computer that our daughter-in-law, Lori, is expecting her first child, our first grandchild, on April 19th! I can’t wait! I find myself walking around the house asking Bunny, “How many more days?” Grandparenthood – the new territory, the next chapter in our lives – is something we find ourselves looking forward to with some trepidation. Since the kids live in Denver and we live in Saint Louis, we must make plans differently than grandparents who live closer to their grandchildren. We must arrange schedules, purchase plane tickets (thankfully American didn’t go bankrupt), plan meals and housing (big thanks to my brothers who live near the kids) and trust that the doctor does have the right due date. We fervently pray that all goes well with mother and child. We pray that this new life will prosper and grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
Another big celebration happens April 18th – Good Friday. It is on this day that we commemorate the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. We hear His words from the cross and realize anew the depth of His suffering, the depth of His compassion, the depth of His love. Soon this day will be upon us. Instead of “Counting Down” the days until Good Friday, we can “Count On” the days we have now. We “count on” today. We “count on” the words and promises of Christ. We “count on” His love – today. We can also count the opportunities we have to share the message of Christ’s love and redemptive work. Daily we have opportunities to witness – to tell – the Good News of the Gospel. Daily we have the opportunity to live our lives so that those around us will see Christ in our words and actions.
“How many more days, Daddy?” was the question I heard when our kids were little. They wanted to know the number of days until Christmas, Easter, birthday party day, vacation, school start, Saturday, trip to Grandma’s house and a variety of other special events in the life of a young child. Their question of “How many more days?” was one of the most asked questions we heard, right up there with, “Are we there yet?”
Bunny figured out a great way to answer the “How many more days?” question. She would cut strips of colored paper, loop them to form a circle and then intertwine them together to form a “counting chain.” She would hang the chain up in the child’s bedroom and then after prayers one more loop would be removed. That way the child could count the remaining days to the event and not have to bother us. (I solved the “Are we there yet?” question by having the child read the odometer. I would calculate the remaining miles and then the child could read the numbers and watch them revolve. Sometimes I would just use time, “We will be there in two more hours. When the clock says, ‘6:04’ we will be there.”)
The counting chain of youth has given way to the Palm Pilots, Day Timers and computer calendars to track important dates. A reminder just popped up on my computer that our daughter-in-law, Lori, is expecting her first child, our first grandchild, on April 19th! I can’t wait! I find myself walking around the house asking Bunny, “How many more days?” Grandparenthood – the new territory, the next chapter in our lives – is something we find ourselves looking forward to with some trepidation. Since the kids live in Denver and we live in Saint Louis, we must make plans differently than grandparents who live closer to their grandchildren. We must arrange schedules, purchase plane tickets (thankfully American didn’t go bankrupt), plan meals and housing (big thanks to my brothers who live near the kids) and trust that the doctor does have the right due date. We fervently pray that all goes well with mother and child. We pray that this new life will prosper and grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
Another big celebration happens April 18th – Good Friday. It is on this day that we commemorate the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. We hear His words from the cross and realize anew the depth of His suffering, the depth of His compassion, the depth of His love. Soon this day will be upon us. Instead of “Counting Down” the days until Good Friday, we can “Count On” the days we have now. We “count on” today. We “count on” the words and promises of Christ. We “count on” His love – today. We can also count the opportunities we have to share the message of Christ’s love and redemptive work. Daily we have opportunities to witness – to tell – the Good News of the Gospel. Daily we have the opportunity to live our lives so that those around us will see Christ in our words and actions.
The Good Stuff Requires Work 4-10-2003
“We are going to Red Lobster for shrimp and crab legs, “ announced Bunny when she came home last Monday.
“Alright!” was my enthusiastic response. (I will never turn down a chance for crab legs.)
“Any special occasion?”
“Yes, we are celebrating!”
“Cool – what are we celebrating?” (I was pretty sure it wasn’t a birthday, anniversary or other national holiday.)
“My doctor’s visit.”
Yes, Bunny’s cancer count remains at 11. That would be bad for you and me, but for her it is great. For 17 months now her cancer count has remained constant. The treatments are working.
So we ordered the celebration supper, complete with the celebration iced tea. Bunny was working hard cracking the crab legs and made the observation, “The good stuff takes work.”
Yes, the good stuff does take work. My job requires that I work hard at doing what I do. My marriage requires that I work hard at maintaining the relationship. My role as father requires that I work hard to parent my children – even after they are grown. My relationships with friends and co-workers require that I work hard at being a good friend. My hobby requires hard work as I dig and plant, cultivate and trim the yard and gardens. Life is not easy.
I sometimes tire of the workload that I have, but I am not alone. We sometimes wake up and feel that it is just too much – the rest of our lives spent in bed would be ok. We tire of the commute to work – everyone just better get out of our way. We tire of the challenges – it would be easier just to coast by. We tire of the constant repetition of chores – can’t someone invent a self-cleaning bathroom? We tire of the demands of relationships – a desert island to ourselves sounds good. We tire of complaints, problems, strife and stress. We seek peace.
Then along comes Holy Week. We hear again the stories of the trials, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. We stand at the foot of the cross and cry in pain as He is humiliated, tortured and put to death – for us – for me. It is our sins – my sins for which He pays. It is our suffering – my suffering He takes for Himself. We gaze into the empty tomb and cry in joy as He is risen – for us – for me. He has conquered sin and death for us – for me. He gives us peace.
With His peace comes joy – the joy seen in the face of a child, the joy of a beautiful sunrise, the joy of a lifelong partner, the joy of a job well done, the joy of singing a hymn, the joy of being a child of God.
I pray that you experience His peace this Holy Week.
“Alright!” was my enthusiastic response. (I will never turn down a chance for crab legs.)
“Any special occasion?”
“Yes, we are celebrating!”
“Cool – what are we celebrating?” (I was pretty sure it wasn’t a birthday, anniversary or other national holiday.)
“My doctor’s visit.”
Yes, Bunny’s cancer count remains at 11. That would be bad for you and me, but for her it is great. For 17 months now her cancer count has remained constant. The treatments are working.
So we ordered the celebration supper, complete with the celebration iced tea. Bunny was working hard cracking the crab legs and made the observation, “The good stuff takes work.”
Yes, the good stuff does take work. My job requires that I work hard at doing what I do. My marriage requires that I work hard at maintaining the relationship. My role as father requires that I work hard to parent my children – even after they are grown. My relationships with friends and co-workers require that I work hard at being a good friend. My hobby requires hard work as I dig and plant, cultivate and trim the yard and gardens. Life is not easy.
I sometimes tire of the workload that I have, but I am not alone. We sometimes wake up and feel that it is just too much – the rest of our lives spent in bed would be ok. We tire of the commute to work – everyone just better get out of our way. We tire of the challenges – it would be easier just to coast by. We tire of the constant repetition of chores – can’t someone invent a self-cleaning bathroom? We tire of the demands of relationships – a desert island to ourselves sounds good. We tire of complaints, problems, strife and stress. We seek peace.
Then along comes Holy Week. We hear again the stories of the trials, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. We stand at the foot of the cross and cry in pain as He is humiliated, tortured and put to death – for us – for me. It is our sins – my sins for which He pays. It is our suffering – my suffering He takes for Himself. We gaze into the empty tomb and cry in joy as He is risen – for us – for me. He has conquered sin and death for us – for me. He gives us peace.
With His peace comes joy – the joy seen in the face of a child, the joy of a beautiful sunrise, the joy of a lifelong partner, the joy of a job well done, the joy of singing a hymn, the joy of being a child of God.
I pray that you experience His peace this Holy Week.
I Love Easter 4-17-2003
The phone rang and I scrambled to answer it.
“Hello”
“Hi, Dad, where’s my Bible?” asked daughter Becky.
I suspected that something might be going on; it isn’t often that the first words of a phone call are, “Where’s my Bible?” She had just received the newsletter from Immanuel (her home church) and the pastor wrote that the people should read John 15: 9-17. She wanted to read the passage, but couldn’t find her confirmation Bible – the one she wanted to use.
We chatted some more and she said, “I love Easter.”
“Why?’
“Because Christ rose for my sins!”
I was getting a little suspicious so I asked, “What’s happening?”
It was then that she shared her anxious feelings about her job. She spent the last few days in cardiac surgery – open-heart surgery for children. She is being trained to assist in the surgery and she is nervous. The stress of the job, knowing that the child’s very life is in the doctor’s hands – literally – was causing her to doubt her career choice.
I told her that I, too, have doubts and anxious feelings about my job. I suggested that she start her day with prayer – prayer for the surgeon, prayer for the patient and prayer that she would accomplish her job. I use my drive time on the way to work as my time to pray. I start my workday refreshed, renewed and revived. It is also a good way to combat traffic and road rage – whenever there is a jam or I get cut off, it becomes another prayer opportunity.
“I will do that,” she promised.
Yes, I love Easter, too. Christ rose for my sins! I can set aside the worries, doubts and fears about the future – I will be in heaven! I can also count on His presence in my daily life. I rejoice in the Easter message. I rejoice in the words of John 15: 9-17.
This Easter Sunday I will shout out my two favorite phrases:
“Happy Easter – Bunny” (This one never gets old.)
He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!
(Rest of the story – Becky called, she prayed – it helped – she felt better and her day went well.)
May the joy of Easter be yours now and always.
“Hello”
“Hi, Dad, where’s my Bible?” asked daughter Becky.
I suspected that something might be going on; it isn’t often that the first words of a phone call are, “Where’s my Bible?” She had just received the newsletter from Immanuel (her home church) and the pastor wrote that the people should read John 15: 9-17. She wanted to read the passage, but couldn’t find her confirmation Bible – the one she wanted to use.
We chatted some more and she said, “I love Easter.”
“Why?’
“Because Christ rose for my sins!”
I was getting a little suspicious so I asked, “What’s happening?”
It was then that she shared her anxious feelings about her job. She spent the last few days in cardiac surgery – open-heart surgery for children. She is being trained to assist in the surgery and she is nervous. The stress of the job, knowing that the child’s very life is in the doctor’s hands – literally – was causing her to doubt her career choice.
I told her that I, too, have doubts and anxious feelings about my job. I suggested that she start her day with prayer – prayer for the surgeon, prayer for the patient and prayer that she would accomplish her job. I use my drive time on the way to work as my time to pray. I start my workday refreshed, renewed and revived. It is also a good way to combat traffic and road rage – whenever there is a jam or I get cut off, it becomes another prayer opportunity.
“I will do that,” she promised.
Yes, I love Easter, too. Christ rose for my sins! I can set aside the worries, doubts and fears about the future – I will be in heaven! I can also count on His presence in my daily life. I rejoice in the Easter message. I rejoice in the words of John 15: 9-17.
This Easter Sunday I will shout out my two favorite phrases:
“Happy Easter – Bunny” (This one never gets old.)
He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!
(Rest of the story – Becky called, she prayed – it helped – she felt better and her day went well.)
May the joy of Easter be yours now and always.
New Life 4-24-2003
Easter – the time to celebrate Life! Christ gave us life – life eternal – when He broke the bonds of death on Easter morning. This life is mine. This life is yours. This life is forever.
However, we also have a life that will end – our human, earthly life. It is only on this life that many people concentrate. They live their life with earthly eyes, eyes that see only the present, only that which can be grasped. They close their spiritual eyes. They refuse to see that which is incomprehensible. How can one man die for all? How can Jesus pay the price for all our sins? It is only through the eyes of faith that we can believe that Jesus accomplished all of this for you and for me.
Yet our earthly lives are important. New life is precious. The women at the tomb rejoiced when they saw that Jesus was alive. We celebrate new life – the new life that Christ gives and the new earthly life – a new baby.
Yes, on April 19 we received a call from our son Bob. His wife, Lori, had just delivered their first child, our first grandchild at 10:45 AM. Abigail Anne Cohrs weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz, and was 19 ½ inches long. We heard the news and wept for joy. A new life – a granddaughter – a child of God was born. We thanked God for His protection, for His gift, for this precious life.
We remembered the time when we were first parents. The excitement, the uncertainty, the happiness, the concern, the highs and the lows of new parenthood were all relived. We can empathize with the new parents. They must face their future with their child. But they are not alone. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and all manner of relatives stand ready to help. The church family is there for the new parents. The family of Christ rejoices with them and stands ready to assist. More importantly, God surrounds them with His love and protection.
It is that way for each of us. No matter what our circumstances, no matter if we are single or married, rich or poor, from a large family or an only child – the family of Christ is there for each of us. Christ is there for each of us. He is our hope of life!
He is Risen!
However, we also have a life that will end – our human, earthly life. It is only on this life that many people concentrate. They live their life with earthly eyes, eyes that see only the present, only that which can be grasped. They close their spiritual eyes. They refuse to see that which is incomprehensible. How can one man die for all? How can Jesus pay the price for all our sins? It is only through the eyes of faith that we can believe that Jesus accomplished all of this for you and for me.
Yet our earthly lives are important. New life is precious. The women at the tomb rejoiced when they saw that Jesus was alive. We celebrate new life – the new life that Christ gives and the new earthly life – a new baby.
Yes, on April 19 we received a call from our son Bob. His wife, Lori, had just delivered their first child, our first grandchild at 10:45 AM. Abigail Anne Cohrs weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz, and was 19 ½ inches long. We heard the news and wept for joy. A new life – a granddaughter – a child of God was born. We thanked God for His protection, for His gift, for this precious life.
We remembered the time when we were first parents. The excitement, the uncertainty, the happiness, the concern, the highs and the lows of new parenthood were all relived. We can empathize with the new parents. They must face their future with their child. But they are not alone. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and all manner of relatives stand ready to help. The church family is there for the new parents. The family of Christ rejoices with them and stands ready to assist. More importantly, God surrounds them with His love and protection.
It is that way for each of us. No matter what our circumstances, no matter if we are single or married, rich or poor, from a large family or an only child – the family of Christ is there for each of us. Christ is there for each of us. He is our hope of life!
He is Risen!
