Day 28- amnesia
The weekend was so full that I got behind on writing. Now, I honestly don’t remember what I did on Thursday. I do remember it not being a very great day for the Goeke family. A lot of hurt was incurred. It’s probably a good thing I can’t recall all that happened on that day. Even in my forgetfulness, I am reminded of all that I receive because of Easter morning. Namely, God’s merciful amnesia:
“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12
Day 29- pow, pow
We surprised the kids by taking them to the Rodeo after school. Paul and I had a chance earlier in the month without children. Now, we wanted them to experience all the drama and excitement for themselves. As the rodeo began, the stadium lights went out and fireworks were set ablaze. Judah, stood in my lap, bug-eyed and jaw-dropped. When all the smoke of the indoor explosions cleared, in a faint voice he said, “pow…pow…” I said, “Yeah, Buddy, that was cool, huh…” To which he replied, “Mo…mo…” Unfortunately, he had to wait 3 hours through all the rodeo events for more fireworks. We took in the dust and the smell of livestock waiting for more big bang action.
To be “powed” by the Maker, by the display of His glory…this is the effect the cross and resurrection can have on us, if we are willing to bear our eyes wide to the expansive explosion of all time that occurred there. All Old Testament prophesy collided in the man, Jesus, who proved His God-nature by rising from the dead three days later. It all met at the cross, at the tomb, there with Mary as she looked up to the glowing face that knew her name.
Honestly, I never rest in that moment very often or for very long. I rarely think about that morning, when she ran to tell all the others that their beloved Jesus was no longer dead. I’m not taken in by the ‘pow’ daily. I focus more on all the manure of the mundane life I live. If only I could marvel more at the resurrection and take in some spiritual “pow.”
“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
John 20:15-16
Day 30- showers
Today, I took a shower then went to a bridal shower in a rain shower. The day seemed to be covered in showers. Sheets of water fell behind window panes set as a backdrop for the future bride as she was showered in gifts, blessings, prayers, and words of wisdom. I was reminded of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Women of all generations festively helping to usher the next young bride into the tent of marriage. Such joy, such hope, such beauty.
Adding these varying kinds of showers to Lent has been a helpful reminder, yet once again, of all that is showered upon me through Jesus: His joy, His hope, His beauty.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61: 1-3
Day 31- worship
This morning I had a chance to be a part of the worship team at church. What joy it is to worship. I am thankful for the opportunity to humbly worship Jesus, whether from my seat, or the stage, or by the side of my baby’s crib.
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”
Psalm 29:2
ANGIE GOEKE 