Preparing for Winter

A hint of fall is in the air. Leaves are beginning to turn, the mornings are a little nippier, and all the little creatures are storing up for their winter snooze. All of us human types look deep into the closet to make sure the winter clothes are still there. We know here in Colorado that winter can and will come whenever it decides.

I have always been fascinated how some creatures of the animal kingdom prepare for winter. In the fall these animals get ready for winter by eating extra food and storing it as body fat. They use this fat for energy while hibernating. Some also store food like nuts or acorns to eat later in the winter. The animal's body temperature drops, and its heartbeat and breathing slow down. It uses very little energy.

There is not a human equivalent to hibernation except perhaps football season! It does, however, make me think about what we do to prepare for the harsh times of life. Unfortunately, a season of winter in one’s personal life can come when least expected. It may be a crisis at work, a problem with a child, an unresolved issue with a spouse, or an unanticipated temptation. They come sweeping over you like that sudden winter storm, burying you deep in its life-threatening grip. What does one do? How do you prepare? Know that there will be winter seasons of life. Following Christ is no guarantee that everything is going to go smoothly. Don’t be pessimistic but don’t be surprised.

I would like to suggest several “storing up” activities that will help you survive the harshness of winter.

Store up friendships before hard times come. It is amazing how many
people will clamor for support during crisis but spend little or no time with others when things are going well. Build and strengthen relationships NOW!

Store up the word of God. The Bible says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Countless times I have been strengthened during moments of winter by passages of scripture that come to my remembrance.

Store up memories of your past encounters of life where God has brought you through hard times. As I reflect over my walk with Christ, there are multiple stories of God’s faithfulness to me. The psalmist David says it best, “Even when I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil.”

Are you ready?

Beautiful Feet

Feet are not necessarily the most beautiful feature of our human anatomy. Early in my marriage I learned that a sign of my deep and enduring love would be to massage the feet of my beloved wife, Glenda. She was born with problem feet and at an early age developed bunions. We have talked for years and years about the necessity to have surgery to remove them and to straighten the toes. The pain and discomfort finally tipped the balance in favor of surgery,

On Thursday, October 18, we went to the hospital for surgery. Without all the gory details, I will just say that a scalpel, a saw, pins, and needles were involved! We took her home with feet that were wrapped with miles of gauze and tape and funny shoes. The wheelchair and walker were the only modes of transportation. The first eight days were pretty much spent on the bed with her feet elevated.

It is not my nature to be a good nurse so it was a stretching time for us. We had a host of people praying for Glenda and for me. WE MADE IT!! This week we went back for the two-week appointment. The doctor unveiled her masterpiece. It truly was -- no bunions and big toes that are fairly straight. They were truly beautiful feet. Glenda had to endure the excruciating pain of stitches being removed.

There is an interesting scripture that talks about feet. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’" It is not really about feet but about the message. In the pre-electronic age messages were delivered by runners, sometimes carrying written message and sometimes verbal messages. The message, when positive and upbeat, had the affect of beautifying the messenger. I suppose there could me a corollary of bad message bad feet!

Image what it must have been like for the people to know the runner is coming with news. Is it good, is it bad, how soon we will know. There on the horizon a figure is spotted. People cry out to others that the messenger is on his way. Anticipation, excitement, and even a little fear fill the air. Closer and closer the runner comes until the sound of pounding feet is heard, and you could see the exertion of the runner. Finally, he breaks into the circle of people who cannot wait to hear the news. He musters his strength and speaks with authority and clarity, “Your God reigns.” Cheers and shouts of joy rise from the crowd of eager listeners. It is a good message. The dirty, sweaty, smelly feet of the messenger truly are beautiful feet!

The story makes me muse and reflect on my feet! Are they beautiful? Do they carry a good news message? Will I be welcomed and greeted with the same nervousness and anticipation? After I have delivered the message, will my feet be declared beautiful? I am so privileged to be the bearer of good news! It is news about forgiveness, grace, mercy, healing, and wholeness. It is about that very special God-Man named Jesus. His name means savior.

There have been times in my life, to my own shame, where I thought the message was about hell, judgment, and an angry God. I tried to use the word of God like a weapon to destroy instead of a healing balm. Please forgive me, my friends, when I came with ugly feet. I know now that “all (people) have sinned,” and it is only by grace that we are saved. That is what this world needs to hear.

What about you? Do you have beautiful feet?