#bethanydevotionalwritings

   A few weeks ago, I was having a discussion about music with some friends of mine.  I usually have a lot to offer when this topic of conversation arises, but I found myself humbled by the knowledge these aficionados portrayed.  We spoke about musicians that are not featured on your radio stations, and we listened to melodies that are not in my normal wheelhouse.  It was an engaging dialect, and after I left and made my way back home, I was enthralled by the symphony running through my head.

      One of my greatest joys in life is hearing something new when it comes to music.  I am not surprised by much as my library is quite extensive and my collection diverse.  But in this encounter, I was introduced to a band I had never heard.  A band that changed the way I have listened to music here lately, and an album I have listened to over twenty times in just four short weeks. 

      Manchester Orchestra, in their album titled "A Black Mile to the Surface", has renewed my excitement for music.  It is so different than anything I have listened to, and it fuels a fire inside me that not many albums can do.  The entire recording is a masterpiece, but the last single, "The Silence", is so emotional, so powerful, and so intense that it actually brings me to my knees.  Andy Hull's vocals swoon over the perfect melody, and the hurt, passion, and sorrow you hear in his voice is both humbling and exciting.  It is just one of those songs you want to play over and over again as it elates your soul and opens your mind.

      I keep thinking about "The Silence" and what must have been happening in this band's life to create such an amazing tune.  The title runs through my head like an uncontrollable locomotive, and the emotion it invokes does something to me that is difficult to explain.  And since there are so many differing opinions on the internet about the subject matter of these lyrics, I decided to sit back and think about what "The Silence" means in my life.

      I used to be afraid of "The Silence."  I often found myself lost, confused, hurt, and alone when my world got quiet.  The voices of disappointment, shame, guilt, and fear became louder, and without the distractions of the noisy world around me, I felt like a failure.  The stillness gave me the time to loathe in my mistakes, and my mind seemed to go to those dark places I try to avoid.  "The Silence" would take hold of me, choke my ambitions, and cloud my vision so I could no longer move forward.

      This stillness I write about is painful and dark.  But since God has come into my life, "The Silence" has become different, and I am no longer afraid of its' presence.  You see, God has a way of changing my perspective when I finally get a few moments to bask in the quiet.  It gives me a chance to appreciate His creation, hear His whispers, and understand His messages.  And without the distractions this world wants to encapsulate me in, I find a peace in knowing that He enjoys the time I spend with Him in "The Silence."

      Are you taking a few hours each week to breathe in "The Silence?"  Are you slowing down so that you are open to those simple miracles God has in store for your life?  If we are not taking to time to revel in God's creation, inhale that amazing Holy Spirit, or walk a few steps with Jesus, we are missing how glorious "The Silence" can be.  We fail to understand that there is beauty in the stillness and comfort in the peace.  We become afraid of idle time, and we become anxious that we are not doing enough.  But when we encapsulate what "The Silence" of God really entails, we hear His whispers, we hear His teachings, and we hear His instructions. 

“I'm not a perfect person.  There's many things I wish I didn't do.  But I continue learning.  I never meant to do those things to you.  And so, I have to say before I go.  That I just want you to know.  I've found a reason for me.  To change who I used to be.  A reason to start over new.  And that reason is you.”    - Lyrics from "The Reason" by Hoobastank

     I have many things to be thankful for.  It took a lot of years to understand how blessed my life could truly be, but once I decided to let God in and accept His Son, my eyes were open to the miraculous wonders that awaited me along this precious journey. 

      First of all, He taught me how to forgive myself.  He knew I was living with regrets, shame, and anger.  He knew these feelings were holding me back, and before I could move on and continue this journey with Him, I needed to rectify what was broken and let go of the rest.  Sometimes the healing process felt daunting, even perilous, but with every step, I felt the burdens lighten. 

      Second, He taught me how to extend grace.  He showed me that hatred is a powerful tool that only strengthens until I let it go.  It allows the darkness to overshadow the light, and if I don't accept another for their mistakes, short-comings, and imperfections, I will miss out on the amazing gifts they can bring to my life.

      And last, but most important of all, God has taught me that love is something to never take for granted.  He has surrounded me with people who believe in my mission, give support when needed, and keep me accountable as I stumble.  He has shown me that every encounter has a reason and that every conversation is meaningful.  And He has convinced me that I must make an effort to cherish these relationships, hold on to those dear to me, and make sure people know how much I love them and appreciate them for who they are.

      God is the reason for all that I do.  He has changed my outlook on the world, and He has given me purpose.  And as I sit here and write this message, I am overcome with joy when I think about how He has brought each and every one of you into my life.  You are also the reason for all that I do, and there are not enough words to express my gratitude.  Your friendship, your love, and your support are the catalysts for continuing this journey, and the light you shine allows me to stay on track.

There is a pile of bricks on the side of our house.  They are out of the way and tucked into a corner that nobody can see.  They have been hidden, so they do not distract from the beautiful landscapes of our backyard.  They are dirty from the elements, the weeds grow around and within them, and the spiders make their home in this pile when the weather gets warm.  And when we have friends and family over to our house, we make sure these bricks do not distract from the paradise that has been created.

      We should probably get rid of these bricks.  Yet, every once in a while, I venture to this side of the house and make sure everything is okay.  I spray the weeds, I chase away the spiders, and I get the hose out to clean all the cobwebs, dirt, and silt from the forgotten items that inhabit this well hidden space. 

      It may seem like a waste of time, but I guess I have the faith that someday I will put those bricks to use.  Someday I will build something magnificent with them.  And someday, I dream this pile of rubbish will be transformed into a solid structure, held together by a mixture of sand, water, and mortar.  A structure that has bonded these bricks as one, and a structure that is now able to stand the test of time.

      How many piles of bricks do we pass on our journey with Christ?  Do we ignore them because they have not been built into something magnificent?  Are they dirty, unorganized, and an eyesore that distracts from our walk?

      God is calling us to pay attention to these piles of bricks.  Within them are people who are hungry, thirsty, and lost.  Within them are souls searching for the answers only God's messages can provide.  And you know what, it is up to us to provide the guidance, cleansing, and hope that another may need to bring them closer to Christ.

The label on the bottle reads wash, rinse, repeat.  For those of that you that know me well, the image of me holding a bottle of shampoo is probably quite humorous.  My bald head doesn't exactly scream for those luxurious suds, yet I find myself scanning the words printed on this Paul Mitchell container.

      I did find it silly that I was actually reading this label, but as my fixation and senses blended, I found myself thinking about my childhood and what it meant to be a boy growing up in rural Nebraska.  There were plenty of times when I needed to wash, rinse, and repeat.  After a day at the lake, it would take multiple washes to get all the sand and debris cleaned free from my thick, blond hair.  We would visit my cousins on the farm, and after an afternoon of riding three wheelers, walking beans, and playing in the corn silos, we would have to rinse off with the hoses outside before we were allowed to come into the house for dinner.  And after ten hours of standing over a greasy grill to cook food and make money to get through college, it would take multiple scrubs to clear away the grime and sweat from a hard day's work.

      As we go through life, I feel like we are always in the mode of wash, rinse, repeat.  We were born sinners, and since we are loved by a gracious God that forgives our mistakes and shortcomings, we are allowed to wash ourselves from the sins that would otherwise hold us back.  Sometimes we can get by with a quick spray down, but there are other times when we need to scrub hard, multiple times, to get rid of the grime the world slathers upon us.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:10-13

      The display read, "clean filter."  As my wife and I went out to relax in the hot tub, we noticed the water was cold and the jets were not running.  My normal routine of lifting the cover and checking the temperature a few times a week, had been interrupted by the accumulation of snow and a busy schedule.  And because of this ignorance and lack of maintenance, the spa shut down until we decided to show it some love and clean its' hard working filter.

      Does your filter need a little cleaning?  Have you allowed the pollutants of this world to infiltrate your life and muddy up your jets?  Are you following the routines and keeping up with the maintenance needed to stay clean and ensure your system is running properly?

      If I am cognizant, follow the manual, and make sure to keep the filter clean, the hot tub runs smoothly.  The water stays warm, and the jets pump out that stress-relieving pressure that brings the day to a perfect close.  But if I ignore the messages that are sent my way and allow the filter to get too dirty, the system shuts down until I make the effort to scrub it clean.

      When we keep our eyes open to what God is trying to show us, we too keep our filters maintained and running well.  The cleanliness allows us to go out in the world and shine light into the darkness.  The purification gives us the strength to face opposing forces and handle adversity with grace.  And our jets have the freedom to massage others with love, forgiveness, and acceptance.  But if we do not properly maintain our relationship with God, our filters get clogged with all the dirt this world will happily provide.

      As you begin a new week, remember this.  It only takes a little maintenance to keep your motor running.  The manual has been provided, and God's instructions are clear.  Be good to one another, build community, and extend grace.  Love like this is your last day and spread God's messages so others may draw closer to Him.  And when you have let a few days go by and forgotten to check your temperature, ask Him to scrub you clean.

      The world needs your filter.  There are people who have allowed the dirt to muddy up their journeys and are struggling to get back on track.  There are people who have lost hope.  And there are people who are searching for a way to get clean so they may venture forward.  We are called to open our filters and allow the lost a place to rid themselves of the pollutants.  We are called to keep our filters maintained so they can keep running.  And we are called to allow the jets of our baptismal promises to wash away the sin of this world so God's face may shine bright through the purity of His clean waters.

     As many of you know, walking the dogs is one of my favorite times of the day.  It gives my wife and I a break from our hectic work schedules, and it allows us to leave the house to breathe in that refreshing mountain air.  We are rewarded with a little exercise, we are given a chance to catch up with each other, and we feel our moods brighten as the beauty around us encapsulates our senses.  It may seem like a simple act to most people, but for us, it is a time to take care of one another and relish in the joy of our canine companions.

     One thing I love about living in Colorado is the beauty of the differing landscapes.  In one thirty minute walk, I can witness colorful flowers, enormous trees, majestic mountains, and plush grass.  I can pass by neighbors that send a friendly hello, and the dogs can greet those other four-legged creatures enjoying their laps around the trails.  It is a perfect part of our day, and as we bask in the amazing creation God surrounds us with, we feel blessed to have these moments.

     Like most things in life, though, there are a few areas we need to try to avoid while taking our walks.  Amongst all the beauty that lines the sidewalks and trails of our well, laid out paths, there are thorn patches that lurk just outside the boundaries.  They are not easy to see, yet they are avoidable if you just stay the pre-determined course.  But for the dogs, they are not quite as keen as we are in avoiding the thorns, and every so often, they make the mistake of venturing too far and stepping on one of these painful surprises.

     The first time it happened, I remember their first reaction.  They pulled back quickly, not sure of what they had actually encountered.  They tried to take another step and instantly understood that the thorn dug deeper with every movement.  They tried to remove it with their teeth, but the shape of their snout and the distance to their paw made it almost impossible.  They tried to scrape their pad across the sidewalk, but that stubborn thorn was not going to release its' grip.  No matter what those canines tried to do, removing this nuisance was not something they could accomplish by themselves.

     So, they needed help.  They knew the thorn was painful, but this was a new experience.  And as I knelt down, grabbed their leg, and tried to bring it closer to me, the initial reaction was to pull away.  They were leery of what I may do to that painful infliction, and I had to move slowly, build trust, and show them that I was there to help them remove the cause of that festering wound.  It took a few tries as the dogs were unsettled and hurting, but once I had their paw firmly in my hand, I was able to remove that stubborn thorn. 

     God is calling us to remove the thorns.  He is asking us to build a community where love, forgiveness, and grace dominate the paths we walk along.  He wants us to be patient with one another, he wants us to care for one another, and he wants us to be willing to step in when that thorn needs to be removed.  At first, we may be met with resistance, but if we take a slow, humble, and understanding approach, trust begins to build.  And before you know it, you become that person another seeks out when they need a little help removing that thorn.

     Now, when one of the dogs step on those pesky thorns, they immediately stop and look for us.  They do not allow the thorn to penetrate further, deepen the wound, or fester within their vulnerable paw.  They simply raise their leg, and let us know they ventured too far and found that thorn patch again.  They trust we will remove the hurt, and in just a matter of seconds, we are back on track and traveling the path that has been laid down before us.

There it was.  The sound that made my skin crawl.  As I exited my car to head into the restaurant, my cell phone landed face first on the parking lot asphalt.  The crack was loud, and even though it was dark, I knew the damage was going to be extensive once I was able to see it.  So, I picked up that phone, said a few choice words, and headed into the restaurant fearing the worst.  And wouldn't you know it, that screen looked like a tarantula had sunk its' fangs into it, been stepped on, and was left to have his legs spread across its' surface.  It was an ugly sight, and I must admit I was pretty upset with what had just happened.

      I worried about that phone during dinner, but there was nothing I could do about it.  Once I got home, I took some time to really look at it and see how extensive the damage truly was.  It did seem bad, but after further investigation, I realized I had been lucky and it was just the screen protector that cracked.  The phone was unharmed, underneath that shield, and I began to realize that the surface damage was only going to be temporary and could be fixed.  The phone was cracked, not shattered, and I began to feel much better about the situation.

      Cracked, not shattered.  As I looked again at this now imperfect phone, it hit me that our lives can be a lot like this.  There are many things this world will throw at us to crack our outer shells, but when we are protected with God's love and grace, it keeps us from being shattered.  We may be left with scars, and we may not physically look the same after tragedy, but when we have suited up with God's armor, those flaming arrows find it impossible to penetrate through.  We take a hit, yet we stand strong.  We crack, but we do not shatter.  And when the tragedy passes, we find ourselves walking with God and heading into greener pastures.

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

      Does it feel like the world is throwing everything at us at once?  Rising COVID infections, underwater volcanoes, wintry weather, strained relationships, labor shortages, inflation, and political strife continue to infiltrate every news outlet.  The negativity demands our attention, and the darkness seems to engulf our lives.  And as tensions become high, anger escalates, and people divide themselves because of their differences, this "mountain of despair" becomes difficult to overcome.

      I was struggling to find a positive message to send out this week until I ran across this quote.  I was reminded that my perspective was out of whack, and I had allowed the world's messages to overshadow the messages that God was trying to send me.  You see, the world is pleased when the despair it preaches causes us to feel drained and weary.  It is happy when we live in confusion, blindness, and fear.  And it feeds off our losses and revels in our pain.  If we allow it, the negative news will take hold of everything we are, and before we know it, we are at the bottom of a dark pit wondering how we will ever get to the top of this "mountain of despair."

      It is in these times that we need to pick up those "stones of hope."  They are not always easy to see amongst the hype and distractions the world throws our way, but they are there.  They can be found in the messages of your Bible.  They can be found when you have a loving conversation with your family and friends.  They can be found when you help someone in need or donate your time and money to organizations that benefit the less fortunate.  They can be found in the pews of your church, the words of the hymns, and the sermons you hear.  And they can be found in the whispers of the wind, the spirits of the air, and the nature God has created for you.  The world will do it's best to keep you blind, but if you open your eyes and soften your heart, these "stones of hope" will be there for the taking.