Jeremiah 29:4-7, 10-14 (JPS Translation)

Jeremiah 29:4-7 (JPS) Thus said the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, to the whole community which I exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and live in them, plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there, do not decrease. And seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity you shall prosper."

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (JPS) For thus said the Lord: "When Babylon's seventy years are over, I will take note of you, and I will fulfill to you My promise of favor-to bring you back to this place. For I am mindful of the plans I have made concerning you" declares the Lord, "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a hopeful future. When you call Me, and come and pray to Me, I will give heed to you. You will search Me and find Me, if only you seek Me wholeheartedly. I will be at hand for you" declares the Lord, "and I will restore your fortunes. And I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places to which I have banished you" declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back to the place from which I exiled you."



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Today is his birthday

Today my son turned 29.  It seems odd that he has gotten so old while I remain so young.  Truth be told, his birth was a turning point in my life.  One so helpless and so open was given into my care by God.  The adventure has proven to grow my patience and expand my definition of wonder. 

Since Christmas is before us, I cannot help but share the story of his love for Christmas.  Each year he set out to decorate the tree, that was his job.  His Dad strung lights, he placed the ornaments.  Well, he takes his time, setting them out, sighting the tree and placing them with love.  Since we no longer live together, he has taken on another family tradition.  He has learned to bake Swedish Coffee Bread.  Teaching him this handed down tradition has been pure joy.  We have only one problem, we learned a bad habit, we begin the process around 9 o'clock at night.  Since this bread requires 2 risings as well as a braiding, you can imagine what time the 4 to 6 loaves are finished.  He often is up all night long.

I do not know what God has planned for the rest of his life.  I am so grateful for each moment he has lived, even those moments when I had to remind him to pick up after himself, do his homework, and wash his clothes.  His spirit is so gentle.  His willingness to stand for what is right so strong.  His love for the defenseless brings out the warrior.  But, what touches me most is how he is present to the moment, and lives it fully.  His laughter starts deep in his belly and erupts throughout his whole being.  If he calls you friend, he will be loyal to you no matter how far you stray. 

Happy Birthday Son!  May the Lord bless you this year with the vision he has for your future and may you have the courage to step into that vision and give it roots.

On this day, allow joy, allow love, allow God,
One of Many
 
Posted by at 10:45 PM
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1 comments:

  1. Voice of the Day from Sojourners on his birthday - “Following Jesus will mean surrendering the power that masquerades as security in order to love the neighbor and welcome the stranger. It will mean avoiding the safe path in order to pursue the good.”
    - Scott Bader-Saye

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