Called Out of Darkness ~

As you walk past your local park, one thing that will not be visible … a man hanging from a cross.

Perhaps you respond with, “Gross”, or, “How could you even say that”? True! But, that fact is nonetheless relevant. We often say, “We are living in the darkest of times.” And so it often seems.

Second Corinthians has been a source of frequent study this past month, and in particular chapter four. From verse seven, “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power is of God, and not of ourselves.” Or, verse seventeen, that says, “This light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Yet today, the verse that I’d like to reflect upon is verse six. The ‘Treasure’ that we have from verse seven, is found directly above. There Paul says, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” ESV

As dark as the present days, here in the year 2023, seemed to be. They were dark some two hundred years ago, as well as two thousand years and beyond. And I’m sure, that some twenty or two hundred years from now, the ‘darkness’ will appear even darker. Perhaps they will be! But, here’s what I know … what I believe.

That our Creator, the One who created light … who created the sun, the moon and even the stars … is The One who shines out of that darkness. He is The One who shines in our hearts to give that light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Might I, might we … knowing that if we follow Christ, that we will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

I don’t know about you … but, this gives me hope. This, provides a purpose for a day in which there seems to be little, or at times, none. Let’s walk in the light … Let’s be children of the light … that together, we can bring light into a dark world. Amen!

 

 I wrote these words on Memorial Day weekend 2023. Thinking of sacrifice, given for our freedom. Yet, the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom was provided by our Savior, Jesus Christ. He, is the 'Light' of the world. 

When ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Is Put Back Together

Zach A & Zach R

 Though times spent together were no where near as often as I would have desired … nonetheless, there are memories in which I will always cherish.

Da Boyz

There were lessons while loading firewood into our trailer. Lessons of hard work, diligence, teamwork and relationship. There was watching the ‘Soap Box Derby’ in Salem, Oregon. Or, playing in the water at Virginia Beach. A unique young man, with special gifts of voice … and of kindness.

Of all the memories … the one that ALWAYS reminds me of Zach Ryan, is likely one, in which he doesn’t even remember. We were working together on a project to beautify our woodshed. Only moments before, we had departed from Home Depot. Having just purchased a six by eight foot fence panel, we were returning home along State Street, east of Salem. I still remember the salesman questioning whether I wanted to purchase both panels now, for some reason, I said, “Not at this time”.

His dad a fish ... He, a Starfish

As we headed south, sitting in the Red 95’ Ford Explorer, from my rear-view mirror, I caught a glimpse of something moving from the trailer. As a firefighter, I know the utter importance of “securing” a load. But these are heavy panels. Surely, they don’t require to be secured! Immediately, I thought, “Oh, no!” Looking ahead for any oncoming traffic, I was relieved that the closest vehicle was more than a half mile away. Less than a second later, my next glance was to my side mirror. When, like ‘Mary Poppins’, I saw ‘Humpty Dumpty’ lift itself out of the trailer and come crashing to the ground.

What seemed like minutes, were but a mere couple seconds. The entire panel, now torn completely apart, slid rapidly into the ditch, north of the road.

With not a vehicle behind, and the one ahead around a curve, no one … other than Zach and myself ... knew what had just occurred. Well, no one, other than the hundreds of whom I’ve shared this story with. And now … you!

~ Humpty Dumpty ~

I pulled the Explorer and trailer to the side of the road. Breathed a sigh of relief. Thanked God, that timing was such, that there was litterally no harm, no foul. Well … except of course of my pride! Zach assisted as we placed ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back into the trailer and returned to Home Depot. The salesman, was quite surprised that we returned so soon. I offered no explanations, as we carried the new panel to the trailer. “Securing” our load, once again we headed home.

Upon our arrival, Zach and I, together, we installed the panel. And the next day … well, surprisingly, I was able to put ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back together again. Only one very small piece of wood was missing. Today, he continues his place along side his fellow panels. Just last week, receiving a much needed facelift, in order to survive another decade. And you know … it didn’t even take all the Kings horses and all the Kings men.

Ten days from today … Zach Ryan … you graduate with your Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. What an accomplishment grandson! There are more chapters remaining in your life. Might you continue to take each with the same continued diligence. And as the Creator has so blessed you with a beautiful physical heart, I know that your heart of kindness will make an amazing impression to wherever life leads.

With love, Gpa & Gma Williams

So, go out and 'Do Something' young man :) ~ Ephesians 2:10 …