Actually , just quite the opposite here in Charlotte, NC. My plane was delayed in Asheville, thus changing me to a later flight. With time to spare, I thought I’d imbibe in my first airport beer today. It’s an India Pale Ale and it’s quite delicious. With my warm, toasted turkey sandwich to follow, this will make Charlotte a town to remember.
My dear friends the Vince Guaraldi Trio just greeted me over the airwaves. This Christmas felt a bit empty; perhaps it was the first holiday without seeing my mother at all, or maybe it was the absence of attendance at the Christmas Eve Service.
“It was too rainy and cold outside.”
Last time I checked, Jesus was born in a barn. The least we could do was venture out in a heated Sport Utility Vehicle and travel 2 miles to hear about the Christmas Story. But Lord knows how offensive that service might have been (to my family, not me.)I am a coward for not driving the SUV down there myself, and I’m also a coward for not standing up for my Savior.
He has changed my life, and not just within the walls of Wesley. How am I to truly accept my New Father when I haven’t even learned to forgive my father?
We drove to the airport together today. That was the first time we’d had together in over 3 years. He called Joel a coward. Or a really mean person for doing the things he did, but most likely a coward. I think that sped up my recovery from a broken heart about 200 mph.
There is something about your father being unhappy about your broken heart that makes you remember he’s your father. I’m thankful for that, but how much more upset is my Father in Heaven when I hurt like I have been? I can feel it in my bones whenever I think about that.
He knows my hurt, He knows my trouble. He’s saved me from myself… Surely Hell is part of it, but I am coming to think that the biggest battle is fighting the noise of selfishness and arrogance and pride to hear the sweet sound of peace, truth, and love.
