Lenten Experiment - Day 25 (Vision Possible)

Yesterday's church service was definitely a joy. The focus this Lent has been "Light." Each week, the light pierces the darkness bringing more clarity; more vision.

Darkness - dismal, gloomy, unenlightened - associated with death and obscurity

Light - something that makes vision possible; explodes in the darkness

Shining my light every day, all day, in every circumstance is indeed costly. Much like the cost of electricity that seems to skyrocket out of control, so is the energy it takes to switch on my light of encouragement, my light of love, my light of positivity when I don't feel happy. And, not just to "click" the switch, but to keep it burning brighter and brighter amidst the gloom of this world.

The Skit Guys talk about colored lights all year round for all occasions. I'm a bit embarrassed to tell you that I still have my Southwest Christmas tree up with its bright chili pepper lights - maybe I'll keep it lit this year despite attitudes around me to the contrary.

Are you going to join me? Let's let our little light shine - whether it's chili pepper lights or a little encouragement and joy - arm yourself with the light.

It is a "Vision Possible."

Lenten Experiment - Day 18 (Thoughts on Springing Forward)

What would Spring time be without a reminder of longer, sun-filled days, green shoots and buds-a-blooming?

Tonight when we go to sleep and try to slumber, our internal chronometers will hardly realize what's happening. Then suddenly we will wake up tomorrow and 8 a.m. will reallly be 9 a.m. "Spring Forward" it's called. Or for the scientists among us, it is Daylight Savings Time.

What are we really saving though? Daylight? Time? Electricity? Personally I don't look forward to losing an hour's sleep right now. I much prefer the extra rest that comes in the Fall as we move our clocks backward.

But Spring is nearly here--there's no stopping it, despite the fact that it isn't truly official until March 21. However, this year Spring has been with us most of the Winter as well. This week's forecast here in Kansas calls for highs in the 80s. Unbelievable for mid-March. I can remember many a March when snow still covered the ground and icy winds blew across the prairie hills. Craziness!

But, then I enjoy a little craziness now and then - it keeps life interesting. So, with that said I guess I had better quit being crazy and get to bed now that it's really 1:23 a.m., not 12:23 a.m. like my computer's clock is trying to tell me.

Oh, and I almost forgot - enjoy the extra light tomorrow - it should raise your spirits. I know it will mine.

Lenten Experiment - Day 15 (An Irrisistible Glow)

Night before last when I got home from work I went through my nightly ritual of letting the three dachshund girls outside to roam a bit and "take care of business." On those days when they endure a full day locked in their "jail," they are full of energy and an unstoppable need for adventure.

Unfortunately for me, at the end of my work day when I'm wanting to wind down they are ready to wind up. All the more reason to open that outer door to freedom for them. And, all three welcome that freedom with full abandon, running as fast as those four-inch long legs can carry them. I've always been amazed at how fast they bound across the fields.

And, this most recent night as darkness settled onto the prairie, I began to worry about their whereabouts. The youngest one, mischief-maker Suubi, for some reason never ventures off with the older two. Strange, she is always the one to stay close to the homestead and this night was no exception. I had already let her back in at the kitchen door.

The other two seem to know they have 80 acres of wilderness in which to frolic. So, dinner was put on the back burner--literally--and I changed into some sweats to begin my search.

These dusk excursions have become commonplace with my two half-sister hooligans--Cocoa & D.K. Each time it occurs again I'm reminded of one search that ended very badly for little D.K. just two years ago. You see she was attacked by a coyote near dusk and lay at the bottom of a boggy stream in freezing temperatures. Poor little one - God saw fit to save her life that night and it has always reminded me how God loves even 10-pound long-haired black & tan dachshunds who stray too far from home.

As I set off with my flashlight, calling their names, it struck me how the Father must feel when I wander from His loving arms. He carries the Light of His Word and diligently calls my name, all the while hoping I will give up my wayward ways and follow Him home. That Light--the Light of the World--beckons and reaches across the darkness with an irresistible glow.

My little four-legged girls were safe that night. They finally responded to my calls but it took effort on my part to seek them out, just as the Father pursues us with His powerful light of truth. It's up to me to be obedient, to respond and to follow, just like Cocoa and D.K.