“…know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” Deuteronomy 4:39 ESV
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NIV
Wow, what a week! I’ve been “doing the thang” (read in Beth Moore’s lovely Texas drawl) for several days. You know, the decorating, handing out candy canes at work, and I’ve even gone so far as to wear reindeer antlers on my head in an attempt to ‘feel festive’.
The smiles on children’s faces have brought a smile to my own. The antlers are truly a conversation piece. The other day I heard a middle schooler call out, “It’s a reindeer on the loose!” He caused a chuckle to bubble up from the inside out.
And then again, the holidays can be overwhelmingly hard for so many people. Their rock-hard walls are cracking and all the awful is leaking out – at times spewing. It’s my job. I must uphold the standards, the policies and guidelines I’ve been given to successfully fulfill my duties. Lately, it seems compliance with rules is rubbing against the grain of people already stretched and overwhelmed beyond their capacity to comply.
I sat at my post yesterday and took it all. After so many arrows of accusation landed on my brain and my heart, a tear began to trickle down the side of my nose. Soon others dripped off my chin. She, several she’s and he’s, just wouldn’t stop. Finally, I pulled antlers off because there’s just no point to silliness in the midst of the battle for peace.
And I thought about Jesus. The One and Only Son of God, Who took it all. He stood silently as all the sin and hatred and ugly flew in His face, assaulted His senses, and broke His heart. Yet, He spoke only words of forgiveness. Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.
Father, write Jesus’ prayer in my heart today. And when my heart cracks may the only trickle be of Living Water. May I stay silent except to speak life and love and hope in the One and Only, Jesus, Who is able.
This post is written in participation with the Five-minute Friday community of beautiful faith writers. The idea behind Five-minute Friday is this:
I set my timer for 5 minutes and then write prayerfully as Holy Spirit leads me regarding the particular word prompt. Today’s word prompt from Kate Motaung is {only}.