The Broken Places

Standing in front of a classroom of high school sophomores, I'm reminded of my problem.

I’m too fixed, too put together, all too capable—I think.

We were winding up our discussion of Doestoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and there I stood, indicted by the point I’d been hammering home.

Our main character’s problem? Pride. He thought he could reason his way to fulfillment, creating a theory that placed him above the law. His crime brought suffering, but it wasn’t until he let go of his own suffering and accepted Christ’s suffering that he found real peace.

He was too fixed, too capable—he thought.

Until he met a young lady who was broken and knew it. Unlike him, she placed her faith and hope in the One who redeems. Through the broken places of her life shone Christ’s love.

This morning I read this:

“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those we know they are sinners” (Mark 2:17).

I was reminded of my problem. Sure, I’m broken; we all are. But I lose sight of that sometimes in the glow of praise and achievements and an inflated sense of self.

Then a flawed character comes along to remind me to let Him shine through the broken places of my life.

Joining Laura, Jen, and Michelle with words from the heart.

Real Rest

Friday April 20, 2102

Real rest.

Sometimes our bodies crave it, sometimes our spirits long for it.

I think of spring and see the fruits of it. Winter is the earth's rest...and just look at the fruit!

Counting this week's five top blessings today along with my friends from Friday's Fave Five. We welcome you to join us -- just click on over to Susanne's place and link up.

Here are my favorites from this week:

1. Progress. Another doctor appointment this week for my son Andrew, and more progress. After a major accident like his, progress comes hand in hand with work, and that’s what he has ahead. PT is stepping up, and I’m praying he does – that he shows determination, perseverance, and stamina. There are still unanswered questions ahead, but isn’t that life? As long as we have Him by the hand, we can keep climbing in spite of those unanswered questions.

2. Reading. Oh, I know I’ve said this so many times before – but I love to teach books I love. And to see high school kids interested in a book? That’s gold! For my regular classes, it’s Lord of the Flies. Quite a few of the boys have said with surprise in their voices, “I think I’m really gonna like this book.” And for my Honors classes, we’re beginning Crime and Punishment. It’s a challenge, but I have a few who are picking up the gauntlet and showing maturity beyond their years. Exciting!

3. The help of friends. I’ve needed a little more help than usual this week, and friends have been there. Very special ones.

4. Rotisserie chicken! Andrew loves it, and it’s such an easy meal to serve when you just pick it up from the store. I love to see my boy eat and enjoy it.

5. This quote from a class I’m taking:

“You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (Saint Augustine)

I’m reading Confessions again and it’s such a treasure trove. I just chose this out of 12 quotes I’ve noted, and I’m only halfway through the book.

Our heart is restless until it rests in You. Take my restlessness; replace it with Your rest.

Wishing real rest for you this week,

Family, Friends, and Good Books: Friday's Fave Five

May 7, 2010

Thanks for visiting for Friday's Fave Five -- my chance to share five great things about my week. If you’d like to join in, visit Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story. We’d love to have you!

1. My mom. Let’s put first things first! Mother’s Day is coming up, and I’m so thankful for my mom. She is leaving me an incredible legacy and I’m ever so grateful for her. She’s in her 80’s and still fun, relevant, thoughtful, and full of faith. She and my sweet dad left me and my sister with not only great memories, but a true picture of loving marriage. So much of my life is like it is today because of her lessons, love, and prayers.

2. My husband’s mom. After all – she produced him! My hubby’s thoughtfulness, respect for others, and devotion to faith and family are results of the love and time she spent with him. She’s not on earth to thank, but we had good family times together. She and her sweet husband raised four wonderful kids, and I’m thankful for her input in my sweetheart’s life.

3. Family gatherings. Well, I haven’t had one this week, but I’m anticipating it! One of the boys graduates this June, and the family will be together in late May/early June to celebrate. I just can’t wait! I love these milestone times and having everyone here, sharing the family love.

4. Happiness of a friend. One of my dearest writer friends just signed a contract with an agent!! I am SO excited for her. She has such talent and dedication to her craft, and I can’t wait till her agent finds this book its perfect home. I remember when I got an agent; it felt like a weight had been lifted because someone else was going to be finding just the right spot for my book – and he did! Kudos to my dear friend Johnnie!

5. Classic works of literature. I love mining truths from the classics, and it’s so fun to do it with high schoolers. Several of my classes are reading Lord of the Flies right now. I love seeing them get into the characters – they wince when Piggy and Simon are mistreated, and they perceive early on that Jack is a bully. Another class is reading Crime and Punishment. It’s been arduous for them, but the end is such a great payoff. We finished it up today, and talking about the great universal themes of suffering and redemption in literature is such a privilege!

There you have it – family, friends, and good books! How much better can life get? Hope you had a great week. I’d love to hear about it.

Happy weekend!