Hope Blossoms

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.   And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

—Romans 5:1-5 

I glanced over as I always do when I pass by—at the driveway lined with gorgeous cherry trees. This time I did a double take. What was that? What did that sign say? It looked like “Free Cherry Trees.” 

But I couldn’t go back. I would be late. I’ll check the next time I drive by. 

As I approached the home later in the week, I lifted my foot from the accelerator and zoomed in. Surely that’s what it said. “Free Cherry Trees.” 

How could I pass up an offer like that? I remembered the breath-taking beauty of the trees in bloom. 

I want them! I’ll take them!  

Her Basket, Your Basket

Then she put the child in it and laid it among the rushes by the brink of the river.

—Exodus 2:3b

 

Jochebed. Not a common name. Not a familiar name. But Moses, that’s a different story.  

Actually it’s not.  

Recently I saw the Sight & Sound performance of Moses, which opened with the story of Jochebed, Moses’ mother. While the bible does not tell us much of her story, Sight & Sound  brings forth a creative—and convincing—portrayal of what might have been. 

Kneeling at the riverside, Jochebed places three-month-old Moses in the basket that she has woven of bulrushes and waterproofed with pitch (Exodus 2:3a). All part of her plan—God’s plan—to save her beautiful baby boy (Exodus 2:2) from Pharaoh’s plan of extinction (Exodus 1). Pushing the basket into the current, Jochebed collapses into sobs.  

And my heart breaks for her. 

Little Guy, the Frog

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

—Isaiah 26:4 

Light was already streaming through my cotton curtains when I opened my eyes this morning and turned toward the clock, displaying 8:06.  Wow, I never sleep in this late! I guess I needed my rest. 

I knew it was true.  It had been a long week, filled with ups and downs, excitement and exhaustion, wonder and worry.  Wonder over the birth of a new grandchild. Worry over those who have been sick. 

 

I drew back the curtains to behold the day—an overcast sky and a soggy ground. Then I lowered my gaze to the artificial pond just outside the window and watched while scattered sprinkles plashed upon the water. Suddenly a creature rose to the surface, flailing its legs. A frog.

Scary Situation

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God.

--Isaiah 41:10a

It was her first sleepover and it was with me, her Grandma.  I don’t know who was more excited, me or her. As for her parents, they were a bit anxious. My son and daughter-in-law had never spent a night apart from two year-old Addie, and they wondered how it would go. They packed up all the essential equipment to make for a smooth stay-over—the books, the toys, the favorite foods, and of course the pajamas. And when they dropped her off, they offered reassuring words about when they would return and how much they loved her.  Then they set out for a night alone—dinner and shopping for a few more items for the baby-on-the-way.

At last, Grandma and Addie time! We colored, read books, watched Peppa Pig, and looked at every picture on Grandma’s phone. Time flew quickly, and before we knew it, it was time for bed.