Forever Young

Things most people keep in their trunk to be prepared: jack, spare tire, flash light, tools, fire extinguisher, safety cones and blanket. One additional item I keep in my trunk in attempts to be prepared for the surprises that come along is a kite. Under the right circumstances it is as comforting as the blanket and as uplifting as the jack.

At the end of May came a cool wind from the north that brought North Texans out of the air conditioning and out of doors. The lake was bustling with runners, bikers, and sails. On one old pier a grown woman stayed on the pier for hours, hair whipped by the wind, and a small butterfly kite dancing in the air. Woman??? Not usually a word I use to describe myself. Perhaps a girl with age added.

The kite reminded me of a toddler saying “Again! Again!” I would barely get the kite pulled from the water when another gust of wind would lift the kite back into the sky like a father tossing his young child into the air. It was a love affair between the kite and the wind, each drawing delight in the other. I was a simple bystander with a lone string connection that gave me a small sense of the engagement and play.

One flight lasted for more than an hour, and at one point I wedged the string holder into the pier giving up any pretense of having an influence on the success of the flight. But usually I wanted to hold the string and feel a part of the dance and have a tangible link to the source. Initially I should have known this flight would be different as the kite lifted opposite of the kite’s optimum positioning. The string was coming over the top from the back side rather than pulling directly in front, but the only limitation on this flight was the length of my string. However, without a string and anchor point, the kite could have been tossed uncontrollably into trees, wrapped around motor blades or even into power lines. Even free spirits need a bit of grounding and purpose.

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, with a gift that couldn’t be imagined nor bought. I had the freedom of time to enjoy being a child of God and to delight in the presence of Joy. This is a birthday wish that I would share with the world.

Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don’t be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. John3:6-9

And rather than the traditional "Happy Birthday" perhaps I might request "Forever Young"

"May God bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young

May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous

Stand upright and be strong

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young

May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young

May you stay forever young"

Bob Dylan

Jeremiah Luke - A Story to Tell

He can’t yet form words, but he has stories to tell! Accounts of bravery, of faith and of love that defies boundaries. He’ll have the voice of Jeremiah and Luke, proclaiming the promises of God. Like the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament, he’ll address and remind the people of faith of their righteousness, and like Luke in the New Testament he will announce the favor of the Lord to the disenfranchised and marginalized. He’ll have the responsibility to speak even when it isn’t comfortable or expected because if he doesn’t, even stones will shout (Luke 19:40).

But I think our Jeremiah will do his part, the stones can remain vigilant. He came rushing into the world with a passion and longing that couldn’t be contained. Being born into a family full of brothers he has already learned that if you wait you will be at the end of the line and you could miss a chance of a lifetime! Jeremiah seized the opportunity to share the entire family leave that his deployed father had been allotted, arriving that very day rather than waiting for a calendar date given by a stethoscope-wearing provider.

Jeremiah hears the Lord and doesn’t delay. His immediacy doesn’t mean he’s reckless or wild but that he is obedient and intentional. He will buy a field (Jer 32) even in a time of unrest and instability if he determines that is God’s will. It’s easy to discern your calling when it has been written on your heart. (Jer 31:33), but it takes a man of conviction to acknowledge and a man of honor to follow. He has the foundation of all his namesakes to offer guidance and courage through his life. On the first day, Jeremiah Luke displayed his unique vocation and talents. What a wonder it will be to watch him reveal his stature.

There is a very good chance that when he learns to speak, his first word will be “Yes.” (Jer 11:5b).

The Lord said to me [Jeremiah], I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.

I answered, Sovereign Lord, I don't know how to speak; I am too young.

But the Lord said to me, Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Then the Lord reached out, touched my lips, and said to me, Listen, I am giving you the words you must speak.

Jeremiah 1:4-9 Good News Translation