Amusement Parks and God's Kingdom

This week I had an opportunity to go to a park with my family and some friends.  This park had a portion set aside for an amusement park with rides. I always enjoy these kinds of rides.  This park, however, had some rules limiting rides disabled people could ride.  It was rather embarrassing and disappointing for me.  I know it made my parents angry. It was a form of discrimination.  While I felt frustrated and hurt by this, I determined to rise above this episode and enjoy myself.  As I thought about it I realized those park officials were imprisoned by their prejudice and narrow thinking.  I could choose to join them, or I could choose to be free and enjoy myself as God made me.  I did enjoy my day.  I chose act as an adult who was responsible and dignified all day, no matter what those park officials thought.  I am glad that God does not exclude us on the basis of our abilities or lack thereof.  When I accept God’s gift of salvation, I am not given partial participation rights because of my inabilities.  I can participate fully in God’s blessing.  The only limit I have is my own willingness to fully partake of what God so freely gives me.  Hmm….. Maybe I should choose to act as a responsible, dignified adult in God’s kingdom.

Trust and obey

Recently I took a vacation with my family.  We decided to walk just 600 meters to see a waterfall.  Hmm.... just 600 meters, I could do that.  Then we started encountering the rocky stream that interrupted the path.  At first it was not too bad, but by the third encounter I had to take my shoes and socks off to navigate.  Then my father took charge.  He investigated crossings and rocks himself while I waited.  Then, he told me where to put my foot. He told me when to wait and when to proceed.  He told me where to put my foot. I learned something very valuable.  You have to discern the voice of the Father from all the voices around you, giving you an opinion.  Then you must listen to what the Father is saying.  You have to process the information.  The next step is to trust the Father.  It might look like the rock over there is better for a stepping stone, but if the Father says this one, His choice is always better than my inadequate perception of what is best.  Now comes the proof of the trust and that is obeying the Father.  If I did not take this final action I would still be standing barefoot in icy water.  By doing this I was able to keep my shoes on and safely make the journey to and from the waterfalls.  This was certainly an achievement for me as I still struggle with balance.  It was also a lesson in my faith as I realized my Heavenly Father is doing the same guidance and care of me as my earthly father.  I must follow those same steps to safe navigation of everyday life.  Discern, listen, trust and obey.

Rain outside Sunshine inside

Today begins a new chapter in my life as I begin to blog.  I am looking out my window at gloom and rain. (not something new) In my heart is joy and sunshine because “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” That comes from my verse for the year, Psalm 139:14.  Verse 16 is great encouragement, too.  “¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” That gives me great encouragement as I meditate on it.  Before I was born God knew what my days would hold.  He made me, he planned my life.  Best of all, He did not just make me, plan my days and then leave me to fend for myself.  He holds me in His hands and cares about each aspect of my life, every minute detail!  Hallelujah!  I have been born with autism which is a challenge, but when I remember I was purposefully made, I must conclude the autism is part of the purpose.  That makes it look a little different.  Rather than feel sorry for myself I need to rejoice and bring glory to God.  Well, that is the goal, but not always attained.  It is easier stated on paper or in a blog than played out in the day to day existence.  So today I will practice focusing on the Creator who is still shaping me for his purpose.

 

Jeffrey Hill

October 3,2009