"the earth is hurting"
My eldest son has special needs that sing a delightful duet with special strengths. His perspective on life often causes me to pause.
Yesterday he wanted to drink the rainwater from our Noah-esque flood here in the Ozarks. He started to head onto the porch with a glass mug when I asked him what would happen if the glass mug fell. I expected something like, "it could break" or "it might hurt me."
Instead, Jonathan--his voice filled with concern--said, "Oh! I should get a plastic mug because if the glass mug fell, it would hurt the earth and the earth is already hurting so, so very much!"
The earth is hurting?
I paused and thought, God's earth respectfully absorbs the blood of martyrs. It silently witnesses the abuse of children. It graciously holds the tears of the broken.
Then I remembered the words of Romans 8.22-23: "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
The earth is hurting.
Jonathan already knew.
Yesterday he wanted to drink the rainwater from our Noah-esque flood here in the Ozarks. He started to head onto the porch with a glass mug when I asked him what would happen if the glass mug fell. I expected something like, "it could break" or "it might hurt me."
Instead, Jonathan--his voice filled with concern--said, "Oh! I should get a plastic mug because if the glass mug fell, it would hurt the earth and the earth is already hurting so, so very much!"
The earth is hurting?
I paused and thought, God's earth respectfully absorbs the blood of martyrs. It silently witnesses the abuse of children. It graciously holds the tears of the broken.
Then I remembered the words of Romans 8.22-23: "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
The earth is hurting.
Jonathan already knew.
posted by alicia britt chole at
7:59 AM
6 Comments:
And so I prayerfully consider...
What can I do to ease the earth's pain? Perhaps Jonathan holds the perspective on how I might go about such a task.
What an amazing, introspective, and tender child! A gift from God, indeed.
peace~elaine
Sounds like his mother's sensitivity to the things of God is rubbing off on him. How beautiful.
Alicia - I met you once years ago at a women's conference in Spfd. Then years later I moved to Spfd. and became dear friends with Melody Palm and worked with the Taylors, all who think so much of you. While living in Spfd. I kept up with your family's happenings through friends and had you in my prayers, even though I never "knew" you. Later I purchased Anonymous as it hit the shelves, right before I moved away from Spfd. to Houston. At the time I had no idea how prophetic the book would be for the season I was entering. I still might be in an anonymous zone in Houston - and that's okay. It's an anonymous zone that isn't focused on my career or education, but God has brought the man I will marry into my life here! So, I will take the re-workings of my attempt to order life. Last week I re-read the book and it was so comforting. It reminded me of my "family" in Spfd., compelled me to trust Jesus again, and inspired me to check out your web-page. Love the blog. Thanks for sharing with us.
PS- You are still in my prayers...
PPS I have a perfect visual image of your son standing on the porch looking at his mug and looking at you during this exchange... Profound.
I so appreciate your perspectives. You are truly a story telling prodigy! In fact, I just finished reading the book,
"Anonymous". I wasted no time purchasing copies for many of my friends. In contrast to many of the high-and-mighty writings in today's faith community, it's a refreshing respite.
By all means continue to honor the Lord in this way! I'm a fan for life.
Dear Sassy Granny,
Number One: Your name is FABULOUS!
Number Two: Thank you so much for the encouraging words.
alicia
Yes ... at 60 one has to stand tall and proud upon the soapbox of maturity. It's a blast to finally get to be sassy with impunity! You're welcome to vist me sometime at: http://sassygranny.blogspot.com/
Blessings,
Kathleen
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