Pumpkins and Pause

HEB really tempted me about a month ago to believe that fall was on its way. Every grocery experience began with an enticing pumpkin aroma that made me long for fall. But, it was August, and South Texas and still around 100 degrees. Alas, fall was in the far distant future….

I finally broke down this weekend and bought some mini-pumpkins. Keep in mind, I already am using the Pumpkin-ish Bath and Body scents around the house and by the end of the weekend, I’ll be decorated for fall. Not to mention, it’s time to pull out those oh so yummy pumpkin recipes! Did I mention that my husband hates pumpkin?

Why do I love this time of year so much? What is it about pumpkins that just make me happy? Maybe it’s the reminder that a new season is here, cooler, cozier and complete with fall sorts of things. Even more important, I love lighting a candle, cozying up in a blanket and reading a good book, while listening to the pitter-patter of rain at the window.

When I take the time to pause and enjoy the treasures of fall, I remember that it’s OK to relax. I remember that the world will go on quite well today if I don’t get my to-do list done. And even in my busy season, I will choose to make rest and the things I love a priority.

Why do we always have to be doing something? What would it look like to include 'pause' in your life? When we include God in our rest, it can be vibrant and life changing! He actually invites us to join Him in rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….” (Matthew 11:28) Our confidence in trusting God for our schedules frees us from over-activity that wreaks havoc on our joy. Who doesn’t want to enjoy times of refreshment?

Maybe you need pumpkins and pause in your life this season? Don’t let the days run away from you! This season will never pass this way again. Seize the day, grab a pumpkin and pause.

“If you can’t take time to do nothing, you’re a slave to doing. Doing nothing is a radical, revolutionary act. It frees you from the universal slavery of our age: slavery to the clock. The clock measures doing, but not being.” Peter Kreeft

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

 Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Filling the Void

I begrudgingly put on my running shoes for a morning walk. It just wasn’t right going without Zoe, my Springer Spaniel. After all, she ALWAYS goes on walks with me. I forced myself to walk out the door and get it over with.

Zoe had become very ill last week with a bacterial infection and ended up in the animal hospital for most of the week. Her liver levels were extremely high and at one point, we were concerned if she would survive. So, this walk was just an aching reminder of her absence.

I immediately called my dad for our regular chat. After that, I called a friend, but no answer. Drats! For the remainder of the walk, I turned on the radio. Nothing wrong with calling my dad, a friend or turning on the radio. It was just my way of filling the void.

What do you do when you feel a void? Some people resort to alcohol. Others look to unhealthy relationships. Some just busy themselves with activity. Others focus on their stuff. It’s also tempting to think our professional role satisfies our lack. What is your default for filling the void?

The other day on my walk, I was searching for anything to take away my loneliness. God’s word says  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”  Why don’t I run to God first with what I lack?

I didn’t even realize how I was hiding from pain! My “go to idols” never seem to satisfy even though I always give them a try! What if you and I trusted FIRST in God’s goodness and power with what we lack? We don’t just have to grit our teeth and hang on. God wants to walk with us and carry us through everything! 

Elyse Fitzpatrick writes “Idols aren’t just stone statutes. No, idols are the thoughts, desires, longings, and expectations that we worship in the place of the true God. Idols cause us to ignore the true God in search of what we think we need. If we think we need to be loved, more than we need a thriving relationship with God, then we have made the idea of love an idol that we worship over God. We can make other people our gods too, by loving them more than Him.” (Idols of the Heart)

I challenge you to focus on Psalm 23 this week. Read it out loud, over and over. Say a verse or two and then pause to allow God to speak to you. Lean into the all-sufficient Shepherd. He can fill any void. 

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio

Face to Face

It’s so easy to find our social media practices as our primary way of connecting with people. I have to admit I’ve loved being able to connect with old friends from high school and former places that I’ve lived on social media. But, I also see how social media can intercept the face-to-face connections that we need with people. Just last week, I felt the need to call an old friend, rather than text her a short message. Sometimes, it's just better.

We’re so in touch with people, yet so not in touch with people at the same time. I must be old, but rarely do we call people anymore to just ask “How are you doing? or “I just want to thank you for…..”  It’s easier to give a “like” on facebook, than take the time to actually ASK someone about their special occasion.

Beth Moore writes “We still need face to face, legit, warm flesh and blood friendships. We still need someone to hold our hand when we’re broken-hearted, to laugh with us til we cry or cry with us til we laugh. We need people with whom we’re safe. A screen can’t do that for us. Friends>phones.”  Sometimes, I need that reminder. I can get so busy that I miss this! I long to be this type of safe friend for others.

What keeps us from having these face-to face connections? People are longing for safe people to be face to face with. As a chaplain, one of the things I always say to people when I meet with them is that what they say to me is held in confidence. I think people fear sharing their true self for fear of their secret being shared. Secondly, I think we fear being open about our own brokenness. When we share our stuff, it allows others to know that they’re not alone! When we’re open about our own mistakes, struggles and shortcomings, we allow others to know they’re not alone.

What would our relationships, work and family like look like if you initiated with others with Christ’s love? How would your relationships change if you practiced keeping confidences and loving others well? Who might you initiate with by picking up the phone or setting a lunch date? What family member might need to hear from you?

Ally Yarid writes “What Jesus did not say: Love one another when it’s convenient, you benefit, and they love you back. What Jesus did say: Love one another JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. Loving one another wasn’t a suggestion, it was a command. Treat it as such.” How might you love well this week?

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

When Hurricanes Come

I’ve found myself checking the Weather Channel more than normal lately. Usually, in South Texas this time of year, the weather is about the same and there is absolutely no need to check. Sunny and hot. Hot and sunny.

But with Dorian on the loose, I’ve been checking the weather with a bit of fear for those in its path. I pray this morning for those in the Bahamas and along the East coast that God would care for those that lost loved ones or experienced other horrific loss.

I read that Dorian was the slowest, strongest hurricane to ever hit the Bahamas. No one seemed to know where or when Dorian would hit. I can’t imagine all the feelings one goes through when you’re faced with a hurricane coming your way. Do we stay? Do we go? Will we lose everything? Will we survive? Hurricanes are such a reminder that we’re never ever fully in control.

Some hurricanes happen in our environment, but many hurricanes are in our own minds. They may occur in our homes, our work, our health and our hearts. We have our own fears and catch ourselves worrying about many things that never actually happen. Yet, when those challenging things do happen, what do we do?

I can’t help but think of the verse found in 1 Peter 5:7 that says  “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  ‘Casting’ actually means to throw upon and to deposit. God wants us to throw and deposit ALL our burdens upon Him. God literally wants us to have a target to which we direct our anxiety….that target is God Himself! (Bible Knowledge Commentary, Grant Richison)

When faced with challenges too big for us to handle, God wants to be the One we go to! We move from trusting in our own resources (which fail) to resting in God and His resources.

What are you facing today that is bigger than you can handle? What mental hurricanes have threatened to wreak havoc on your mind?  Did you know that God is willing to partner with you and carry your biggest burden? Just ask.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio

Million Dollar Baby

I  suppose one of the most memorable moments in my life was meeting my birthfather, Charles. When I set out to pursue finding him, I had no idea how quickly it would happen! However, there was a slight twist. He lived in the bush in Queensland, Australia! Before I knew it, he had planned a trip to the states to visit family and meet me.

It was a pretty special meeting moment outside a small hotel off the 91 Freeway near Fullerton, California, where I lived at the time. It was dinnertime, so off we went to a nearby Mexican restaurant, where Charles filled me in on my unknown past. Charles shared that my birth mom, Dolly, needed money because her pregnancy caused an end to her career, a professional dancer.

He shared that he had saved a considerable amount of money and had invested it in the stock market. He got some wise advice and invested in the first computer business located in the Silicon Valley. When he sold it, it had nearly doubled. Had he kept those shares another ten years, he would have been quite a wealthy man. He looked at me with a twinkle in his blue eyes and said “You’re a million dollar baby and worth every penny of it.”

Those words just broke me. Tears ensued. Million Dollar Baby. I’ll treasure those words forever, realizing that both Charles and Dolly gave up so much, for me to be born.

There are times, however, that I don’t feel like a million dollar baby. I can start comparing myself with others and come up short. I can worry about what others may think. I can feel shame or blame for the silliest of things. I can feel that I just don’t matter.

As I grow in relationship with God, I learn that my identity is in Christ, not in all the other labels that others (or myself) may give me! Check out just Christ says about us:

In Christ, I’m a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I’m forgiven. (Ephesians 1:8)

I have peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

I am not alone. (Hebrews 13:5) I

I am holy and blameless. (Ephesians 1:4)

I am adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:5)

I have purpose. (Ephesians 1:9 and 3:11)

I have hope. (Ephesians 1:12)

I am Christ’s workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others. (Ephesians 4:2)

Immerse yourself in the truths of these Scripture.  It’s time to know Whose and who you are! It’s Christ alone that can make you a new creature. You’re a treasure to Him! You’re more than a million dollar baby….He gave His LIFE for you and me. Will you enjoy this amazing relationship?

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.