Peace in the Boat

Everybody is looking for peace. I find that there are always things that “come up” that seem to mess with our peace. What are those things for you?

This past week, I was focused on preparing for a mission trip to the Philippines. It was one of those weeks where I couldn’t quite keep up with all the craziness that was happening. From an excruciating dental procedure that continues to be painful to getting stopped by a policeman (thankful for only a warning!) to numerous other challenges, peace seemed elusive to me.

I want a break from the chaos. When I say I want peace in my circumstances of this last week, I’m really saying that I want a break from all the bad stuff happening. 

I think the story of Jesus walking on water really gives the perspective we need for peace:

“During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, “You of little faith,” he said, why did you doubt? “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:25-32)

I know Peter wimped out eventually, but honestly, he was the first to respond boldly and energetically to Jesus. He stepped out of his comfort zone onto the water! Peter’s mistake began when he took his eyes off Jesus and realized he couldn’t rely on just himself. When fear sets into our lives, we begin to sink. That’s true for Peter. It’s true for us.

Jesus doesn’t remove all the storms that come our way, even with his closest friends. Yet he was present in the midst of the storm. Even when Peter failed, Jesus was there to save him. Peter knew to call out to Jesus at the moment of the crisis.

Peter showed what little faith looked like. Little faith focuses on circumstances, not Jesus. Little faith is affected by our surroundings. Little faith relies on our own strength. Little faith gives in during times of crises. Oh, may God enlarge our faith!

But look at verse 32! We see that those in the boat came and worshiped God! They acknowledged that Jesus is the Son of God. Just watching this scene changed everyone there! They moved quickly from fearing the storm to worshipping Jesus. That’s where peace is found…. the presence of Jesus. 

In the midst of my crazy week, I turn to a perfect verse to guide me, Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  To all reading this, may we not let fear and worry rule our hearts and minds today. Not today. Not any day. Lord, give us Your peace.

Take a listen to Peace Over You (Here Be Lions) May God give us His perfect peace; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofJShphUUuI

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

Heart Check

Crunchy and crispy should describe some yummy snacks from Trader Joe’s. For many in Texas, it describes our drought-stricken yards. Yes, we still have green, but there is plenty of crunch and crispy brown grass taking over. Water restrictions are in place, so the only alternative is getting out there and hand watering. That doesn’t happen much at our house.

We all have different views of summer. I try not to complain about the 100-degree+ temps that drag on and on because frankly, there’s not one thing I can do about it. On my walks in the morning, I get so excited for Chara, my dog, when we see a yard with sprinklers in full force. Chara is beyond thrilled to get doused and plays gleefully in the water! She knows these sprinklers come few and far between.

Sometimes, our hearts are like that crunchy and crispy brown grass. Dry. Discouraged. Atrophied. Powerless. Dead. Our spiritual health matters! And if we’re not comfortable with exploring our spiritual life, we can just put it aside and focus entirely on our physical or mental health. Be willing to be uncomfortable! Your spiritual life matters to God.

What if you did a quick spiritual inventory? What if you were willing to get uncomfortable and explore your spiritual health? What if your heart is brittle and crunchy and dark? Would you want to tend to it?

Here are a few of the questions Dr. Darryl Burling offers to help expose our crunchy and crispy hearts:

1. Am I generally ungrateful for what I have?
2. Do I get angry?
3. Do I look down on others?
4. Do I have a high view of my importance or abilities?
5. Do I focus on my lack of gifts and abilities?
6. Do I talk too much?
7. Do I talk about myself too much?
8. Do I seek to control?
9. Do I dwell on what others think?
10. Am I devastated or angered by criticism?
11. Am I unteachable?
12. Am I sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading?
13. Do I abstain from serving others?
14. Do I lack compassion?
15. Do I get defensive or blame others?
16. Am I reluctant to admit I’m wrong?
17. Do I minimize my sins and shortcoming and maximize the sins of others?
18. Am I jealous of others?
19. Do I use others?
20. Do I complain against or pass judgment on God?

If you could pick three questions you struggle with, what would they be? As I ask God to expose my weaknesses and show where my heart is brittle, He does! Yet, God extends grace upon grace to us as we run to Him for our hearts' hurt.

Isaiah 58:11 says “The LORD will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Are you in a desert season of life? God brings his word to refresh you and hydrate you. Do you struggle to know what direction to take? God will guide you continually. Are you weary? God promises to restore our strength. Do you feel dry? He promises to make us like well-watered gardens and give us life! God will give you abundant life even in the emptiest of places. Will You seek Him today?

Take a listen to this song and give God your heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkSBmRAVXNc

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

Doe, A Deer

I had never had a White-tailed deer get aggressive with me, until recently. While in Colorado, Ben and I were walking on a local city trail near the Durango-Silverton railroad track. We had just seen a mama (Doe, a deer) with her baby when a few seconds later, there was the mama (Doe, a deer), a bit too close for comfort. She was protecting her baby.

Ben and Chara, our doggie, were a bit ahead. There I was standing next to Doe having a bit of a stand-off. I thought it would be profitable to run, but Ben quickly said no. Instead, I was to turn, face the deer and show that I’m in charge. There was no sense in trying to outrun Doe! So, we had a bit of a back-and-forth talk until I proceeded to catch up with Ben.

A scared, protective, or irritated deer will show aggression and not hesitate to attack. A deer is never out to attack, but usually just wants to be left alone. Having humans and a dog near her wee one made for a very angry Doe.

Let’s look at Habakkuk in the Bible and the connection to deer. Habakkuk had a lot of questions and sought answers to his questions. He was troubled by life’s difficult questions. He saw a dying world and it broke his heart. Why is there so much evil in the world? Why does it seem that the evil seems to be winning? We ask similar questions too.

The book of Habakkuk is short, but profound as we watch a doubting Habakkuk question God, then declares he will wait to hear God’s answers to his complaints. The book concludes with a prayer of triumph and joy. Habakkuk rejoices in who God is and what He will do in the coming days.

Ya gotta love Habakkuk’s strong faith when nothing was going right! In Habakkuk 3:17-18, he cries out: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  Have you ever felt like Habakkuk? Fig trees not blossoming. No fruit on the vines and no food as a result. The flock cut off from the fold. No herd in the stalls. Everything was stinking awful.

Suffering is losing things that we love deeply. Loss of health. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a job. Loss of our home. Loss of our lives as we know it. But wait, Habakkuk had a different perspective on his suffering. Habakkuk had sought God’s perspective with the bad stuff going on.

Here is the deer verse in Habakkuk 3:19: “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Habakkuk said that God will make his feet like deer’s feet. He must have pictured the deer running on the high hills, leaping, jumping, never missing a step, never falling. Deer can leap on the hills as if dancing. They look like they are so full of life and joy! Habakkuk was saying that God will set his steps firmly and enjoy that same fullness of life. As he trusted in God, He would not let Habakkuk slip or fall.

I’m not sure when I will meet another aggressive deer. I will be watching! But, more than ever, I want to keep my eyes fixed on God, amidst the hurts and suffering that goes on in this world.

May we keep our eyes on God and worship Him and Him alone. Take a listen to this old song made new: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVoQjxVGy-0 

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

Three Times a Charm?

How many times can you switch hotel rooms in one night? The answer for us is three times. We were dog-tired (and our dog was too) coming into Lubbock on our return from a Colorado vacation. Rest, reading, watching the Spurs, and getting takeout seemed like a perfect way to end our day. Until it wasn’t.

Upon arrival, our first room was fine until we realized that the sink didn’t drain. We had brought everything but the kitchen sink into our room, so, unfortunately, everything had to be moved again. The second room turned out to be where they had recently held a small smoking convention. Finally, the third room had to be a charm, right? Wrong. It didn’t take long to realize that this sink didn’t drain at all either! I bet you never knew that the shower is a great place to brush your teeth.

With a quick perusal of this lovely hotel, we realized it was brand-spanking new! The place wasn’t close to being filled. It was lovely! We were grateful to get a free room that night, but we had to think about whether we’d return on future trips through Lubbock.

The hotel had some kinks (or sinks) to work out as they dealt with their opening issues. Yet, I think we WOULD return for another try. And frankly, we were happy to get a free room that night!

So often, we quickly cancel anyone or anything who disappoints us. We’re so quick to cancel people, hotels, restaurants, companies, and workplaces, for even the slightest mistake or for something they did in the past. And we live smugly, with our cancel list in hand, avoiding, canceling, and making it clear that so and so is on our bad list. (Please know, there ARE things that we should cancel, namely anything or anyone that is abusive.)

I must sincerely ask some important questions here: What would it be like if the Lord canceled us this way? What if He didn’t give us another chance? What if we held on to everything we ever did, said wrong, or goofed up in life?

Psalm 130:3,4 says it so well: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O LORD, who could stand?” Absolutely no one. We all deserve to be canceled in God’s eyes because ALL of us have sinned. All of us fall short of measuring up to God’s perfect standard. That’s why God, who loved us so much, offers us the beautiful gift of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus. (John 3:16) Instead of canceling us, if we invite Jesus into our hearts, the Lord wipes away our detailed long list of sins and nails it on the cross. Gone. Once and for all. Never to be brought back up again. That’s grace, the grace of God.

One of the great definitions of grace that I’ve heard is this: “Grace is God’s favor lavished on the utterly undeserving.” (rightfromtheheart.org) The more I realize how undeserving I am, the more I am grateful for God’s grace in my life. I can’t help but want to extend that grace to others! Judging, avoiding, hiding, and gossiping have no place in God’s beautiful life of grace.

How could understanding God’s grace change the way you and I do life and relationships? I doubt we’d carry on as normal. I sense that God’s grace, once understood, could change the way we approach our daily lives. It could affect the way we work and serve. It would change our family and affect every relationship. It would affect our behavior in relationships, albeit canceling, judging, disapproving, and holding lifelong grudges. Maybe understanding the enormity of God’s grace would change your life and mine too.

Our world needs the message of grace now more than ever. Will you be a carrier of God's grace?

Worship: Oh, may we grasp the enormity of God's grace! Take a listen: Until Grace by Tauren Wells, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqSvTJeGU0k

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

Chat GPT and Being Annoyed

I’m on vacation, so I asked ChatGPT to help me write this Start-Up. I’ve been thinking a lot about being so easily annoyed. So, here’s the help I got for “being easily annoyed.”

In the realm of annoyance, I often reside, A disposition easily swayed, I cannot hide.

From slow drivers and relentless Texas heat to wafts of smoke and passwords to delete.

The road stretches long, with a sluggish pace ahead, as frustration lingers, impatience is fed.

Behind the wheel, my annoyance takes flight, while minutes crawl by, stealing hours of light.

On vacation, a condo, a getaway serene. But alas, the smell of smoke invades the scene.

Annoyance dances in the air, a pungent tango, disturbing my peace, turning tranquility into a fiasco.

Passwords, those vexing strings of characters, Demanding change at the worst of junctures.

Annoyance surges, as I wrack my brain, Resetting and reconfiguring, a tiresome refrain.

Traffic’s web ensnares, a tangled mesh, Annoyance blossoms, and patience is tested.

Inches turn to miles, and hours stretch long. As my irritation simmers, a tempest strong.

In this tapestry of annoyance, I find my place. A delicate thread is woven, in life’s relentless chase.

Yet amid the exasperation, a lesson is learned. To let go of irritation and find peace in return.

It was nice of ChatGPT to condense my annoyances into such a nice poem. But the problem remains, I can easily be annoyed. Proverbs 12:16 says “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”  I certainly don’t want to be a fool but would prefer to be a prudent/wise person.

Being annoyed or irritated is such a common emotion! So many factors can affect our irritability, like lack of sleep, being too busy, hungry, tired, etc. When we’re easily annoyed, small things that normally don’t bother us really bother us. But, how can God walk with us and help us become patient and kind people, even in our annoyances?

Instead of asking ChatGPT, how about inviting God into our struggle?

Dear God, I’m just going to be honest with You. I need You to show me exactly when I get annoyed. When do annoyance and irritability take over in my life? Forgive me, Lord, for my impatience. Humble my heart and help me to see people the way You see people and respond as You would. Everybody matters. Everybody needs extra grace. Help us to slow down and love people well. Teach us to be patient and bear with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2) Oh, how we need You, God, to help us to love as You love! Go before us today. Amen.

Maybe we need to quiet our hearts and remember our God. Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbQmD8wZjwM

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