Good Dose of Peace

 Anyone lacking peace these days? There are enough circumstances swirling around us to have us hankering for a good dose of peace. I need a good dose of peace that is different from what the world has to offer, don’t you?

Just this morning, I was reading John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  This dose of peace is different. I want it, don’t you?

Just think! Jesus shared these comforting words with His disciples before He died. Jesus knew the chaos, strife, and challenges that life would bring for the disciples. He explained that He was leaving His peace with them to care for them after He left the earth. His peace would reign over the peace that the world tried to give. Peace is a gift that God gives through knowing Jesus as our Savior. What a gift!

Maybe you, like me, lacked a bit of peace this week. As I preparing to travel, I was stressed out. My husband and I questioned whether we should fly with the COVID situation. I stressed about all the things I had to do. I stressed about getting up at the crazy hour to depart on a  5:45 a.m. flight. Yep, I let stress get the best of me.

The next morning, I calmed my anxious thoughts by just meditating on a verse in the Bible. Colossians 3:15 says “Let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts.” 

I wanted Christ to rule in my heart, but how? Priscilla Shirer, in her study titled “Discerning the Voice of God,” said this “In the New Testament city of Colossae, believers struggled with a number of temptations and decisions. Regarding these issues, Paul told them to let peace be the guiding, determining factor in their choices. The Greek word that is translated rule in our English Bible-to rule in their hearts-is significant. It means to act as a judge or umpire.”

Will you allow the peace of God to rule in your heart? It is really a daily and honestly, a moment-by-moment choice to permit the peace of God to rule in your heart. He promises us peace and it’s there for the taking. What hinders your peace? Are you focused on all the bad news? Have you forgotten the gift of gratitude? Have the circumstances of your life allowed your peace to dwindle? Have you forgotten or dismissed God from your life?

Abide in Christ. Rest in His love. You will experience perfect peace as You keep your mind on God. (Isaiah 26:3) I dare you to try. Right now, invite God to allow you to experience His peace. May you enjoy His peace today.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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

To Be A Somebody

When was the last time you felt forgotten? Not important? Insignificant? Set aside? I felt that feeling recently and it stung. I won’t forget that feeling anytime soon.

The anonymous writer of the book “Embracing Obscurity” said this: “We’re drunk all right. We’re intoxicated with a desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected. We crave to be a “somebody” and do notable things, to achieve our dreams and gain the admiration of others. To be something-anything-other than nothing.“

I think that desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected resonates with most of us. Perhaps, that’s why it’s easier in conversations to talk about ourselves, rather than ask questions of others. There’s an innate desire to be a somebody. Most of us don't enjoy being a nobody.

How can I push down this strong welling up in my soul to be a somebody? For me, I needed to pray for a different response and act accordingly. Second, I needed to turn back to the Gospels and look at Jesus’ life. Jesus is the epitome of humility. There was nothing that rose up in him to say, “Wait a minute, I need to be heard... I'm important."  He had little concern over his reputation. Sure, he held his own with the “important” people of his day. Even though he was surrounded by so many people, (some who admired him and others that abhorred him) He didn’t base his worth on what people thought of him.

While Christ was always humble and lived a life of a servant, his followers always tended to blow it. This is true today as well. His followers often were arrogant, focused on self, full of pride. This is true today as well. So, how do we stop that desperate need to be a somebody?

Jesus is our example. In my own real struggle, I found such encouragement as I read this portion of scripture over and over, Philippians 2:5-11, in The Message:

“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth- even those long ago dead and buried- will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God.”

I’m in awe of Christ’s selfless humility. Is it possible to allow His disposition to overtake mine and yours?  Yes, it is. The more I get my mind off myself and redirected to Christ, I come to appreciate my true place in this world.

Every day, whether if it’s in your families, where you work, or with friends, we have an opportunity to humble ourselves. We’ve got a God who absolutely adores each one of us! God sent Jesus into this world so we could find our lasting worth and significance in Him.

“It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a doormat under other peoples’ feet. God’s purpose may be to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased” (like Paul). Are you ready to be less than a drop in the bucket? To be so totally insignificant that no one remembers you even if they think of those you served. Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are all used up and exhausted-not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister?” Oswald Chambers, (YMCA leader who was commissioned by the YMCA to go to Zeitoun, Egypt where he ministered to troops from Australia and New Zealand during WWI)

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

Seeing As Jesus Sees

I remember the catastrophic experience of getting glasses in elementary school. I needed them, for sure. But they were a bit too cat-eye-ish for the times. As time went on, I was happy to get contacts. I still stash a pair of fashionable glasses away, to bring out on certain occasions. I might note, they also actually helped me see better.

Good vision is great, but I want to see others in a new way. Like Jesus sees people. Now, more than ever, everybody we meet is carrying some type of heartache. COVID has affected all of us and it’s a shame when we try to cover up our pain and act like everything is hunky-dory.

Every day, my “seeing people like Jesus does” mindset can get caught off guard by several little blips in the road. I can get irritated, annoyed, or find myself judging others rather than loving them. I can get lost in myself and my own needs. I can just be tired, even of people! I truly need God’s help in seeing as Jesus sees!

Do you believe that the image of God exists in every human being that you meet? I know, there are some you question whether this is true. But it is true. Yet our own inability to see people as Jesus does is because of our own judgments, our own baggage, our own sin, and triggers. Sometimes, seeing as Jesus sees requires a humble heart before God, pleading with Him for help. Trust me, Jesus will help you when you ask Him.

Gosh, I think about how Jesus is so different that each of us….

Jesus doesn’t care about failure or success.
Jesus doesn’t see accomplishments as a reason for acceptance.
Jesus doesn’t look at who’s popular and who’s not.
Jesus doesn’t judge those “haves” and “have-nots.”
Jesus doesn’t hold on to past grudges.
Jesus sees what we lack and yet sees what He can give.
Jesus doesn’t condemn or disapprove. He makes a way for dealing with our sin.
Jesus doesn’t shame us; we heap shame on ourselves.
Jesus is motivated by compassion. Always.  
Jesus forgives.
Jesus values all of us.

When we read the Gospels, over and over, we get to see the character of Jesus. Really see. Jesus is different. If we saw Him as He truly is, we would fall down in love and worship, like the Apostle John.  (Revelation 1:12-19)

Invite Jesus into your life. Learn from Him. Read the Gospels. Pray and ask Jesus to help You see others as He does.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

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

Stuff Happens

 Stuff happens in our lives that just make life unsettling. It’s not the way you want it to be. I get it. Life is full of challenges, and we usually can’t go through a week without facing a few things that we’d like to avoid! Whether your challenge today is big or just a minor inconvenience, it's helpful to hear how others handle challenges.

Paul in the Bible had his share of stuff that happened. Take, for instance, his “current situation” as penned in the book of 2 Corinthians.

"We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part." (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 The Message)

We don’t know the exact nature of Paul’s trouble while in Corinthians. But he literally said, “It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it.” Paul’s circumstances were beyond what any of us had ever experienced and then some! He compared it to being sent to death row. Then Paul said something so amazing! He said “As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally!” God rescued Him! And… He said the Corinthian's prayers mattered. Prayers prayed a crucial part in how Paul got through his challenge.

Whether it’s a heightened new fear of COVID, health issues, relational struggles, or some yucky trouble that has you down, I just want to remind you today of Paul’s perspective with troubles. He was able to see how the “trouble” turned into a positive thing as it forced him to trust in God, not himself.

I need that reminder, don’t you? Just the other day, I was feeling a little down, struggling with my own set of insecurities. It was this verse that lifted my spirits and reminded me of a new perspective. Paul’s life and words give me hope and encouragement for this new day. I want Paul’s attitude, don’t you?

Don’t forget, you’re on this earth to be a blessing to others as they go through their challenges, just like the Corinthians did for Paul. Our prayers can play a crucial part in others’ lives!

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

We May Never Pass This Way Again

We were just finishing a lovely dinner at Dandelion Café, in Durango, Colorado. The Mediterranean fare and live music made for such a glorious evening. Everything changed in what seemed like a quick New York minute. The rain came with a gusto and soon all of us outdoor customers were scrambling.

My always-prepared mountain man pulled out two jackets from his backpack. However, the rain was coming down so hard that it only helped a tad. We crossed a few blocks and finally found a tattoo store that had a nice little red brick porch tucked in from the rain. Ben, Chara and I huddled close, watching the sideways rain and people running ever-which-a-ways.

Those next thirty minutes at first felt inconvenient. I soon remember thinking to myself “This is so special.” Making memories at a closed tattoo shop in Durango, Colorado. Soon, the rain stopped, sun came out and off we went back to the condo.

I couldn't help but think of the old song by Seals and Croft “We May Never Pass this Way Again." I remember loving that song in high school and I honestly can’t tell you where all the years have gone. Life. Is. So. Precious.

Vacations are good times to slow down and remember the gift of life itself. Unscheduled. Free. Silly. Goofy. Unfettered. It’s a time to savor the gift of life. Each day is a gift from God. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the special, unplanned moments and laugh like crazy. It’s a time to pause and give thanks for the memories being created.

Today, I thank God for the gift of life. I want to savor the joy of taking a bike ride, going fishing, hiking for hours, laughing with friends, being with family and huddling in rainstorms. I want to see God all around me…. in conversations, in activity, in silence, in rest. Everything that comes through my day is worth savoring. God is near. 

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

“I shall pass through this life but once. Any good therefore that I can do, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall never pass this way again.” Etienne de Grellet.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Pondering About Prayer

Today, God answered a prayer! My dad has been in a nursing home recovering from a broken hip. Today, he was able to get back home to Kingston Marion Assisted Living. With some of his challenges, we didn’t know if this could happen, so I’m thrilled!

Sometimes, we can be surprised by answered prayers. If we’re honest, most of us struggle in some way with prayer. We think of prayer as something we need to add on to an already filled schedule. It’s just one more thing that gets dumped when the day gets busy.

I like to think of prayer in a different way. Prayer is not an “ought to” activity but a “want to” activity. It doesn’t have to be mundane or monotonous. It doesn’t have to be boring. It’s actually a time that we get to talk and listen to our Heavenly Father and experience joy in His presence.

Perhaps, we you miss out on prayer because we don’t understand that it’s more about a relationship with God, than getting our prayers answered the way we want them answered. In knowing Christ as our Savior, we have access to praying to the God of the universe every moment of the day. And God Himself LOVES when we come to Him. We literally get to talk to the God of the universe! No matter how hard I try, I can't fathom this amazing gift of prayer!

Keep in mind we don’t have to sound eloquent or fancy or anything like that. I think many of us get hung up in prayer because we don’t sound like so and so. I’m glad you don’t sound like so and so! You need to sound like YOU! God loved and made YOU so special and so unique and wants you to come to Him with your specialness and uniqueness. That, my friends, is amazing.

Dallas Willard, a former professor of mine and very wise man said this about prayer: “Don’t seek to develop a prayer life- seek a praying life. A ‘prayer life’ is a segmented time for prayer. You’ll end feeling guilty that you don’t spend more time in prayer. Eventually you’ll probably feel defeated and give up. A ‘praying life” is a life that is saturated with prayerfulness-you seek to do all that you do with the Lord.”

There’s certainly nothing wrong to set aside time to pray. I actually do that every morning. I tend to write my prayers down each day. It’s the way I remember who and what to pray for. If you’d peek at my prayer journal you’d see over and over each day “Please bring Dad back to Kingston.” Hear me for a moment: What Willard’s quote is saying is that as we commune with God throughout our day, we actually can talk to him non-stop, whether you’re at the grocery, on a drive, in a pickle of a predicament, experiencing a kidney stone, or anything else! Life is never compart-mentalized and neither is prayer.

Today, I encourage you to take the next step in your prayer life. As Skye Jethani writes in 'What if Jesus Was Serious about Prayer?', “With our without words, simply invite Him into the life you are already living.”

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

Vulnerability

Kidney stones have a distinct way of making one feel vulnerable. There’s nothing like waking up in the night realizing that there is no other place to be in the world than the local hospital. So, off we went as fast as we could. It wasn’t fast enough. The ER staff didn’t realize the imminent danger I was facing, so waiting was my only option.

Finally, we got back into a real room. By that time, I thought life was soon to cease as I knew it. Still, they didn’t realize the imminent danger or pain I was feeling, so we continued to wait. Those long minutes stretched into hours at the hospital that night. I felt so helpless. So small. So out of control. A deep sense of vulnerability seemed to consume me.

Maybe you’re part of the Kidney Stone Club? If so, you know what I’m talking about. If not, you’re the lucky ones! I can only imagine you’ve experienced some of these same feelings under different circumstances. Vulnerability comes in all shapes and sizes.

I would prefer to never have another one of these stones visit me again. Never! But, what if it does?

We don’t have to fear the things we can’t control. We don’t have to live afraid. I honestly remember praying for God to take away the pain. He didn’t answer when I wanted Him to. Yet, God was there with me and He will ALWAYS be with me, no matter what I’m going through...and somehow, God got me through a very difficult night.

Did you know that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake You? Did you know Jesus will never take His eye off you? Did you know that even when you’re going through miserable pain or awful circumstances, He has not forgotten you nor let you go. Did you know that we can grow more like Christ, even in challenging times?

Since that dreadful night, I take great delight in recognizing God helped me through a most vulnerable time. I had a different take on my vulnerability. When I am weak, I am more apt to see my desperate need for God. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 speaks of this: “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

We hate to admit our vulnerability. Yet, there is something so important to see in this verse. Paul was desperate in his desire to find relief from his burden. God didn’t remove the burden the way Paul wanted. Instead of taking it away, God strengthened Paul under it and showed His strength in Paul’s vulnerable weakness. Paul understood that God’s grace would be sufficient. Paul knew he couldn’t rely on himself! 

Sooner or later, we will all experience vulnerability. God is near and will show Himself strong in your weakness. 

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