Sometimes when my daughter visits, she says, “Let’s get out of Dodge!” I’m always ready, so off we go on a drive. Our adventure might be to take photos of ranch gates or horses or whatever else strikes our fancy. I live in the country but she lives and works in the city and “getting out of Dodge (Dallas)” is a way she copes. Viewing horses and cows and fields of hay bales shimmering gold in the sun can calm a harried mind, but even then, it’s not enough. As C.S. Lewis famously wrote, we humans long for and were intended for something better. The beauty of this world does not compare to what God has in store for us.

After preparing a hearty steak lunch for us, my daughter settled down to watch a Dallas Cowboys football game. (This is Texas, folks!) As the Cowboys were winning handily, my daughter and her dog dozed off on the couch. My son-in-law pointed this out as he took a photo of the two cuddled together, sleeping away. A few minutes later she awoke, yawned and said something about taking a “snap.” At least that’s what it sounded like to me, “snap” for short nap. I liked the term so much, I’m borrowing it. So now when I fall asleep over my newspaper or crossword puzzle, I’m having a “snap.” You can borrow it too!

One of my favorite theologians described the intervention of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as “a volcanic disturbance in human existence.” A merciful and loving Redeemer dropped right into our evil, sinful world to save us! I’ve known people who upon repentance and baptism immediately experienced a dramatic change in their lifestyle. The change was obvious to all who knew them. They became totally different people. Others grew up in a Christian home and were taught God’s way from their youth. On their baptism the change in them, though maybe not as apparent to others, was just as powerful. When Jesus becomes the center of your world he makes a volcanic difference in your life and mine.

When I was a child and was told to wait, waiting seemed forever to me. My uncle told my sister and me if we could sit still and be quiet for five minutes, he would give us each a quarter. What a painful experience for two active, giggly girls! That five minutes seemed like an hour. Time goes much faster for me now, but waiting can still be difficult. We pray and ask God to alleviate pain, to answer a question, to guide us in a decision, and sometimes he says wait. Waiting on God is always for our good, of course. Trust me, I’ve presumptuously charged ahead before, telling myself God would bless my endeavors. When I made a wrong turn God didn’t desert me, but I had to suffer the consequences of my decision. Listen and wait for God. Life is a lot easier that way!

Why do bad people thrive and good people suffer? It’s not always true, but when it does, we wonder. We can reason life happens randomly, which it does. Maybe these bad people have better health genetically. Or some bad people are craftier in their decisions or at making money than good people. (By good, I mean followers of Christ as opposed to those who serve only themselves.) This I know, when I’m blessed with good, whatever it is, that good always comes with peace and joy attached. From what I can tell, that’s not the case for all. And, when I suffer, I know it’s not in vain. Our Savior knows personally what we’re going through, whether physical or mental, and redeems even our suffering.

My son mentions many times how thankful he is God has always been involved in his life. During his early years as a young man, he admits he was not too concerned about right living. Even then, he didn’t do anything that would have jeopardized his future career as an attorney. He thanks God for his mercy and grace. I agree with him and remind him his grandmother, his mother, his sisters and no doubt others prayed for him throughout those years. How many prayers have been prayed over you, and me? We may never know in this life, but God knows and hears. Let’s be grateful for those prayer servants in our life.

Winston Churchill is famous for the saying back when England was facing Hitler’s takeover of their isle in World War II. More than once this past week the words, Don’t Quit, kept coming up. Someone told me personally, referring to my writing. I heard it in a sermon. I felt the need to say it to a couple of others. Though I’m sure coincidences happen, I always question if what happens is truly a coincidence. Somebody may be telling me something. Have you ever felt that way? If you have your senses attuned to hearing from God, I’m sure you’ve had that experience. The Holy Spirit is always available to help us through this journey we call life, if we will only listen.

Yes, I’ve heard stories of how pain can change people’s lives for the better. Pain is a most effective wake-up call, that’s for sure. Pain is also necessary to alert us to health problems. At various times I’ve suffered excruciating pain, both physical and mental, and I’ve learned God never left me throughout those awful struggles. When I was bent over in pain from kidney stones, I prayed for relief. It didn’t instantly come, but what did come were thoughts of how much Christ suffered for me on the cross. Though I was hurting beyond what I could imagine, he was there. That lesson has stayed with me. But I still hate pain and pray for the day when pain will be no more.

Usually I have my days planned, even sometimes writing down what needs to be done and in what order. As I also ask for God’s involvement, I shouldn’t be surprised when my plans are superseded by his. Like today, my plans included a trip to the bank, post office and gas station. None of that worked out. No, today will be a day dedicated to solemn reflection, meditation and prayer. This day is September 11, a day to remember all those still suffering the losses of that horrific tragedy. This happened years ago but God hasn’t forgotten. He shares in the pain of those who lost husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. It will never be just another anniversary of a bad day for them. And, neither is it for God.

The thought came to me one day, am I taking God for granted? After my early morning devotional, do I go around the rest of the day, watering my plants, sweeping my floors, preparing meals, without God continually in my thoughts? Yes, at times I do take God for granted. I take him for granted in the same way I took my parents for granted when I was a child. No matter what, I knew they loved me and would provide for me and protect me. Thoughts that they wouldn’t never entered my mind. Only later did I realize what they had sacrificed for me. Only then could I really understand and show my appreciation for their care. Much more than for our parents we can take God for granted, but let’s be sure to show him how grateful we are that we can.