I mentioned before that Ron and I have been trying the ELCA Wellness
Program "Slow Down" during Lent, where you practice centering prayer,
focusing on a phrase or image. Mine has been "Be Still, and Know that I
am God". While I confess to not getting to it every single morning, we
have a routine that supports it well.
Ron takes our sheltie Heidi outside while I make a cup of herbal tea for
us and set out the dog's breakfast. As soon as she eats, she begs to get
on Ron's lap, and the picture of her contentment there is priceless.
Often the sun is shining on her multi-hued fur as she drapes her body over
Ron's crossed legs…you see, it makes a perfect cradle, for she is a little
large for a lap dog at 23 lbs. If Heidi misses her time with her Dad for
some reason, she lets us know impatiently she's ready and waiting.
The other day as I watched Heidi relax into Ron's lap and close her eyes
in sweet bliss, it gave me a picture of what Jesus must have done when he
came to this time in his life…..a time that would demand everything he had
just to move one foot ahead of the other. What could he do but place
himself in the lap of his father God and trust this intense love to help
him through what he must face?
This morning's newspaper had an article about "helicopter parents" that
intrigued me. It talked about a generation of children being raised by
parents that "swoop in" and rescue their children from the most basic
disappointments of life: getting a bad grade on a test, losing a game in
little league, not finding the same number of Easter eggs on a hunt as
everyone else. Evidently the move is to eliminate red ink in grading
papers, play non-scored games, and make sure everyone finds the same
number of Easter eggs.
It is very difficult as a parent to stand by and see your child get hurt.
Sometimes you must intervene, but most often you know there are necessary
lessons your child has to learn. Life is not always fair. Not everyone
gets the same grades or the same toys, the same education or the same
promotion. Skills learned in childhood help shape the nature of our kids
for their whole life, including the resiliency to bounce back from
disappointments and the will to find purpose and satisfaction in life.
As I wrestle with God allowing His Son to be put through a cruel death, I
can only understand it by realizing that we are all God's adopted children
– God's love is so intense for each of us He saved all of us by letting
His precious Son face what He must to fulfill His purpose – knowing that
what Jesus endured would save the world – and that in return Christ would
reign forever right beside His Dad – God the Father.
We call this Holy Week as we move through Christ's passion, death, and
resurrection…..for Jesus' sacrifice makes us Holy as He is Holy…..and say
- maybe for our souls, Jesus is the ultimate "Helicopter Parent", swooping
in to take our sins away and give us a new start – though we still might
have to face the consequences of our choices. What do you think?
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL
Salem Holy Week Services:
7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 5th
7 p.m. Good Friday, April 6th
5 p.m. Easter Vigil, April 7th
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 8th
9:00/9:40 Easter Breakfast
