There is irony in the fact that it is often easier to take the time to consider these matters than to deliberate over our responses produced in times of pain or loss, or even momtony. In the study of the letter of James in the Bible we are invited to consider the hard times as joy, as character building, as maturity and blessing. James includes many imperatives in his letter but that is not in hearing them that the impact is the strongest for me. Right now, their affect is in the the way these "considered" imperitaves weave into the fabric of my existing story, my space, my time, my house, my relationships, my celebrations and my losses. It is my belief that as I consider and obey the joy of hard, the growth in hard and the reward of hard, that God will enter into my story and form this Jesus way of living that James knew of so intimately from his half brother Jesus.
As I consider my story and ask for the wisdom that God says He will give, as I search for it in the manner Solomon describes in Proverbs, God enters in. He is always faithful, loving and generous.
In my searching, I see the treasure that speaks loudly into my moment, making it holy. Making it one of grace, of joy.
Consider the frosty trees. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If that is how God clothes the trees on a winters day, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire,
How much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith! (Adapted from Luke 12:27-28)
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