When preparing to write a Christian article my mind often turns to life experiences, and memories, rather than current events or suggestions of “how-to live for Christ in a daily fashion.” I prefer to draw pictures with my words ~ frankly, living the Spirit-filled life is a constant learning treasure for me.
My writing style seems to run the gambit of the personal to the imagined with ribbons of God, and His influence on my life, running through it. I want to present Him as the necessary and guiding force of my life or of the story I am telling.
For example:
RUNNING THROUGH the TALL GRASS
My mother, heavy in her second pregnancy, peered from the front porch; her eyes searched frantically for me. Finally, she saw the wheat weaving in the arid, windless day. The only reason for that disruption of nature would be a visiting puppy and me. We were making a fast break for the far reaches of the end of the field that butted up to a busy highway. A farm worker heard the anxiety in her voice, ran through the tall grass and captured the young sprinting wanderer ~ me.
If I could truly remember the thoughts I was having as a two and a half year old they would go something like this, “This is fun, how did I get away from her anyhow, what will I do when I get there, and where is there? Wish my legs were longer, so I could see over this itchy, green stuff. I know where is up and where is down, but I don’t know what is front of me, I’ll find out though!” These were serious questions for one so young to ask herself, all the while running to nowhere amid the lanky spring wheat.
“How,” you ask, “do you know all of that?” Because since that time, nothing much has changed. I have been a life-long “wonderer” and “wanderer.” You know about “runners”; I was like the little three-year- old boy Dr. James Dobson told about, who was staring out of the window when overheard by his Mother, “I’ve just got to get out of here!” The “Other” is out there, explore it is what you do, you have to.
God put an insatiable amount of curiosity in my DNA, for some reason. Corners, and what is around them, have always lured me. How much ground did I cover during my “running” days? Well, not a lot, after I reached the age of responsibility. I came to realize there is a price to pay for behavior, and a daring spirit. I learned to have my adventures in books, in make believe, and also in an approximate eight-block area of my neighborhood; that saved me a lot of physical grief, and I could sit down much easier!
Yet, before this time, there were the days my bicycle sang an old siren’s song to lure me, and I would answer ~ up and on and away I would go. With the wind blowing through my hair, I was off. I would pedal quickly past my tormentor’s house in case the famous bully was outside. One memorable trip ~ around the age of ten ~ took me far out into the country about five, six, or eight miles on a busy highway, then about half a mile on a gravel road; not easy for a city girl on a two-wheeler. I found my friend’s house where I thought it should be. Surprise, she was not at home. So I took a look at the hogs in the pen by the house. I had never seen such huge fat animals that close before; no more pork chops for me. Her mother was shocked that I had come so far on my bike, and then she asked the fateful question, “Does your Mother know that you’re here?”
Oh, oh, this was the time first I had thought about that very seriously. Going home was not as much fun as the venturing forth; I had a flat tire and had to push my bike all the way, all of the while trying to look like that was just what I wanted to do. Was I beaten upon entering my house? No, as usual I think my Mother was just so happy that I was still alive and could set the table, saving my brother the humiliation of having to do that girlish duty!
Don’t you wonder why God gives us our unique personalities, and in His great plan, how do we (the ones with the not so usual traits) offer this back to Him? Only a gracious God could use a semi-wild child to return glory to Him. Do you think in me He sensed a kinship with His Son, who also at times lived a daring life: walking on water, hauling in tons of fish, forgiving (oh my) a shameful woman, tearing up the temple, changing the course of lives and nations, most of all daring to die on a cross for all, including me, the willful child?
I gave Him all of me a long time ago; my whole child’s heart ( no great prize for sure), but in spite of this ~ in return ~ He gave me all of Himself. Together we have run through many tall grasses, but the difference is now I know where I am going. Hand in hand, my King and I run; I think He is leading me to the corner, and we will go around it together.
~~~
For a story inserted in the body of an article, I would use the proper scripture reference; interspersed or, in the closing words in this case. Even an adventuring child will find solace in these verses:
Psalm 62:5~8 The Message (MSG)
God, the one and only ~
I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him,
so why not?
He’s solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I’m set for life.
My help and glory are in God
~ granite-strength and safe-harbor-God ~
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.
Then, as an encore, as it were:
Psalm 119: 9~16 The Message (MSG)
How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single~minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.
My conclusion: Amen and amen!