Bolshoi

Two years ago we had the joy of going to the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and watching Swan Lake. I was just remembering the consummate skill and artistry of the talented troupe of dancers. We had balcony seats, which afforded us a good view of the stage, and despite incredible contortions and lengthy poses, we never saw a wobble. Nobody lost his or her balance. The beauty of the ballet was breath-taking. Every dancer was a star.

I want to be a star in whatever I do today. Pressures come from unexpected sources, threatening to cause me to wobble. Just when I think I’ve got that pirouette down perfectly, a need or an anxiety or an ache hits me and can unbalance me if I’m not careful. How to respond to interruptions with grace and confidence: life is a challenge. So is dancing Swan Lake, I’m sure. 

What I need today is a divine dancing partner. What a blessing that he’s always there, never leaving my side, guiding my moves and helping me maintain balance. May the God of peace enable you to twirl through the day, bringing joy to others and filling your own soul with joy.

In like a Lion

Spring swept in like a lion yesterday, roaring in the gale-force winds which rattled the slates and banged the un-latched greenhouse door through the night. Today dawned bright and calm, though the forecast is for waves of snow to break over the west coast today. I think we might be clear of that though.

Variety. I enjoy variety in my day – never was one for routine – and I enjoy variety in the seasons. Everything is in a state of flux. Only God never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

Although I am not so keen on the changes the years bring to my appearance, I am grateful that as I walk on in God the internal changes, incremental and nearly invisible as they may be, are there. That is the promise of Scripture, that as we abide in Jesus, as we marinate in his word and depend on his Spirit, we are changed ‘from glory into glory’. 

I am doing some research for an article I’m writing and read something the other day about the actual physiological changes in our brain when we spend time meditating on the Bible, praying, or studying the Bible. 

Paul declares that we have the mind of Christ, and I guess we all would admit that unless he makes some major changes that is just not true. But that is the tension of the Bible – the already and not yet of it. We have the mind of Christ but we need to move into that reality through our choices of how we spend our time.

I’ve not read anything about changes which might be wrought in our brains if we watch porn or violence, but I imagine that the same is true. That's a sobering thought.

Paul also wrote, ‘Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.’

And what is the result of that?

The God of peace will be with you. The peace that passes all understanding.