It's that time ....

It's blog deadline again. And I have no time to come up with anything. But I'm still not ready to give it up. 

Cyclical reminders

Anniversaries. Cyclical reminders of joys and despair. They are real. That's all for now. 

Not so random after all

I thought this week's post was going to be quite random, but after I got started, that wasn't the case. 

One of the things on my mind is that I am not good at goodbyes. My own big farewell from my workplace of 34 years isn't supposed to happen until October. But Friday was the last day at work for two of my colleagues, including one who was not among those being laid off but decided to bail out anyway. What it brought to the forefront for me was how hard it has been for me to maintain friendships with people who are no longer in the circle of people I cross paths with on a regular basis. I've made some improvement, but as my own departure gets closer, I am acutely aware that relationships don't continue without effort. 

Facebook actually has helped me stay more connected with people -- because I don't have to remember everything about them. I can check their page for an update before we see each other. 

That leads to the bigger issue: I don't trust my memory. And so, as I prepare to wrap up a major chapter in my life, I have some anxiety that details even of key experiences and relationships will fade into a blur. Many already have. 

I have some hope that steps I am taking now and will continue after October may strengthen my memory, but is it possible to regain what seems lost? Instead of agonize about this, maybe I'll chose to be hopeful!!

(An interesting aside is that some of the aftermath of my co-worker's notice that he was leaving led me to see how close I was to not being laid off -- and realizing again how grateful I am for how things have transpired.)

This is the random part, excerpts from devotions in recent days. 

From Thursday:  

First 15's simplicity study today is about freedom in the spirit, and the Scripture was Romans 8, which is about the furthest from simple for me. I have learned a simple trick that helps some, however, which is to read it aloud. 

Friday:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. —2 CORINTHIANS 12:9

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. —PSALM 62:8 NKJV

Saturday: 

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. —PSALM 40:2–3

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. —PSALM 42:5 NASB

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. —PSALM147:11

Grateful, blessed, overwhelmed

Grateful, blessed, overwhelmed. 

"You are holy righteous and redeemed."

Lyrics and the melody from MercyMe's song "Greater" help keep me focused on Christ and the promises of Scripture as the onslaught of life -- from personal triumphs and trials to those of the world -- threatens to wear me out. 

"There'll be days I you lose the battle ... Grace says it doesn't matter ... Cause the cross already won the war ...."

Below are more of the lyrics.

"Greater"

Bring your tired

Bring your shame

Bring your guilt

Bring your pain

Don't you know that's not your name

You will always be much more to me.

Everyday I wrestle with the voices

That keep telling me I'm not right.

But that's alright

Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world

In the world.

Bring your doubts

Bring your fears

Bring your hurt

Bring your tears

There'll be no condemnation here

You are holy, righteous and redeemed.

Every time I fall

There'll be those who will call me

A mistake.

Well that's ok

Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world.

There'll be days I lose the battle

Grace says that it doesn't matter

Cause the cross already won the war

I am learning to run freely

Understanding just how he sees me

And it makes me love him more and more.

Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed

When others say I'll never be enough.

And greater is the One living inside of me

Than he who is living in the world.

Nothing new here

It's been a while since I've admitted to doing this -- posting a placeholder. I may or may not come up with a real post later. There were more important things to do today. And now it's past bedtime. 

Good night.