Permit Believer

By Hally Franz –

As a natural rule-follower, I placed the black and orange cardstock sign in my van’s back window. The license bureau gave it to me, along with the instruction book pertaining to Missouri’s Graduated Driver’s License Program, so I was inclined to use it. In capital letters it says “PERMIT DRIVER,” much to the chagrin of my 15-year-old son.

My state allows individuals at least 15 years of age to drive with a learner’s permit under certain conditions for at least six months, and at least 40 hours of instruction with a parent. The program enables drivers to learn while under the cautious tutelage of an experienced driver before they are full-fledged drivers. Many states likely have similar laws.

Each day when I collect my son at school, he takes the wheel to make any errands and our drive home. I’ve observed the same switch routine in other cars on the lot, as well as the same bold-lettered sign in other car windows.

After my son has adjusted my seat ten different ways, the radio goes off, buckles go on, and hands meet the steering wheel in proper 10-2 position. I gesture slightly to let him know when he veers too far left or right, and he gets back on course. I calmly offer warnings as he approaches challenging driving maneuvers, like oncoming traffic, congested intersections or slick roads. He becomes aware of the hazards and takes caution. I correct him when he’s traveling too fast or seems distracted; he returns his attention to task.

It’s not a bad system, really. Though some may not appreciate this provisional and protective approach to becoming a licensed driver, it definitely has merit.

I wonder how this might work if we could provide the same protection to new Christians? While we know that the salvation of newly baptized believers isn’t provisional, it might be good for those new in their faith to have a safety net as they enter the world anew.

Gentle reminders that faith and a relationship with Christ grow slowly over time may encourage. Focus is required along the journey. Guidance about dealing with sin and faith challenges would likely be of help. Warnings when brothers and sisters seem to stray from their walk may bring them back on track.

There is no “PERMIT BELIEVER” sign, but there is a supportive body of Christians and the guidance of our Savior along for the ride.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as we walk or drive through life, keep our eyes fixed and focused on You, and help us to be encouragers to others as they proceed in their faith journeys as well.

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV).

Spiritual Lessons from Gallon Man

By Hally Franz –

“Gallon Man” reminds me a bit of the old character, Pacman. His head is formed from the letter G, and the opening appears to be Gallon Man’s mouth. If my interpretation is correct, he is viewed from a side profile, and is outfitted with four spots or eyes that are also visible from the side shot. Those are formed by evenly spaced Q’s, which of course have two P’s in each of them. His detailed and symmetrical design is completed with two little C’s that exist inside each of the P’s, inside each of the Q spots (or eyes). We know there are 16 cups in a gallon, 8 pints in a gallon, and 4 quarts in a gallon. Try drawing one for yourself.

When I arrived to pick up my daughter from a recent after-school tutoring session, this was the explanation I observed in the final minutes. This British-born teacher was working with my girl on American “standard” units of measurement. She had been through yards, feet and inches as well that day. And, as she wrapped up her lessons, she made a very simple, but profound comment in her wonderful English accent, which her students adore.

She said that “Heavenly Father is a God of order.”

My daughter attends a Christian school, so comments regarding faith are made often throughout the day’s activities. However, as I heard that simple proclamation, I was moved by its complete and utter truth.

There is order in His creation, perfection in His plans. In the workings of our human bodies, and in the functioning of plants and animals in our environment, we see innumerable examples of His precision. There is nothing random or left to chance, for He is in charge.

So, when we find ourselves in chaos or turmoil, whose counsel ought we seek to return order to our lives? Who provides the listening ear and the wisdom to make right a life that’s off track and out-of-whack? No, it’s not the master of measurement, Mr. Gallon Man. It’s another big “G” – the originator of all and author of order.

PRAYER: Most gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of precision, perfection and order in all You have created. May those wonders always serve to remind me to seek You at times when my life is anything but orderly.

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. “ Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” (Isaiah 40:25-26 NLT).

The Wisdom of Benches and Balls

By Hally Franz –

There are lots of lessons that become regular sound-bites in the rearing of children. We encourage them to “treat others as you’d like to be treated”, “always do your best”, and “learn from your mistakes.” I believe few things in life are due to chance. So, with those thoughts in mind, I tried to make sense of my recent bare, right-foot collision with the unyielding incline bench in our basement.

It occurred as I packed away holiday decorations, and the encounter left me with three very sore middle toes and bruising from those toes to my instep. I watched the bruising evolve through black, blue, purple and yellow tones, reminding my family that I never bruise easily. The wound, while apparently without fractures, was worthy.

Here’s my list of possible insights to be gained by my foot-versus-bench battle:

• I am clumsy. Redundant. I’ve been made painfully aware of that truth on many prior occasions.
• I should slow down. Not likely; that was a lazy January day, and I was completing this task with ease.
• I should look where I am going. Possibly valid, if taken in a broader, less literal sense.
• I need to get rid of some clutter. I agree and am working on it!
• I need to exercise. I’d love to, if I didn’t have an injured foot!
• I should wear shoes around the house. Perhaps, my old-souled son is wise traipsing around the house interminably in steel-toed boots. My grandfather always thought it horrible to walk around shoeless in the winter.
• I need a bigger house. Useless information. My husband swears he’ll die in this house.

In the final days before Christmas 2012, my old-souled son added a couple of items to his Christmas list. He wanted a Magic 8-Ball and a metal slinky. When questioned about the ball, he told me he might use it for making decisions. I “encouraged” him that God would greatly prefer He be consulted on any important choices he faces. Ivan assured me he’d apply this method only to small, insignificant quandaries.

In reality, I can’t glean much meaning from my injury. Nor, will my son ever get worthwhile advice from his vintage toy. We can, however, seek and expect real answers regarding routine and life-changing questions. Our Heavenly Father is there to listen and counsel us when we pray and study His word, without mysteries to solve or magic to work.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind me always to bring my concerns and questions to You. Help me to remember that the world holds no inspired answers, and I am too simple to make decisions without the wisdom that You alone provide.

“I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness” (Ecclesiastes 7:25 KJV).

What Do You Love?

By Hally Franz –

It’s February – a time to recognize and appreciate the people, places and things that we love. In thinking about this month’s devotions, I was reminded of the old Tom T. Hall song in which he lists some of the things that he loves most. In Mr. Hall’s song “I Love” he names the following among the things that he loves: little baby ducks and little fuzzy pups, snow and rain, old pick-up trucks and slow-moving trains, coffee in a cup and bourbon in a glass, grass and hay. It’s an interesting list, and we can all identify with at least a few of his choices, I’m sure.

So, I thought for a moment about the things I love. I love the healing power of music and the snuggling potential of a rainy day. I love the change of seasons, watching marching bands, horse shows, architecture and dark chocolate. I love human frailty, and I love observing genetics at work. Add to my list pasta and Diet Coke, my family, friends, church and God. And, dare I say, sweatpants? Yes, I love sweatpants.

Reading.

Here’s the thing about reading. I didn’t always like it. I probably read fewer than a dozen complete books growing up, and my academic success was strictly due to listening well and taking great notes. I was slow and often had to re-read. It’s odd for one who writes to not read. Over time, I think God helped me to enjoy reading, even though I’m still slow. That new love has been a blessing to me.

Some of the activities we enjoy, the spaces that bring us contentment, and the people we like spending time with change over time. While my brain isn’t as sharp as it once was, my desire to read and learn is greater than ever before. I suppose that’s a bit of the irony of aging we may all experience in one form or another.

As parents, we ought to help our children find things they love and are passionate about. This world is full of loveable things, places and people, both God-made and man-made. It is easy to see the bad and the negative, but in this season of love and throughout the year, let’s take time to appreciate the big and small loves in our lives. Let’s encourage our kids to do the same.

PRAYER: Awesome Father, what an amazing world we live in! While there is evil and sadness, there is also beauty and brilliance in our midst. Help us to focus on the many people, places and things there are to enjoy, appreciate… and love!

“Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you” (Jude 1:2 NKJV).

Calling the Roll

By Hally Franz –

My children are members of Spring Branch Helping Hands 4-H Club, which formed when some families left the very large club, Spring Creek Lively Steppers. Both groups include kids with busy appendages and busy moms. As the current club leader, I write the monthly agendas, which include the roll call portion of the meeting. At each meeting, a truly thought-provoking question is posed to the young people. Their responses to the question verify their attendance.

Example questions include:
“What’s the scariest movie you have seen?” (October)
“Name a spring bird.” (April)
“What’s your favorite event at the county fair?” (July)

During our November meeting, kids were asked to name their favorite Thanksgiving food. My kindergarten nephew responded “beef – hot beef” with notable male enthusiasm. While his grandparents are cattle people, our Thanksgiving feast includes more foul than red meat.

There are usually a few “huh’s” or “whaaat’s” as we work through the list. These individuals have not paid attention to the assignment and need the question repeated for them specifically. A few members will simply say “here” indicating they choose not to participate. Others, sometimes even those with “W” names, are still pondering the question and require a few extra moments before answering. No problem – there are only 53 members in our group! A few of the younger, lively, helpful children go mute when their names are called, so their parents will account for them. Finally, there are the stars who consistently have appropriate, ready responses when their names are called. God love them!

Last night, we sang “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” I wondered about what questions will be posed for us at our Heavenly reunion. Will the Almighty ask me my favorite Bible verse or that I name one of Jesus’s miracles? Will it be something easy or a head-scratcher as I enter the gates?

And, what of my response to Him? Surely, I won’t appear clueless or oblivious, but rather attentive and engaged. I hope to be prepared, so as not to keep Him waiting, and I would wish to be humble, but not speechless. No attention-seeking silliness or comedic answers will do. I’d like to have a stellar response.

Perhaps, I should just hope that our Heavenly Father is less judgmental and more patient than any busy 4-H mom!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be prepared for that awesome meeting with You that awaits me, and all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10 NIV).

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