Once in a Lifetime

by Macy Johnson

“When Jesus reached the spot,

he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately.

I must stay at your house today.’”

(Luke 19:5 NIV)

 

Before handbells rehearsal one Wednesday night I visited with a fellow ringer. She told me about how her family was selected to appear in “Family Feud,” a popular TV game show. After beating out the competition of over 500 families, they were swept off to Atlanta where they were honored in all ways possible. She ended the story by saying, “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Not Odd, It's God!

by Macy Johnson

“Lord, you establish peace for us;

all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

(Isaiah 26:12 NIV)

 

I entered receipts into the computer one morning and abruptly stopped myself. The amounts on two gas purchases caused me to jump up from my desk and take them downstairs to my husband. Jeff was carrying a bucket to the dock to retrieve four catfish he had caught the day before. It was fish-cleaning time.

Splinters

 by Macy Johnson

“The man of integrity walks securely,

but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”

(Proverbs 10:9 NIV)

 

“Be sure to wear shoes on the dock!” I called out as my grandchildren ran toward the water. “Some of the boards need to be replaced soon!”

 

It wasn’t long after my warning that my son carried Noah to the house to remove a splinter from his big toe. As I watched Alex deftly free the tiny sliver of wood, I was reminded of an incident that occurred many years ago.

Good Health

 by Macy Johnson

“Long life to you! Good health to you and your household!

And good health to all that is yours!”

(1 Samuel 25:6 NIV)

 

Long ago I created a spreadsheet, like a good accountant, for all my medications, medical procedures, diagnoses, vaccinations, and various reasons for visiting my physicians. I take this medical spreadsheet with me to every appointment, whether it be medical, vision, dental, or other.

Jury Duty

 by Macy Johnson

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,

for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

(Romans 13:1 NIV)

 

I received the dreaded jury summons in the mail and dutifully appeared with eighty neighbors one Monday afternoon in a concert hall. With Gary Sinise’s book, Grateful American in hand, I read about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as I watched struggle and animosity brew before my eyes. Where was God in all of our messes?