Relax and Enjoy the Ride

 

 

Friday, March 12, 2021
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.  God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.  And this is the plan:  At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.  Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.  Ephesians 1:7-11

My Dad had something of a wanderlust; his itchy feet always wanted to travel and see other places.  His curiosity about life just soaked up details about history, technology, and what makes the universe tick.  Underneath that was a layer of thinking reserved for commitment to caring for his family.  And overshadowing all of it was an impish sense of humor. 

It took me well into my own advancing 7+ decades of life to do this autopsy of what made Dad tick.  On the surface, he seemed quite the uncomplicated average guy.  But despite his comedic, life-of-the-party side, and plans for the next road trip, underneath Elwood (Slim) Brownworth had a fierce love that kept everything pointed in the right direction for those he loved.  And you could tell he was thinking about you.

Once, on a hot summer afternoon, when I was about 10, our family of four was taking a little Sunday car trip of the back roads in our county.  (It was what our budget allowed for entertainment in those days.) 

At one point Dad called out to the back seat:  Boys, close your eyes.  Son, Thomas the elder, cooperated; he probably knew what was coming.  Son, Russell…well, he required convincing.  Russell:  Why? 

Dad:  Just do it; you’ll see. 

Russell:  Why? 

In the middle of about four more “whys” it became apparent I’d reached the end of Daddy Elwood’s last patient nerve.  The car had reached that spot where the road dipped like a roller coaster.  In my memory I can still feel my stomach flipping as the car got a little air-time…and the jolt when it rejoined its place on the road.  If I’d known anything about space shuttle travel in 1957, I’d have written to NASA for an astronaut application the next day.  To this day I am certain my Dad had stepped on the gas a little extra on my third “why”.

The why of Dad’s care had to do with wanting to provide just a momentary fun part of the lazy drive.  We couldn’t afford a trip to an amusement park for a fancy roller coaster, but his ’49 Ford was available, and his sons were in the back seat.  Dad’s final words on the topic still ring in my ear; the next time I tell you to close your eyes, just relax and enjoy the ride.

I’m thinking that applies now, based on St. Paul’s words about our Heavenly Father’s richness of grace and kindness.  In the same way as my Dad knowing we were coming up on that fun bump, God knows where we are on this journey.  And, if I can put some words in our Father’s mouth, I think he might be saying something about how we really can’t see much from the back seat of His car, but He can.  The road may sometimes be boring from the back seat, and, when we can’t see the fun parts, we’re liable to question more than cooperate.

The current pandemic mess is even more undesirable than the back seat.  It’s like we’ve been moved to the car’s trunk and the darkness is overwhelming.  At least we think it’s overwhelming!  Paul said God has a firm grip on the steering wheel of this road trip, and He knows the turns, fun-bumps, and the destination.  And He is the one who held the door for us to get in the vehicle.  He chose us!

And…I distinctly remember Him whispering in my ear how the keys to that car are going to be mine, and yours, and all His forever family’s --- when the time is right.

For You Today

The pandemic realities are as scary as riding in the dark trunk.  But remember who is sitting in the driver’s seat; relax and enjoy the ride

You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day!  

[1] Title Image:  Courtesy of Pixabay.com    Unless noted, Scripture quoted from The New Living Translation^©

The Cost of Truth

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…, I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!”  At that point they picked up stones to throw at him.  John 8:31-32, 58-59a

The TRUTH is always in opposition to everything else, lies particularly, but it’s also in opposition to near-truth, variation, point-of-view, imagination, cultural correctness, expediency, end-justifying-the-means idealism, and the list goes on quite extensively! 

And, expensively!

There is always quite a cost to sticking with the truth.  It can cost you your career.  It did that with my Dad, who, in the 1940’s and 50’s worked in an aircraft factory and served for a brief time as the union representative for a crew working on fighter jets.  The foreman had been notified by upper management that he had to lay-off some workers.  He created the list, but it was my Dad’s sad task to notify the workers.  Layoffs always began with the least-seniority, which was by union rule, and common sense.  The name of a young woman who had only started working a few months prior, and therefore should have been one of the first on that list, was not on the list, while several senior employees were being let go.  My Dad went to the foreman to call attention to this so-called error, knowing it was no error.  It was common knowledge the foreman and this young woman, both married to other people, were having an affair.  Dad knew the risk involved with holding to the truth; my Dad had a mortgage, car payment and four mouths to feed.  But he also had a conscience to keep him awake at nights if he shed the truth for a paycheck.  When he pointed out the foreman’s oversight, the man waved his hand and said, hey, you’re the union rep, and that’s the list; do your job.  Dad pointed out the seniority rule and the foreman wouldn’t budge.  He told the foreman, if that woman’s name isn’t put on the list, you just add my name to it.  Which is exactly what the foreman did.  Long story short, things got a little tough over the next few months at the Brownworth house as my Dad hunted for a new job.  But, more importantly, he slept just fine every night!  

By comparison, my father’s cost of living with truth long ago was tiny compared to the eventual cost Jesus paid.  The crowd Jesus talked to were a bunch of his fellow Jews who were believers.  But when they began to realize the monumental changes that would take over their lives if they actually went past the formality of acknowledgement of Jesus…all the way to becoming disciples of Jesus, staking their time, talent, tithes, and their eternity on him…well, that was too much.  They picked-up stones to put an end to the truth, so they could be comfortable in their religious self-righteousness.

Sometimes people are not willing to pay the cost truth demands.  It is an unfortunate, and unwise choice, however.  When you opt for anything but truth here is what Jesus says about you:

For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does.  He was a murderer from the beginning.  He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.  John 8:44

For You Today

Consider whose family you choose when you part company with truth.

You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day.

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[1] Title Image:  Pixabay.com    Unless noted, Scripture used from The New Living Translation©

What Counts

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Monday, June 18, 2018

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.  It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not.  What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.  May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.  Galatians 6:14-16^(NLT)

The pictures are separated by a mere 60 years or so, but they’re the same people – a few more wrinkles, but still hanging together.  Had he hung around just a little longer, my dad, Elwood Frederick Brownworth would have been 100 today.

Now, a hundred years is a milestone not many make, but it is less than a static blip on the screen of eternity.  Truth be told, it goes by quickly.  Perhaps the apostle Paul, an old man writing from prison, understood it so well, he never wanted to dwell on incidentals; he wanted to shout out to those he loved to center their lives on what counts.  For Paul, what counted was the transformation of an old creature into a new creation; all the rest was busy time or window dressing. 

Paul had been the young man who was ferociously dedicated to making sure everyone dotted their theological i’s, and crossed their doctrinal t’s.  He persecuted those who went against the ancient Jewish traditions.  He wasn’t expecting it, but on one of his persecution expeditions he met Jesus, and the blinding transformation was so complete, the apostle in training never looked back.

My father was born into a nominally religious Roman Catholic family in 1918; they attended Easter and Christmas services “religiously”.  But, in the late 1930’s he met Cecilia Emilie Schmidt, an aspiring Baptist missionary, and his world was never the same.  She was a seriously committed follower of Jesus, and that got his attention.  Ceal didn’t like Slim at first, but it wasn’t long before God’s plan took over; Slim gave his heart to Jesus, and, like Paul, never looked back.  

They were married in September, 1942 and my big brother, Thom, arrived in July the next year.  Russell showed up nearly four years later.  A few years later the young couple managed to get a no-money-down, finish-it-yourself 4-room, escape from the city house.  They lived and served Christ there the next four decades. 

I’m certain I could write several thousand pages about life lessons learned in the home of Cecilia and Elwood Brownworth.  Many of those lessons have already found their way into these devotional morning musings. 

And that is proof of just how powerful is this witness of Christ when lived in front of your children.  They learn what you live, and I was privy all my growing-up years to a front row seat of that kind of commitment.  It’s what Apostle Paul said counts.  

So, happy birthday in Heaven, Dad, my father, friend, brother, and co-laborer in Christ.  One hundred years is only a drop in the bucket compared to the ocean of God’s eternity.  We’re going to have plenty of time to explore it all someday soon.  

Save me a good seat at the table.  

For You Today  

If you grew up in a home like the one I was privileged to enjoy, take a few moments to thank the Lord for His extreme generosity.  Whatever your training ground, God knew what was needed in your life.  The question is:  are you majoring in what counts for the generation that’s coming behind, and watching you?

You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day. 

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[1] Title Image:  Russell Brownworth photos

Thanks Dad

Thursday, August 11, 2016

As I write this morning it is still dark; it has rained through the night, just as it did last year on this day.  Last year I awoke to find that our little dog Wellie’s hind legs had become paralyzed.  Shortly after that I got the call from my brother Thom that our Dad had graduated to the Church Triumphant.

When big things happen in your life, especially on the same day, you remember that day clearly, and with an intensity of emotion.  I don’t know how more oddly-connected two events could be – the death of my father joined in my memory to a dog’s health issue.  But there are some similarities.

There is pain

While our vet assured us our little fur-beast feels no pain, the look of bewilderment on his little face that morning, and the growing sense of loss was unmistakable.  Perhaps the harsh reality of seeing a little animal suffer helped prepare my heart for what was to come just moments later, when I would hear the words that Dad had passed.

There is also patience

My father was not a patient man.  He could get excited about the prospect of getting something accomplished in an intense way that was so focused all else had to be put on-hold.  You could see it in his eyes, and it always meant you could get on board or you could stay behind!  Sometimes it took great patience just to be around my Dad; navigating his energetic ways caused patience to develop in those who knew him well. 

Our little Wellie’s paralyzed legs have forced him to slow down.  And I have had to re-learn patience as I help him up and down stairs, and do the mundane tasks that were taken for granted before.

There is perseverance

Wellie is not a little dog to be denied!  When it is supper time he lets you know with that stare and incessant barking, right in your face!  He maintains his “space” and will not be pushed aside.  He still plays, loves and licks you on the ear lobe when you pick him up.  He knows the family routines and is always willing to lead the pack when it’s time to go, dragging his little back legs behind.  These are important issues to a dog.

My Dad also paid attention to the important things.  He loved my Mother and his sons fiercely and faithfully.  He loved and served God with whatever lot God placed in his hands.  Even in his nineties Dad could be seen in the halls of the local nursing homes limping along with his cane, visiting the “old people” (as he called them), bringing the joke-of-the-day and a smile to each room.

My father was a man of perseverance, overcoming his depression-shortened education with a lifelong thirst for learning.  He would make the most of his annual vacation time by visiting historic sites in the United States. 

Perhaps what I will remember most is Dad’s integrity, a character strength which balanced-out his impatience and perseverance.  Somehow this ordinary man had an extraordinary impact on those with whom he shared this life. 

One story my Mother told me was how Dad worked his way up to foreman’s assistant at the aviation plant during World War II.  He supervised a dozen workers.  After the war the need for planes eased up, and with it came layoffs.  One day the boss came to him with the list of people Dad would have to give notice of termination.  One of those men had a large family, and had been a faithful employee for years.  My Father tried to reason with the boss that the man shouldn’t be on the list.  Another employee, a young girl had only recently been hired; it was only right that she be let go.  She was living with her parents and the economic hardship would be less than someone with so many depending on his paycheck.  The boss refused; Mom said they later learned it was because he was pursuing her romantically.  When Dad found this out he refused to fire the man with the family.  The boss said, you either put his name back on that list, or put your own on there in his place.  And that is exactly what he did!

At times I have been faced with ethical decisions, and it is my Dad’s integrity, placing faithful commitment to doing what’s right above career, money or comfort, which helped build in me a moral compass based upon kingdom principles.  Whatever sense of character I possess, my Father was a Godly teacher that led me to the well. 

For You Today

It’s been a year and the thankfulness for a man’s impact on a son is still growing.             

Thanks,Dad!                                                                             

You chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road today…have a blessed day!

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