Hang on!

“Hang on!” When you hear those words, they could mean two different things. 

“Hang on!” Could be like the poster I saw when I attended York College so many years ago. It was of a small kitten holding on to a branch of a tall tree. Hold tight - help is on the way. That was the thought. This past weekend I was down at camp with 6 young people for Winterkamp. We talked about New Years’ resolutions and how to keep them going throughout the year. In my lesson on Sunday I talked about the apostle Peter and why I like his example so much. 

Throughout his life we see Peter as someone who was passionate about almost everything he did. So when he messed up, he often did it in a big way. But he never gave up. He picked himself up and kept going, knowing that Jesus (the one he messed up with so often) loved him. So I know that I do not have to give up - even if I have messed up. I can pick myself up and continue on, knowing that Jesus loves me. 

Hang on! That is what a lot of 2020 and 2021 looked like for many. This past year was a bit different, but still held a lot of this sentiment. 

“Hang on - here we go!” This is something I can remember from some exciting activities in the past. A rollercoaster just getting to the top of the hill before the scary, exciting, scream-inducing fall. Holding onto a bar, my feet in skis in the water, just before the boat pulls away with a growl and I have to try to stay upright and feel the thrill of sliding over the water (just before splashing face-first into the spray). White-water rafting. Driving a car for the first time or riding a motorcycle. Bicycling down a hill, racing against my brothers. Jumping across a chasm or the creek at camp, hoping not to fall. 

The excitement that comes with new moments, something dangerous, difficult and yet wonderful arriving at that moment. That is also where we stand now. This is a new year with new challenges and new blessings. We can face it because we walk with the one and only Almighty God who loves us deeply. So let’s go! 

It was a great weekend. We enjoyed many good conversations, watched some amazing fireworks on a night that was completely clear - even though it was supposed to be raining - and got to know each other better. We each of us headed home to different challenges, thankfully with still a little time to rest after a weekend of excitement. I am thankful for young people willing to get together and help one another. I am thankful for a place like camp that we can do these things. And I am so very thankful for a wonderful God who also says, “Hang on!”

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

That's a keeper

I like learning. Although school was not always ‘fun’, it was usually exciting to be learning new things. And that learning doesn’t start or stop with school. A simple walk with the dog in the morning can bring new insights and challenges. Learning means having an open enough mind to see new things and consider them, and a critical enough mind to question what is true or right or worthwhile.

It is possible to learn from all sorts of situations and all sorts of people. One of my favorite texts is in 1 Thessalonians where we are encouraged to test teaching and hold on to the good. I haven’t yet met a teacher with whom I agree on everything or whom I believe has everything right. But I am willing to listen, to sift through the information, and to hold on to what is good.

This month I had the opportunity once again to attend ABSS – the Advanced Bible Study Series. This week of study is organized by my colleague Paul Brazle in Germany and is attended by brothers and sisters from all over Europe. I enjoy the challenging lessons as well as the good conversations (during and after playing basketball) and singing. And I was able to hold on to some good lessons.

The other side of the learning coin is also found in scripture – and it is also one of my favorite thoughts: remember to share with the teacher what you have learned (Galatians 6:6). I remember a young boy showing me very earnestly how to tie my shoe – he had recently learned and wanted to make sure I knew how to achieve this very important task.

That is the beauty of learning – it is exciting. We can’t hold it in. We want to share it with everyone. Sometimes we hear to an inner voice saying, “This is nothing special. Everyone already knows this.” Don’t listen to that voice. Share what you have learned. Be excited. And for those who are listening – just as I was with the young boy teaching me to tie my shoe – listen attentively and learn. Be excited with the learner.

In the Dutch version of the song ‘Freely, freely give” we sing: “Pass it on, pass it on – whatever you now have. Pass on whatever you now know.” Whatever it is you know now (you will learn more as you go), pass it on. Whatever you have now (of course you are not a millionaire and cannot help many), pass it on. God wants to use us now, wherever we are.

In this coming year I am looking forward to mentoring a brother in Haarlem. I pray that God will use me to help him learn, and I know that I too will learn as we struggle together through the things God wants to teach us.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22