Hobbies: A Waste of Time or Another Spiritual Lesson?

I've always enjoyed crafting. Even as a kid, I would sit and look through our activity and project books to see if we had all the supplies for a particular craft. There's something about being creative that is so satisfying. I imagine that's God sharing a little bit of His creativity with me. Think about that for a moment...by engaging in hobbies like crafting, cooking, gardening, etc., we get a little taste of God as the Creator of the Universe. That's pretty cool!

Pinterest. I love it. It's been a really fun way for me to try new recipes, explore new ideas of design, craftiness and party planning. It seems like there is a bulletin board for just about everything these days. I know some people view it as another online time waster, and I'm sure I've wasted a few hours away pinning. I guess I put it in the same category as Facebook- it's all in how you use it.

Pinterest has introduced me to the world of food bloggers and so many new recipes that one could argue I could never make them all. Although, I have to admit, I have tried a LOT of new recipes (most of them keepers, by the way). Currently, I have Thai Chicken in the crockpot and just last night we had a fantastic Chicken Pot Pie!

My other hobby as of late has been gardening. I'm SO thankful for a husband who doesn't mind is willing to get down on his hands and knees to help with weeding and planting. He does so many things he doesn't really like to do- merely out of love! *sigh* We have a little ant problem, so, we've only been able to plant half of the garden. These little plants are truly amazing. One morning there was a little leaf poking out of the dirt...the next morning there are two full leaves completely sprouted! There are so many spiritual lessons to be learned from our garden. It makes me so excited to see if they will bear fruit and veggies. We've enjoyed several rounds of rhubarb and I think the strawberries are next. I'm hoping to catch some of the wild berry bushes near our house before all the dog-walkers pick them all.

So, there you have it...a little taste into the boring adulthood of my life. I still laugh at myself every now and then as I realize, "I'm a grown-up. This is my life." So many years were spent longing for the day I could drive, or have my own place or be married. I'm thankful for each phase of my life- even the really hard ones...and the boring ones. I'm thankful for today and the many, many ways God reveals more of Himself to me- even through hobbies. I hope that as you sit in front of your computer, or wherever your hobbies may take you, that you are reminded of God and His incredible creativity!

Cancer

Cancer. There are many thoughts and emotions that are connected to a word like cancer. Cancer has been making quite the appearance in the lives of my friends lately. The Rexer family has been walking the path of leukemia and just last Friday a family at the Hospitality House announced her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the last week, I can think of at least six friends who have asked prayer for family or friends recently diagnosed. It seems to be unavoidable.

Lydia was my first real experience with cancer. She used to be the Financial Aid lady at the college I attended. When I first met Lydia, I thought she was a little harsh and unflexible. I mean she talked to you straight about whether or not you really had the money to pay for your college education. What was your plan? Needless to say, I ended up in Lydia's office more than once explaining that I had no idea where the money was going to come from. I had enrolled for college too late and missed most of the scholarships and my savings and four jobs could only carry me so far. She would pat me on the back and say, "Don't worry about it. God will provide. I'll see if I can find any other scholarships for you." Miraculously, when I would go to pay my bill there was a "Needy Student Scholarship" applied to my account and I would sigh and wipe a tear as I thanked God for lifting me through another semester.

After I graduated from college, I was privileged enough to work at the University as an employee for several years. There were a smattering of other women who worked together pretty closely, including Lydia, and we enjoyed eating lunch together from time to time. I remember Red Lobster was a favorite for everyone, I mean who can say "No." to those cheddar biscuits? As I got to know these women and the inner workings of the University a little better, that is when I began to put the pieces together. The "Needy Student Scholarship" was actually the Lydia scholarship. Even now it brings tears to my eyes as I recognize that Lydia and her husband were beacons that pointed me to worship Jehovah Jireh- My Provider. Without those scholarships, I am unsure of whether or not I would have completed my college education.

When Lydia died of cancer, it hit me really hard. Not that we were really close, but knowing that there would now be students who would have to drop out of school because there was no "Needy Student Scholarship". It hit me hard because I never chose to say "Thank you" in person. It hit me hard because Lydia loved Jesus and was doing a good work...why would He take her home early?

Cancer produces a lot of hard questions. Questions that cannot be ignored. I do not pretend to have all or any of the answers, but I do wholly place my trust in the God who is the Creator of life. I do believe that Lydia is with her Savior, free of the pain of this life. I entrust my life to Him and I am thankful He meets me where I'm at...even in the midst of hard questions.

[Psa 139:1-10 ESV] - To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.