(Feel free to sing along…) “You put your right hand in.  You put your right hand out.  You put your right hand in, and you shake it all about.  You do the Hokey Pokey, and you turn yourself around.  THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!!!!”

I have finally answered the most controversial, challenged, and discussed question of all time!  “What is the meaning of life?  What is it all about?”  It’s all about the Hokey Pokey!  I must be a genius!  Who knew that the profound revelation would be found in the lyrics of a toddler’s classic tune! Woo-hoo for me!  Pat me on the back and show me where to pick up my Nobel Prize.

Okay… so the entire population of the planet may not be so quick to agree, but I think that I actually have stumbled upon a simple, significant truth in that song.  It’s an action song.  It requires participation from the whole body.  You can’t participate fully in the song without smiling… even giggling at times.  It forces you out of your comfort zone and when you “turn yourself around” you have a clear, panoramic view of all that surrounds you.

As Christians, this may really be “what it’s all about.”  We are the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 )… the hands, the feet, the eyes, etc.  Living the life of building God’s Kingdom is a full-body effort.  The song wouldn’t be the same if you left out putting your right leg in and out… each part has a part.  That’s how it is in the body of Christ.  We have all been called, equipped, and purposed to work in a unique way… to work alongside and with each other… all for God’s glory.  We have to actively participate.

We have to reach others (as a body) with contagious joy… smiling and giggling are required.  Our joy in Christ in not determined by our circumstances.  It is a constant that is lived out in spite of them… an unshakeable hope.

Nehemiah 8:10 “…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

John 16:33 (Jesus is speaking) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As we are reaching out to others, we should display a lifestyle of worship.  The song of our heart should be so sincere… so elated that we can’t help but attract others with an invitation to join in the fun.

I remember as a kid doing this song most often at the skating rink… talk about leaving your comfort zone.  It’s a bit of a balancing act on your feet; magnify that a thousand times on skates.  As we reach the world for Christ, we will find ourselves doing so in places we never expected… in situations of challenge and testing… but we are never alone.  Just keep reminding each other, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

At the close of each verse, we get to “turn ourselves around.”  I think this has many meanings for us as the body of Christ.  We can recognize the miraculous full-circle change he has made in our personal lives… how He makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  As His workers, when we turn around we also see a world that is in dying need of a Savior.  We stop focusing on all the issues that are hitting us personally and look out and focus on the needs of others, and we are overcome with a desire to share His unfailing love with them.

Okay… maybe I’m stretching this analogy a little too far.  But maybe I’m not.  Maybe it’s this simple.  Perhaps this is what “it” (life) is all about: a song of joy and love to our Creator that encompasses our entire being… an attempt to share that hope and love with those around us.  

Matthew 22: 37-39 “Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Hmm…  that’s what it’s all about.  Enjoy the dance J

Look!  Up in the sky… it’s a bird.  It’s a plane.  It’s… an exhausted, worn out, wrinkled, sleep-deprived, snappy, discontent flying object (with back pain) who really wants to conquer a gallon of rocky road ice cream instead of the world!!  What a sight!

Okay, so it’s not Superman… or Superwoman, in our case.  But it’s a more realistic definition of who we are when we attempt to do it all, have it all, and be all.  When did we decide that we were obligated to fulfill such lofty expectations?  When did we buy into the lie that “more, more, more” is better?  When did top speed, multi-tasking, passion-less living take center stage in our lives?  Why do we feel the pressure to even attempt this flight to failure? 

What does it look like in your life?  Are you a college student with a triple major, volunteer work, and two part-time jobs?  Are you a seasoned business executive that responds to emails on your blackberry and returns phone calls on your cell phone… at the same time… in early rush hour traffic… while driving?  Are you the soccer mom who cannot remember the last time you danced around the house like a monkey with your kids because of your daily to-do-list and schedules for piano lessons, karate class, and PTA meetings?  Are you the church volunteer who is heading up 4 ministries, 2 Bible studies, 1 Mission Trip, and singing in the choir but discovers that you fall asleep at each attempt to spend some quiet time alone with God?  The scenarios could go on forever.

What am I getting at?  I am a huge believer in hard work.  It defines our character… instills integrity and principle.  But I fear that as women, we have gotten lost in the unfulfilling trap of trying to prove our worth.  We look at what the world calls “Superwomen” and we seem to honor that lifestyle… we don’t just honor it, we crave it.  Pick up any women’s magazine and you’ll find dozens of articles to prove my point.  The hectic, busy, plate-balancing, task-juggling role is something we all feel pressure to achieve.

As women, we are unique.  We are gifted in a special way.  I am so thrilled that God made me a woman, but I know he did not do that so I can spend my life trying to prove that I am invincible…  I’m the queen of multi-tasking…  I’m able to accomplish more… just to prove how gifted I am…  I’m just as qualified as a man…  I’m better than a man.  Sometimes I think our world has gotten so off track that as women we don’t just want to prove we can handle as much as men, we want to prove that we can even handle as much as God.  Truth is… we can’t, and we shouldn’t even want to.

One would assume that with all of our going and blowing we would feel a sense of accomplishment, but most Christian women I see sporting their fancy red capes just feel weary, over-extended, and drained. 

We need strength. 

Isaiah 58:11 “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

We need rest.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

We need patience.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

We need security.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

There is nothing wrong with wanting to live out the gifts God has given us.  It’s a great thing to set goals and achieve them.  And you will never see me cheering for a lazy, self-absorbed woman.  But life should not be lived in our own strength and for our own glory.  Everything we choose to do has to be a result of a life of priority in Christ.  He will guide us with specific clarity.  We will be fulfilled, refreshed, and renewed on a regular basis.  We will be women of purpose and influence.  Just read Proverbs 31: 10-31.  Now there is a real Superwoman… but not one defined by the world’s standards.  She is God’s version… the real hero.  She can accomplish many, many things for His glory and purpose, but she has not forgotten who she is in Christ… the source of her strength… her priorities.  She is full of value, wisdom, balance, faith, strength, dignity.   Her husband has confidence in her.  Her children bless her.  She is a hard worker, but you never see in her a sense of trying to prove her worth to others.  She is focused on the plans that God has for her life, and how she can use every opportunity to reflect His sweet light.

So… are you faster than a speeding bullet?  Well slow down already!  That kind of speed and wind resistance will only increase your chances for a bad hair day anyway! Are you able to leap tall buildings in a single bound?  What’s your problem?  Walk through the door missy… mingle in the lobby… let your feet glide across the over-priced Oriental rug, and admire the exquisite paintings and sculptures you will never have in your own home.  Ask God to reveal to you the things He wants to accomplish through you… the things He has uniquely gifted you to do.  They will keep you busy but not overwhelmed and exhausted.  Pray for balance.  Prioritize your life.  Hang up your cape.

I really think that mornings should not begin until 9:00.  There is just something so inviting about fluffy pillows and cuddly blankets that inhibit me from springing to my feet with enthusiasm as the bellowing beeps of my alarm clock cry out, “Rise and shine!”  Unfortunately, this “anti-morning-disorder” has passed down to my three year old son.  He whimpers, grunts, and tries to avoid the inevitable wake-up routine just like mommy.  I’ve learned that our mornings are less grueling if I allow him a few minutes in my arms… a moment to acclimate himself to the glow of sunbeams and the melodies of happy morning birds… YUCK!!! (I told you I’m not a morning person.)

During this time together, we have developed a consistent script of conversation.  I’ll ask him, “Are you ready to wake up now?”  Without hesitation, he responds, “I just want to love you for a little bit.”  My heart soars.  Although I know those words are coming, I anticipate them every time.  There is something so tender and genuine when his tiny voice speaks that phrase to me.  Needless to say, I comply, and I spend the next few moments showering him with affection… encouraging him… loving him back. 

Our morning routine has painted a beautiful picture of what Christ wants from me.  Before I am overwhelmed with the tasks and demands of the day… before crisis comes… before I’m distracted, He really just wants me to climb into His arms and whisper, “I just want to love you for a little bit.”  This is worship.  This is real.  This is what matters.  This is what will sustain me throughout the day.  I often justify my disregard for “moments in his arms” with the reality of all the details and responsibilities that the day ahead holds.  There just seems to be too little time… too much on my plate.  During those moments, I resemble Martha and not Mary…

Luke 10:38-42 (The Message)

 38-40As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

 41-42The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it-it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

Could it be that “loving Him for a little bit” each morning would shift my focus for that day?  Would some time in His arms strengthen me to endure the challenges that are ahead?  If nothing else, wouldn’t it be a sweet memory to reflect on when difficulties arise that try to steal my joy?  I think that it’s worth it.  I think it brings Him joy.  I know it brings me peace.  When I curl up in the lap of my Father… for just a little bit… He is going to shower me with affection… encourage me…love me back.

I have iPod envy.  It’s sad… very, very sad.  I just think those charming little devices… in an assortment of bright, beautiful colors… are fabulous.  What’s funny about my “covetous quandary” is that I could actually set aside some money and purchase one of those little beauties, but God has chosen to teach me a lesson in contentment instead.  Isn’t that remarkable about our Father?  He will use common, every day situations to mold us into His image.

So here is how I am learning contentment in the midst of my iPod envy… it’s not that God doesn’t think I should have one, or that He won’t one day allow me to purchase one.  He is changing my attitude in regards to instant gratification…  the All-American-I-want-it-now-syndrome. 

I love to run/power-walk at night.  It’s a time for me to escape into solitude, breathe in God’s amazing creation all around me, and not to mention, burn off those decadent triple fudge brownies I ate that afternoon.  When I run, I always have praise music playing… not on my fancy-schmancy, bright and brilliant iPod mind you, but on my 8 year old, dingy, faded-red CD walkman!!!!  I must say, I make quite a fashion statement when I run in my neighborhood.  The lovely archaic recording device is of course too large to hook onto anything, so I have to hold it in one hand while running, and the attractive EXTRA-LARGE head set encircles my ears in such a way that resembles Princess Leyah from Star Wars.  I know, I know… you’re a little jealous, right?

Why do I continue on in my cardio-quest in such a fashion?  Because the CD walkman works fine.  It never skips.  The over-sized headset rests snuggly on my ears.  It plays every song I want to listen to without a hitch.  I am learning to be content with what I have been given for a time.  Even with a situation as simple as a music-device, I want to be free of this sense of self-entitlement that attacks so many areas of our lives.  I want to practice contentment.  If I can accomplish this in a small area of my life, perhaps I will find it easier in a large one. 

God constantly reminds me that it is in the every day, routine tasks of life that He changes us.  That’s why we miss it so often.  We are always looking for the grand… the magnificent moments where He writes His purpose and plans in the sky.  But the God I know speaks to me consistently in a still small voice… in the most ordinary instances of my day.  He wants me to simply take baby-steps of obedience in every circumstance that He brings to my attention.

Paul eloquently states, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12).

I want to grasp that.  Apply it.  Put it into action, and live it out.  And I will start with the most minuscule matter that God brings to my attention.  So onward I run, proudly grasping my outdated walkman, thanking God for the blessing of hearing His songs of praise ring in my well-covered ears.  Satisfied. Content. 

i’ll be honest.  i like watching award shows just to see hollywood’s starlets float across the infamous red carpet in their chic, graceful gowns… perfectly manicured from the top of their over-priced up-do’s, down to their fabulous strappy heals (man… i love shoes).  as they glide down the path of flashing cameras, invasive microphones, and persistent entertainment reporters, without fail, they are anticipating the inevitable question of the evening… “WHO ARE YOU WEARING?”

that’s actually a profound question i think.  not in the same sense as it is asked on the red carpet, but in a real and revealing way.  it reminds me of the quote, “you resemble the company you keep.”  i think that’s why God warns us to choose our friends wisely (I Corinthians 15:33  “do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.”) …over time we will start to look like them… emotionally, spiritually.  so who am I wearing?

i have old friends that fit me snug and cozy like my favorite vintage t-shirt… always providing comfort no matter how many times i’ve put them through the washing machine.

some friends challenge me to improve and persevere… like that pair of pre-pregnancy jeans i tried to squeeze into a week after giving birth.  those friends believe in me against all odds and i love them for that!!

then there is the “little black party dress” friend who always gives me a reason to celebrate.  when i’m with her, i look my best.

unfortunately, i have had my share of “bright fuchsia bridesmaid dress” friends.  you know what i’m talking about…the kind with the giant bow right on your rear end!!  no matter how you try to accessorize, this friend is never going to compliment your character.  sometimes those relationships only make it off the hanger once.

what about me?  how do “fit” those i love the most?  

am i merely a trendy hand bag?  here for just a season. in a friend’s life when it’s easy and out when the newness wears off.

am i a pair of old sneakers that squeak endlessly when walking?  just enough to annoy and exasperate the patience of a friend.

or am i a warm, wool coat?  covering them to the floor.  protecting them at all costs.  sheltering them from cold winds of heartache and disappointment.  reflecting the refuge that Christ provides to each of us.

who are we wearing?  it matters.  it determines the growth of our character and disposition. 

Proverbs 13:20  “he who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

how do others look when they put on our apparel?   are we the type of friends that are treasured for years to come or do we simply end up being returned before the tags are cut off?

i hope to strive for greatness in my friendships… giving and receiving. 

Proverbs 31:30  “charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. but the woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.”   (the message translation)

thanks to all of the vintage tees, hopeful jeans, little black dresses, and warm wool coats in my life.  i’ll proudly wear you guys forever 

Being “silent and still” has never been a strong point for me… especially when facing a spiritual challenge.  Such is the case with the inspiration for this song.  I was right in the middle of a difficult situation that left me asking questions such as, “How much longer Lord?”… “Do you see what’s happening?”… “When will it let up?”  I’m so grateful that my Savior never grew weary of hearing the cries of my heart, and that He beautifully revealed peace in the midst of pain.  During this “teachable moment” of my life (I seem to require many of those, by the way), He gently guided me to scripture that spoke not just to my circumstances, but to my attitude regarding them.  As you can guess, the underlying theme was to “wait.”  As if that was not challenging enough, I was to wait with hope and expectation.  He had no intention of removing the situation, but He did have a desire to make something beautiful out of it.  I held on tightly to His words and actually believed them.  I began to praise Him in spite of the challenges.  One afternoon I began praying and journaling about my situation and my newfound confidence that God was working in and through it, and the words and melody to “Wait For You” came to life.  It was such a sweet, tender moment.  He was my peace, my hope, and my song no matter what was going on in my life.  I remember feeling overwhelmed that He would give me… someone who begrudgingly listened to his voice… someone who wrestled with obedience… a song of hope and encouragement about the very thing that was pressing in on me.  I am reminded of a quote by Pastor Ben Patterson that puts everything into perspective… “The success of our waiting lies not in who we are, but in who God is.  It is not our strength that will pull us through to the end; it is God’s amazing love and mercy.”Psalm 5:3  “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” James 5:7-11  ”Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!  Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” May my compassionate Savior turn your sorrow into song!  WAIT ON HIM!!!!!!!