To Battle

Dear Christa—

Yesterday was the AP exam for my students. Next week are senior finals. They’re ready to take the next step into life, and frankly, I’m ready for summer.

They will soon find that life has a way of bringing twists and turns that we don’t expect. Some are good; some are sad. They can be the result of our own choices or the choices of another. Then, some things simply happen.

Already, here at the beginning of May, our family is experiencing good events, sad events, and some that are just a part of life. All require adjustments. All require preparation.

As I opened my bedroom door into the hall this morning, William’s Minecraft diamond sword leaned against the wall next to the boys’ closed bedroom door. A diamond sword can destroy any enemy—or so I’ve been told. Blade pointing down and handle upright, it looked ready for the grabbing—guarding the little warrior fast asleep.

Where is my sword? Where did I leave it last? Is it at the ready or hidden under a leap of papers—or a heap of trials and circumstances?

Hebrews 4:12 draws a comparison between the Word of God and our sword when it states that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart.”

Do I long for my sword as the little guy does who sleeps in the room next to mine? Do I carry it in my heart? Do I believe and trust it? Is it so precious that it is never far from me? 
 Does it rest just outside my door?

The Word of God—my sword—has the power to stand “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph.4:12).

Battles come, and—willing or not—we must fight them. We have a Sword, better than a Minecraft diamond sword—and that can destroy anything.

—the parishioner who doesn’t do anything