Author: Wick

Here we go again with another “Five Minute Friday” post!  To learn more about “Five Minute Friday” (FMF), check out the linked image here.  Basically, each week there’s a word given for you to write about.  You start writing, no back-tracking, editing, etc.  At the end of 5 minutes, you stop.  Then you post it, and share in the community of words that were birthed during these 24-ish hours.  It’s cool stuff.
So here’s this week’s response to the word: “here”.

It can mean so many different things, at different times, to different people.

To the “Parking and Traffic Commision” I serve on for our city, “Here” (I’m present, ready to help place a handicap spot, or traffic control device of some sort.)

To the voice and image on the other side of the County Jail video phone, “I’m here” (We have 15 minutes again this week, to try and fit all of your prayers, and answer a few questions about the Bible as possible.)

To my daughter, “Daddy’s here!” (She runs to me, and I scoop her up into my arms, breathing in the life she radiates.  Knowing I can’t do this forever, I enjoy it all I can.)

To my teens in youth group, “I’m here for you.” (Though they may not understand, because they know I get paid – I really do want to be there for them – beyond the lessons and trips.  I pray, and I hope they know I and their other leaders find joy in being able to share life with them.)

To my wife, “I’m here.” (As I remember that it’s important to have more days a week where we share the final minutes of the day in conversation and/or prayer, than sharing an experience of television.)

To God, each morning I try to echo the response of Isaiah (6:8), “Here am I, Lord…send me.” (Into my day, wherever that might lead.  I may not always remember either, so feel free to take control when I’m too stubborn/selfish to relinquish it.)

End.

And on that note….I’m so glad you’re here.  (Glad you came by to read my words…thanks for connecting.)

I don’t even remember how it happened the first time.  Whether it was sitting at home quietly with God, and receiving the idea; or maybe we were already on a hike in the early spring, and seeing the green buds made us think of it.  But for many years now, a tradition for our family has been to go out into creation on a hike in early spring, and help God to  “wake up the trees”.  Because as we all know, they fell asleep for Winter.

Sometimes it happens in the form of running loudly, yelling “Wake up!  Wake up!!  It’s time for Spring!!!”  Other times grabbing a specific tree or two, and giving them a good shake or a hug.  After a while we realize we’re “waking up” a bit ourselves, enjoying nature in endurable weather, and breathing deep the medicines of free-time and fresh air.

I was gonna write some more about it…and how this walk has changed over the years (mainly, from me carrying them through the steep bits….to them running full speed  down and up)…but I thought it’d be more fun to show you: