A Protective Hand

Brenda and I returned last evening from a marathon, 12-hour drive to and from western North Carolina to deliver my dad back to his Forest City home. We only spent 10 minutes at his house before we climbed back into the car and headed west. Arriving in Murfreesboro with 2 hours to spare before worship rehearsal, Brenda and I spent time over a Chinese dinner reflecting on Josh and Amber's wedding. What a sweet couple they are. The wedding was simply beautiful. At one point at our home this past week we were hosting a pretty large brood. We thoroughly enjoy the time spent with our parents, ever knowing that these opportunities are precious. The Latin phrase,"Carpe diem quam minime credula postero," (Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future) comes to mind.

As we watch the passage of time leaving it's evidence on our faces and bodies, we are reminded of our parent's towering presence, holding a protective hand over our lives. Their care and influence still casts a shadow today. Pop is slower and takes his time climbing down stairs but still has a sharp wit and a youthful view to life. My role, and that of my brother Jon, has reversed over the years. I feel very protective of Pop's safety, health and over-all welfare. I never want any harm to come to him.

Brenda and I recently learned of a close elderly family member who has been the target of a subtle yet malicious attempt to take over her finances. She has been a widow for several years now and is enamored by any attention showered upon her. When family learned of the situation, and made her aware, the widow was shocked at how easily her ill-intentioned neighbor attempted to swoop in under the cover of concern and began to make moves toward changing her will to become the executor. Family halted any further progress and are beginning to unravel the mess. Another neighbor, a wheel chair bound widow didn't fare so well. She allowed the predator to make changes to her will to have full ownership of her home upon death.

I was quickly drawn to a passage in Micah, chapter 2 last night before collapsing into bed with exhaustion. It plainly spells out God's perspective on taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable.

1 Woe to those who plan iniquity,
to those who plot evil on their beds!
At morning's light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.

2 They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them.
They defraud a man of his home,
a fellowman of his inheritance.

3 Therefore, the LORD says:
"I am planning disaster against this people,
from which you cannot save yourselves.
You will no longer walk proudly,
for it will be a time of calamity. (NIV)