We Change — God's Word Does Not

I am quite possibly the world's least disciplined writer. Though I am retired and likely have more time on my hands than most people who submit meditations to The Upper Room, I follow none of the advice given in books written to help writers hone their craft — suggestions like, "Set a specific time to write, and stick to your schedule."  I keep a list of ideas for possible meditations, and when I get around to it I'll sit down and try to turn an inspirational nugget into something that could encourage someone else.  (This assumes that in the months since I jotted down my idea, I haven't forgotten the meaning behind my often cryptic scribbling!)  

Therefore, quite a bit of time had passed before I finally got around to organizing my thoughts to support the idea behind today's meditation: "Impt. of memorizing scripture (Dan. passage)."  After writing the piece and editing it based on feedback from friends in a writers' group, I held on to it for months before submitting it so I could write two more pieces. (I like to submit three pieces at a time, as it helps me keep track of their progress through the selection process.)               

Of course given the selection, translation, and publishing processes, it takes a while from the time a piece is submitted to when it is published — in this case, close to two years.              

All this is to say that when the staff of The Upper Room suggested this spring that I submit a picture of the Bible study group referred to in the meditation for use on the blog, I realized that it had been years since I wrote the original note that had started the whole process.               

Though the group is still meeting, there have been changes over the years.  One couple has moved hundreds of miles away, and two beloved group members, including my husband, Jerry, have passed away. The group managed to come up with a picture that we think was taken around the time that we were studying Daniel, and it is included in this blog.  Looking at it, two things occur to me.              

First, though it has been about six years since we were working on the study that inspired me to write this meditation, one third of the people in the group are no longer with us.  In contrast, God's word, on which our study was based, has not changed at all in the many centuries since it was written.  It truly has eternal significance and daily relevance, as today's meditation suggests.              

Second, I realize how blessed I am to be a part of this group of fellow believers who have studied God's word together for years. We have walked with each other through numerous valleys, including the deaths of two of our members, and we have rejoiced with each other over the many blessings God has brought our way. We have challenged and encouraged each other as we strive to grow in Christlikeness.  If you are not part of such a group, I encourage you to find one.  My growth as a Christian would be slower and much less joyful without these dear friends.

If you'd care to read some other thoughts from Lisa, you can find them at www.needencouragement.com/lisa-stackpole.