I Am (Almost) Hip

Christianity Today recently reviewed an album by singer/songwriter Josh Garrels. Being as uncool as we are, the Rev. and I had never heard of Josh Garrels. So, after a quick trip online, I quickly discovered why CT had given him rave reviews.

When I first heard the album, I immediately felt hip. Since most music in our house involves potty training and animal noises these days, we are pretty much out of the loop of all things cool and trendy. But, listening to this album brought me back to my college days (when I was at least a little bit more hip than I am now) and made me feel like I should be sitting in a Pacific Northwest coffeeshop drinking green tea.

By far, my favorite song is "Farther Along". Sometimes the Lord gets my attention through scripture, sometimes through a sermon, but this time He captured it through a song. Living on the prairie and being married to the son of a rancher has taught me a lot about farm and ranch life, especially about cattle. The following line from "Farther Along" creates the perfect image of freedom in Christ.

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall
I’m free to love once and for all
And even when I fall I’ll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup
Heaven filled me with more than enough
Broke down my levee and my bluff
Let the flood wash me
(taken from www.joshgarrels.com)

When we allow Christ to wash away our sins, we are like that calf, who after being pent up, is set free to run and skip as it was made to do. Isn't that how it is with us? The last few months of maternity leave have given me time to think about who I am in Christ and what I am created to do. I can't say that I have a clear and definitive answer, but I can say this. Loving Christ and following Him is what is most important in this world. In the day to day stress of work, church and family obligations, I am quick to forget this. When I was a new Christian, my faith was so fresh and exciting, that I swore I wouldn't forget my first love. But, like most people, the world gets it's ugly grip around my heart and I become consumed with meaningless worries.

I may no longer be hip, but that doesn't seem to matter anymore. What matters is that I have been set free, like that calf loosed. Free to love, free to rejoice, free to be who God created me to be.

May the Lord capture your attention today and fill you with His love!