Thread by @RediscHumility

Weird Bastille Day thread. I went to a French cafe here in Blacksburg today to work on my sermon and do some other work. They were preparing for their annual Bastille Day feast, little French flags everywhere, and as you would expect, this caused a personal crisis. 1/

Three years ago, my family had the privilege of being in Paris on Bastille Day. This was a once in a lifetime trip, made in part to fulfill a promise to @genevalark8 that we would take her to her namesake city, Geneva, home of the Reformation. 2/

We did get there but first by way of London, Brussels (b/c Tintin), and Paris. We were mostly in Paris to see all the art, but happened to be there on July 14th. I love French military history, but the art and the crowds around the parade set our agenda: the Louvre. 3/

I had the idea to watch the flyover through the Louvre's glass pyramid which worked perfectly. We arrived at the bottom of the pyramid just in time. 4/

But on the way to the museum we were also passed by a regiment of Republican Guard cavalry which made me very happy. 5/

I would also like to officially point out that I look extra fat in all our Europe photos because it was my job to wear all four passports under my shirt. Small price to pay for pickpocket security, but still and all. 6/

So here is the point in all this. We walked miles & miles each day we were in Paris; a delightful visit to an amazing city. That was three years ago.

Today, I had to use a cane to make it from my car to the cafe, and have been this way off & on for over a year due to Lyme. 7/

It is so hard some days that each step takes great determination and grimace. I often find myself whispering, "Courage, Merry" to urge myself on, while those around stare at the crazy guy. 8/

So I have a choice: do I look back at our Paris trip with grateful joy or do I bemoan the season I am now in? The truth is: I do both. Am I depressed at not being able to walk much anymore? YES. Absolutely yes and to deny that would add dishonesty on top of distress. It sucks. 9/

All of these thoughts triggered by Bastille Day, itself a violent overthrowing of ancient order ushering in a time of both hope & uncertainty across the Western world.

I want my life to be predictable & in some ways restored to what it once was. That choice is not offered. 10/

But I can give thanks for graces unearned; trips we did not deserve, a family that loves me, a church which bears with me, and a Savior who forgives all my sins, heals all my diseases, redeems my life from the Pit, and crowns me with steadfast love and mercy. 11/

And so to paraphrase Scripture, be depressed, but do not sin in your depression nor fail to give thanks to your Creator and Redeemer.

There is a certain grimness to Joy that proves it is Joy, and not just a mood. 12/

I mean, look again at this guy from Up, and tell me he is not full of Joy. 13/

But do not today look for the Bastille. It is not there. In the same way, you cannot return to the past. Only give thanks for it and repent where you fell short.

But you must face today & look forward whatever season you are in. That is your adventure now. Walk those miles. 14/

Back then past the tumult of Bastille Day to an era perhaps of even greater suffering, greater wisdom, the time of the Reformation, when hymnodists knew of what they wrote, facing much worse ravishes than Lyme. They help us see things aright. So, Paul Gerhardt in 1653: 15/

Why should cross & trial grieve me?
Christ is near with his cheer; never will he leave me.

God oft gives me days of gladness;
shall I grieve if he give seasons too of sadness?
God is good and tempers ever all my ill,
and he will wholly leave me never.

Happy Bastille Day. FIN