armor - re-post with edits

Ephesians 6:10-18:   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 

There are desert times in our journey and yet Jesus is there.  In these places there is fear, doubt, anxiety snuggled up with hope, anticipation, and expectation.  These times can be so hard to pray that we need a sister to pray for us.  She reminds of the need to be armed for the spiritual battle happening in that unseen place that sucks the very life out of us.  In order to pray the armor I picture myself playing dress up and somehow the words come.

 

The belt of truth becomes my favorite western belt with the big horseshoe buckle the size of my fist that makes my pants droop, it is cracked and worn and smells of old leather. 

 

The breastplate of righteousness is fashioned from my tiger print vest that once was all the rage and is now tattered and moth eaten and smells like the darkest corner of my closet. 

 

The shoes which ready me for battle are my Piglet slippers which have traveled the country with me as I teach your children, they too are a little worn and smelly but full of joyful memories of epiphany moments.

 The shield of faith is the cover from my fire pit, covered with ash and dirt, the scent of smoke soaked in the memories of dear ones who have gathered around it with me to pray, play, and ponder.

 The helmet of salvation must truly be my San Francisco Giants cap now free from dust in the glory of victory and redemption of all the bad years (and crappy pitching, but that is another story).

 The sword, definitely the one from Star Wars because it makes a cool noise and surely will scare the devil away and while it is not mine today I can pretend it is.

 

Abba, there may not be many fancy prayer like words in this yet each picture reminds me of those gifts you have brought into my life.  Many coming with the reminder of the love with which you surround me.  

You call me to child like faith and it is in these gifts that come with a picture in my mind that I am able to look up again and see you smiling at me.  

You reach down and pull me in your arms and hold on tight.  I wrap my arms around your neck and hold on knowing this moment is brief as I become distracted, climb from your lap, and run outside where I pretend to be in control again.  I pray that when I grow up, I remember that these moments are eternal and mine to reach for.

Thank you daddy.  Amen.