"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it. I have made a pathway in the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 NLT I tried to quiet myself this weekend. Oddly enough, I found that difficult. In a stay-at-home world, I’ve been slightly overwhelmed by the constant noise from the very electronic devices that are keeping me connected to others. You too?
I found I had to move away from those devices. Thankfully, wonderfully, Sunday turned into a sunny, warm day with only a slight amount of wind and I couldn’t help but sit and gaze on my backyard. I kept thinking of unfinished tasks and rising to leave, but the garden was mesmerizing. I began to list with pencil and paper all the new beginnings I noticed in my garden. I spied a few rogue tulips, leftover from previous year’s plantings. The crabapple and redbud trees have swollen buds, and the daffodils have multiplied. Emerging hosta tips are either blanched white or spring green, depending, I think, on the variety. And last week's territorial clashes among my usually docile birds have subsided. One solitary robin hops across the grass, cocking his ear and occasionally thrusting his beak down for food. My backyard retreat was relaxing because the surroundings were so very familiar, something I purposely seek out these days. Surprisingly though, today I was attracted by things new and previously unseen. As I thought about it, I realized that I could use the same process of lists to identify the things I notice God doing around me these days. I’ve noticed gratitude everywhere and I certainly have had opportunities to practice it recently. In my household, I’m suddenly aware of things I barely noticed when I left for work each day. I hear the trash team rolling through the neighborhood, and I’m grateful they’re removing the rubble that I just can’t. I’m grateful for the delivery people bringing goods to our door, the innovative IT people creating new ways to connect us. I’m oh so thankful for the agile and nimble leadership I’m seeing in the Church to transition us to new formats for worship and bible study, protecting us from loneliness and isolation. And at the top of my gratitude list is my husband who LOVES to clean around here! I notice things like sunshine and the gift of breath and those things move me to thank my good, good Heavenly Father. I’ve noticed signs of new growth— not only in the garden, but in my friends. I am amazed at new dreams and visions, new ministries birthed, new kindnesses extended. Babies enter this world, unaware of our distraction. Children are still laughing and playing games. Friends find ways to touch hearts even when they can't hug. I’ve noticed that small things bring contentment: a cookie and a cup of tea, time to read a book, a text from a friend, a grandchild’s smile. More than serene acceptance, beyond the feeling of satisfaction, contentment involves not wanting anything more or anything else. I’d like to grow in learning to be content—maybe in areas like being content with my location, with the work of my hands, with my place in the world, or content with my people and how we interact today. I feel the practice of contentment with my circumstances will make the next few weeks go easier with fewer distractions or bumps. Are there new things God is doing in you, too? Precious Father, I'm asking for a clear 2020 vision to see the newness breaking through in Your story and our lives today. And may that awareness give us joy. Amen.
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AuthorLoving words written to increase hope. Archives
May 2020
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