"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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By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God. Hebrews 12: 8-10 Message I've been searching for a map to navigate the new reality we all find ourselves in. I'm having a hard time recognizing the landscape right now-- my life is so different from just 10 days ago. What does faith look like in a time when nothing looks familiar? I thought that reading the roll call of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 might offer some insights and sure enough, these two verses about Abraham interrupted my search. Faith, it turns out, is an action and Abraham's actions are pretty clearly defined here. Here are 3 things I learned: Abraham said yes. I don't know what God is asking you to do during this time, but I bet it's not what you're usually doing. Maybe you suddenly find yourself homeschooling, or setting up a home office. Maybe meeting a community need with your sewing skills or donating to a food pantry is on your heart. Maybe you just need to spend time playing games with the kiddos. Whatever it is, whatever God has put on your heart, say yes. Just do it. I don't know if Abraham had the option to remain behind or not, but we don't. It's just easier to say yes and get going on our next right thing. He left. And get this-- he had no idea where he was going! He left the comfortable; he left the known for a great unknown. Whew, I feel better now-- Abraham didn't have a map either! But he ended up where God directed him-- in the country promised to him. I think we can trust as we begin to walk through our new reality that as we seek him daily, we will end up in the place God desires. Not everything can be taken on this journey. Anything that weighs you down, needs to be left behind. Some suggestions? Leave judgement behind, or perfectionism, or fear--nothing weighs quite so much as fear. And for this journey, pack lightly--a cheerful heart, willing hands, and maybe a sense of humor will help. And he lived in the country promised him. In a tent! Okay, seriously, how did he talk Sarah into that? But he didn't show up as the landowner, or the conquering hero, he came as a wanderer, a visitor, an immigrant. So sister, if you're not feeling real permanent right now, I think that's all right. You see, we were never meant to feel comfortable in this world. It's not our home. That's what Abraham knew and what the writer of Hebrews reveals at this point. Abraham focused on the eternal promise instead of the place he resided at the moment. That's what faith looks like. And that's how we can flourish in a new environment too-- by keeping our eyes on our own eternal city of promise. Here's what we have that escaped Abraham, our God dwells within us, constantly available to bring comfort and direction. Rest in His presence every single minute. God, may we walk in courage and faith as we find our place in Your Kingdom right now. Peace, Jan |
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May 2020
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