The Good Life

“I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10 NLT)

I just saw a video clip on social media. A bunch of young women are lounging in an infinity pool. The camera pans to show what looks to be an expensive house sitting atop a hill. Many of the comments were from those who aspired to this type of lifestyle. There was a time in my life where I desired similar pleasures and the admiration of others. 

This video made me realize how far I had come over the years and how much further I need to grow. These days, a ‘Good Life’ still involves avoiding suffering. I do not want to be in pain or hurt others. I do not want to stand by while any living being is harmed. I still seek pleasure--only the sources have changed. Loving relationships, nature, puppies, books, etc., make me happy. Authenticity, virtue, purpose, wisdom, understanding, truth, kindness, altruism, courage, discipline, health, love, trust, quiet, privacy, peace, and resilience are all valuable to me. However, I am still far from where I need to be. My life is still mired in earthly ideals. My heart  is still far from experiencing complete satisfaction in the presence of God.

“What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!

    I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,

Always dreamed of a room in your house,

    where I could sing for joy to God-alive!” (Psalm 84:1-2 MSG)

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Sacred Cooking

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT)

I remember the first and only time I ‘played house’ as a young child. The other little girls showed me how. We would pretend to cook, dust, feed the dolls, sleep for a minute, and then, get up and do it all over again. After the first cycle, I decided that I never wanted to play this boring, repetitive game.  

For the last twenty-five years, I have been a homemaker. I can’t say I have developed a love for the domestic arts, but I have learned how to do what I need to do efficiently. I plan the meals, buy the groceries, cook, wash dishes, wipe down counters, and then, do it all again the next day. I saw it all as mindless and monotonous work that just needed to be done. Holidays were the exception. I really enjoyed celebrating with special foods and making memories with my little family of three. 

I’ve had a change of attitude lately. I am beginning to realize that every day is holy and taking care of others is sacred work. I take a minute to center myself before I start cooking. I remember to be grateful for the onions as I am slicing them--even though they make my eyes water. I pray for my family’s health as I sprinkle turmeric into everything, whether it is an Indian or Italian dish. I watch my husband and son at the table as they eat. I ask the Lord to bless and nourish us, to fill and satisfy us. Afterwards, as I clear the table, I silently repeat the following verse:

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Everyday Blessings

“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.” (Psalm 23:2 NLT)

Lord, I thank you as I run

For the beauty I take for granted:

Hay bales in the pasture

A frog croaking by the pond

The shade from the birch tree

And lungs that still breathe

Lord, I thank you as I clean

For all that You have supplied:

My own comfy home

Smooth wooden floors

Brooms, soap, and water

And a body that still bends.

Lord, I thank you as I cook

For the light from the window

The tomato from the garden

The fragrance of basil 

Simmering in the deep pot

And a family that still gathers. 

Lord, I thank you as I study

For the wisdom from above 

Books, paper, and pens

Quiet time and a cozy chair

Curiosity to learn 

And a brain that still works

Lord, I thank you as I sleep

For letting me rest in safety,

Peace, privacy, and tranquility

Clean sheets on a soft bed

Streaming dreams before sunrise

And a husband who is still close. 

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What's My Motivation

“All the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant.” (Philippians 3:7-8 MSG)

Much of my writing centers on topics of faith. As such, many would assume that I am always sure of what I believe in and how to move forward. This is NOT the case. Like everyone else, I suffer from seasons of doubt. In fact, I have had to reevaluate many of my belief structures lately. Many of the things I once thought were so important, now seem insignificant. My reasons for doing things a certain way no longer seem valid. Even my motivation for faith is being challenged. 

C.S. Lewis, in his poem “As the Ruin Falls”, eerily describes my current mindscape.

“All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.

I never had a selfless thought since I was born.

I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:

I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,

I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:

I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--

But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.

I see the chasm. And everything you are was making

My heart into a bridge by which I might get back

From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains

You give me are more precious than all other gains.”

I spend so much  time pondering and writing about faith. I want to know Jesus better...but why? My desire for peace and reassurance is a strong motivation. I admit my faith is mercenary. I see the chasm between where I am and Selfless Love. The bridge across this gap is rickety and broken. I have to pay attention before each step. Even as the ruins fall, the pain brings me closer. The cycle continues: My devotion waxes and wanes. God rebuilds and guides through forgiveness, love, and grace. 

The Gift of Uncertainty

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

When discussing the 2020 quarantine period, the difficulty of dealing with ‘uncertainty’ seems to be a recurring theme. Will I get sick? Am I taking the  right precautions to keep my family safe? If I get the virus, will there be long-term damage to my body? Will the economy collapse? Will we be able to pay our bills? When will things get back to normal?

Making plans for the future and looking forward in anticipation is a big part of what keeps us motivated. A sense of agency--an awareness that we are able to initiate, execute, and control our actions--feels empowering. However, uncertainty makes us feel hopeless and helpless. Fuzziness about the future leads to confusion, anxiety, and a sense of imbalance.

Can anything good come from times of uncertainty? When we are unsure about our power to manage and direct our circumstances, this can nudge us toward God. The less we feel in control, the more we reach out for help. The more we learn to trust God, the more we lean on Him for balance. We become less concerned about where we are going, when we will get there, or what is going to happen; instead, we focus on Who is with us.  The feeling of uneasiness is replaced by a sense of wonder: I wonder where God is leading me? I wonder what He has prepared? I wonder what He will teach me. I wonder how He will work out His purposes? 

“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God.” (Psalm 31:24 MSG)

Conservation of Resources

“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.” (Leviticus 25:23-24 ESV)

The garment and textile industry uses massive amounts of water in the production process. Approximately 500 gallons of water are used in the production of a single pair of jeans. According to the World Health Organization, a person needs 5 gallons of water per day for drinking and basic hygiene. One in nine people in this world lack access to safe, clean water. 

I enjoy learning new things. However, incorporating new information into my pre-existing beliefs and routine behaviors is another matter altogether. Thinking about each item of clothing and what it cost to be made seems unpleasant. If I were to take into account all the ways my choices impact the environment and how I inadvertently participate in the exploitation and suffering of animals and humans, it would make me miserable. Ignorance can be blissful, while knowledge is often unsettling. 

All of creation belongs to God. Conservation of resources is good stewardship. As sojourners on this earth, we are commissioned to care for the land, water, air, plants, and animals--not to exploit everything in sight for our own pleasure. Humanity has caused much damage, but now that we know better, we can do better. 

Making an Impact

 “After the great anguish of his soul, he will see light and be fully satisfied. By knowing him, the righteous one, my servant will make many to be righteous.” (Isaiah 53:11 TPT)

I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine a few months ago. In order to protect her identity, I’m going to change her name to Therese. Therese and her husband have four young children. Her husband’s small business has lost most of its revenue during the quarantine. Therese works for a large employer, but her hours have been cut, too. It would be natural for her to be stressed out about her finances. However, she told me something surprising. She said: “Now that we consume less, our expenses are low.” I asked her for clarification. She mentioned that she has enough to buy groceries and to pay for housing for her family. The rest, she has discovered, was unnecessary all along. Therese and her family have found contentment, even while they have had to relinquish much of their previous lifestyle. 

Like many others, I have had to make some adjustments  over the last few months. While I wouldn’t call these ‘major sacrifices’, they have not been fun! Uncertainty and instability drain my energy. However, Therese’s perspective has influenced me to reevaluate what I consider to be necessary for a decent quality of life. She has made an impact without even knowing it. When we think of making a positive impact on the world, we imagine making a contribution--an addition of some sort. But in Therese’s case, her refraining from consumption and the subsequent shift in attitude made an impression on me, and I am sure on many others. If each of us inspires a few more people, eventually the spread could be exponential. Even in times of great anguish, we can see the light and be fully content. As followers of Christ, we can live righteously and influence others to do the same.

Virtue and Vice

 “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.” (2 Peter 1:5 ESV)

In my backyard, I have a raised bed for growing vegetables and another area where I throw yard waste. The vegetable garden has to be watered, weeded, and fertilized regularly. For all that work, I am rewarded with healthy herbs, tomatoes, squashes, peppers, etc. A few plants also sprout up in the area where I throw my yard waste. Even though they are useless weeds, I am surprised by how easily they grow with no attention. But these plants, although they look green and lush, provide no nourishment. 

This reminds me of something else I have observed: Developing good habits takes consistent work and attention, while bad habits just pop up like weeds in neglected gardens. Take, for instance, the tug of materialism. It would take no effort on my part to indulge in the pleasurable pursuit of acquisition. Society actually approves of this form of self-aggrandizement. However, the opposite--a person who voluntarily limits consumption--is often interpreted as a miser, an overthinker, or someone who doesn’t know how to enjoy life. Thus, practicing the virtue of temperance takes a certain degree of contrariness and courage. The fruit of moral excellence needs careful cultivation of knowledge, self-control, endurance, and godliness. Vice sprouts up automatically, but virtue requires consistent attention. 

Viriditas

 “Until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.” (Isaiah 32:15 NLT)

Hildegard von Bingen was a Benedictine nun who lived in the Rhine Valley of Germany in the 12th century. She was a writer, musician, mystic, visionary, herbalist, and polymath. She is considered to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. Hildegard wrote extensively about viriditas--Latin for ‘green truth’ or the ‘greening power of the Divine.’ 

“She saw that there was a readiness in plants to receive the sun and to transform its light and warmth into energy and life. She recognized that there is an inherent connection between the Divine Presence and the physical world. This Creator-to-created connection translates into inner energy that is the soul and seed of every thing, an inner voice calling us to ‘become who you are; become all that you are.’ This is our life wish or ‘whole-making instinct.’” (Richard Rohr)

Viriditas is the inherent, creative force within all living things which calls forth growth. In plants, green is the color of life. Plants absorb light, water, and minerals from the soil and convert their potential energy into food to sustain all other life forms. Plants rarely move on their own volition; animals do. Rivers flow and oceans have currents, but they are not considered to possess life. Every animate being that has potential for growth is considered a living thing; thus, growth--not activity, defines life. 

Unlike in plants, growth is not colorful. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformations can be gradual and indiscernible. Yet, we too have the potential to absorb Divine power and be fruitful. We sense that we are enfolded in mysteries beyond our comprehension.  The creative force that lies dormant within us is awakened by the Light of God. The Spirit animates every cell, energizing us to follow the inherent desire to heal and be whole, to become all that we are called to be. 

Are you Valuable?

“Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?” (Matthew 6:26 TPT)

I like some birds more than others. Cardinals, hummingbirds, and goldfinches are so pretty with their bright coloring and timid mannerisms. I am not fond of catbirds. When I walk through my yard or sit down on the porch, the catbirds start their incessant cawing. I am annoyed by this sound. As far as I’m concerned, catbirds add no value to my life. 

What makes something or someone valuable? 

Just because one species of bird is more appealing to my senses does not make it more valuable. I’ve assigned it worth based on my aesthetic preferences. Perhaps I am unable to comprehend the significance of certain things. Even if the majority of humans may not appreciate a catbird, its value is not diminished. What makes a catbird special? Maybe its annoying call serves as a warning system to all the other animals in the backyard. Maybe it was created to be a sentinel. None of this matters. God created this bird; thus, it has a special purpose. 

Lord, I pray for those who feel unlovable and unacceptable. Protect us  from absorbing worldly evaluations. Teach us not to diminish each other.

Allow us to know that we are worthy and special in Your eyes. 

Aslan the Lion

 “When the shepherds band together against him, the lion is neither terrified by their shouts nor disturbed by all the noise they make. So will Yahweh, the Commander of Angel Armies, come down to fight for you..” (Isaiah 31:4 TPT)

In the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis created a multitude of wonderfully complex characters. Among them is Aslan, a talking lion, who guides and protects all who seek his help. With Aslan by their side, even children become bold and fearless. Aslan is not disturbed by the noise of opposition. His courage and wisdom seem to pass to those around him, almost as if by osmosis. Here is a passage about Aslan empowering a young girl named Lucy:

“Lucy buried her head in his mane to hide from his face. But there must have been some magic in his mane. She could feel lion-strength going into her. Quite suddenly she sat up. "I'm sorry, Aslan," she said. "I'm ready now."

"Now you are a lioness," said Aslan. "And now all Narnia will be renewed.”

― C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian

What can you do when you feel fearful? How do you handle hostility and conflict? First of all, do not be perturbed by those who band against you.  Neither be terrified by their shouts nor disturbed by all the noise they make. The Lord of the Angel Armies goes before you. There is no need to fear. His power and wisdom shall protect and guide you. Remain by His side. Lean in. Hang on tight. 

“He will protect her, deliver her, spare her, and rescue her!” (Isaiah 31:5 TPT)

Ferrying Across the Divide

 “Those who left you are falling apart!

    Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.

But I’m in the very presence of God—

    oh, how refreshing it is!

I’ve made Lord God my home.

    God, I’m telling the world what you do!” (Psalm 73:27-28 MSG)

My grandma lived by the side of a little river in a remote part of India. The roads ended on the opposite side of the river from her house. Back in the day, there were no bridges across this section of the river. The only way to reach her was by riding on a punt boat. These watercrafts were like large canoes with wooden planks for seats. The ferryman propelled the boat by pushing against the muddy bottom of the riverbed using a long bamboo pole. This was hard work. The ferryman was always up before sunrise and on-call through the night. 

As a child, I never thought about the ferryman who helped me get across the river. All I cared about at that time was getting into my grandma’s warm embrace, eating whatever she had prepared, and looking at her beaming face. But now, forty years later, the image of the ferryman suddenly popped into my mind as I pondered the Scriptures. I wonder what kept him going. I doubt it was for pay, honor, or appreciation.

 

I have an innate desire to draw close to God. I also sense a calling to convey others into His presence. I have to keep pushing against the muddy bottoms in order to cross the divide. This is hard work. I have to be willing and available to do this job at all times, under all circumstances. What shall I do when I am tired or feeling unnoticed? I need to remember the purpose of my work: to be near to God and ferry others to His grace and mercy; to know Him intimately and to make Him known. 

A New Rudder

 “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender.” (Psalm 19:14 GWT)

A rudder is the part of a boat that allows it to make turns. A vessel with a broken rudder cannot be steered properly. Before doing any repairs, it is best to take the boat out of the water and hoist it up for inspection. Expect it to be out of commission for a while. A broken rudder will have to be disassembled before it can be reconstructed. This will take time, energy, and patience. 

In the last post, I discussed how the pandemic has revealed the broken rudders that control the way we live. Social affirmation or the avoidance of disapproval can no longer be our motives. Our words and thoughts, which were once shaped by the desire for human acceptance, must now be reshaped by Divine influence. It is necessary to take the time and do the work of disassembling old paradigms and reconstructing new ideals that will steer our values and choices. The furlough period, while we are out of commission, can be dispiriting. However, this emptying can be the prelude to wholeness. The soul, the seat of our personhood, is where our sacred spirit resides. Thus, personal growth is soul growth; soul growth is spiritual growth. 

Broken Rudders

 “He will also bring to light what is hidden in the dark and reveal people’s motives.” ( 1 Cor 4:5 GWT)

The 2020 pandemic and the resulting social distancing has been discouraging for many. One of the recurring themes I’ve heard about is a lack of motivation. For example, many of the runners I know have difficulty training, because all the in-person races have been cancelled. Most of my friends are not fast enough to win first place in a marathon. We are training to do our personal best on race day. We should be able to do this on our own, without a crowd of other runners, spectators, medals, or hoopla. But an organized race with other people feels more legitimate than running when no one else is around. Like boats with broken rudders, we feel unsure about how to direct our energy. 

Runners are not the only ones who feel this lack of motivation. Many of our reasons for striving seem meaningless now. Why buy new clothes if no one is around to appreciate the newest fashion trends? Why be creative if no one is around to admire your work? Why work if there are no consumers? Why accumulate acquisitions, accolades, and accomplishments if there is no applause. Why do anything if everything goes unnoticed?  This general sense of aimlessness points to an uncomfortable truth: social affirmation has been the rudder that gave us direction thus far. We assigned importance to that which brought approval (or avoided disapproval) from others. Certain traits and behaviors created a hierarchy of worth within communities. And now, during this pandemic, our meaning-making structures have come crumbling down. 

(Continued in next post)...

Delivering Encouragement

Continued from yesterday's post...

“The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people.” (Isaiah 50:4a GWT) 

Morning by morning, the Lord wakes us up to listen. He teaches us what to say, so that we will know how to encourage and comfort those who are weary.  Waking up early to learn from God can be meaningful, but unless we follow through on His directions, our mission remains incomplete. 

How can we encourage those who are discouraged?

Notice people--not just what they said, but also what they leave unsaid. Listen with empathy. Care consistently. Understanding requires regular communication and trust. Speak truth. Do not use the counterfeit currency of flattery. Wake up dormant potential in others. Bring it to the forefront so that it can be affirmed. 

Face the light and show others how to do the same. Do not call attention to yourself, but direct their gaze to God.  Most of all, be prayerful. Lift everything and everyone up to the Lord. Let your speech and actions be led by the Spirit. Ask the Lord for the right words to encourage those who are weary. Every waking moment, seek to understand God’s will, and be a conveyor for His wisdom.

Time to Hear from God

 “Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student.” (Isaiah 50:4 GWT) 

In the 1980s, Dunkin’ Donuts had a series of popular commercials about a baker named Fred. He woke up before dawn and went to the bakery. He and his assistants diligently mixed up the dough, kneaded, baked, and glazed donuts before the customers showed up. Fred’s catchphrase, “Time to make the donuts,” is still in use today. 

In the overall scheme of important work, baking donuts would not be deemed essential. It is easier to wake up early when we feel a sense of purpose. The morning hours are especially conducive to spiritual work. It is the ideal time to study, contemplate, pray, and understand God’s will. However, the temptation to sleep late or fritter away this time can be strong. We must remember our mission: “It’s time to hear from God.” 

God can and will speak to us throughout the day, but the morning hours can be the clearest time for us to hear. The Lord is a wonderful teacher. He explains complex truths in ways that we can understand. He brings people to mind who need uplifting. He gives directions for what we need to do. Concentrated prayer and study in the morning allows us to remain focused all day.

(Continued in next post...)

Good Influencers

“For God called you to do good...” (1 Peter 2:21 NLT)

In modern day lingo, an influencer is someone who has the power to affect the decisions of others. Those who are perceived as having authority, knowledge, or position in a distinct niche, and also have a large social media following, are seen as more influential than average. Yet according to sociologists, even the most introverted person will influence 10,000 people over his or her lifetime. Like a flowing river, we shape the landscape, feed the ecosystem, and  impact everything around us. 

God called us to do good and to inspire others to do the same. The direction of our influence depends on how we conduct our lives. Our values, choices, words, attitude, and behavior have an impact. We can guide people toward truth, or we can promote fallacies. We can show the way to a purposeful life or to meaningless pursuits.  The degree of a person’s influence is contingent on discipline. Lack of consistency dilutes credibility. An orderly life is more persuasive than eloquent speech or a curated public persona. 

Lord, You are my example. I want to be influenced by You and be a conduit of Your goodness. I pray that those around me will be uplifted more than diminished, feel compassion instead of apathy, have clarity rather than confusion, and move closer toward Your light. 

Validation Dependency

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

Like many, I am on the spectrum of addiction to validation. I’ve been trapped in the pointless struggle to maintain repetitive patterns that society has deemed worthy. Everyone around me is on the same path of competitive acquisition and advancement. I tell myself I want to be a better person, but in actuality I strive to be better than the next person. If I were to choose an unpopular path, how would I compare myself? Outside an arena of contrast, how would I feed my addiction to validation? I’ve grown accustomed to flawed desires and pointless pursuits. I want to change. 

Renewal requires relinquishment of old, familiar ways of seeking comfort. First we must acknowledge that our repetitive lifestyle choices are not bringing fulfillment. No amount of external affirmation can bring satisfaction. The craving for more becomes a form of addiction. 

As with any addiction, rehabilitation is a lifelong process. Even those of us who have made a conscious decision to change are faced with withdrawal symptoms. Learning to recognize warning signs and triggers can be helpful. New coping mechanisms must be developed. Otherwise, relapse is inevitable. Validation dependency is so common that it is acceptable in modern society. Choosing not to participate will make you the weird one. The right path is often lonely. However, a life of truth brings renewal. We are no longer dependent on human approval. We appreciate the freedom of an unshackled mindset.  Gradually, our attitude and frame of reference shift. The Spirit of God touches our soul and confirms our value.

Measuring Progress

“The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” (Psalm 121:5 NLT)

When I run, I wear a fitness watch that measures my progress. It has a built-in GPS receiver that tracks my speed and distance. On hot days, I try to run in the shade as much as possible. Unfortunately, the trees in my neighborhood are not close enough to the street to provide any relief once the sun is up. The only exception is a lone, birch tree on one of the empty lots. I look forward to this respite during every loop. Recently I discovered a spot in an adjacent neighborhood with a small stretch of road covered by a canopy of trees. I decided to run back and forth in this small segment, so I could stay in the shade. Unfortunately, my GPS watch could not measure my progress because the trees blocked the satellite signals. Remaining in the shade meant I would not receive feedback on my advancement. I couldn’t deal with that, so I went back to my usual route. 

Even though this world can be oppressively competitive, it provides us with measuring standards. We can compare and contrast ourselves with others. We can track our progress and get constant feedback. The spiritual journey provides an alternate route. It leads us through the canopy of God’s protective shade. What prevents us from staying and moving continuously in the shadow of the Almighty? We have become dependent on the external feedback we get from other human beings. We do not know how to measure our progress without these signals. We question the worthiness of our life outside the context of worldly standards. Thus, we go back to familiar routes even when we sense there is a better way.

Rest for Your Soul

This is what the Lord says:

Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.

(Jeremiah 6:16 NIV)

There was a time when I equated vacations with rest. I would look forward to going on a trip, away from the routine chores and the monotony of everyday life. I expected a period of relaxation and leisure would be rejuvenating. However, I would come back from my travels feeling drained, needing to recover from my vacation. I continued following this practice of seeking rest in leisure, because that is what everyone else around me did. I stood at the crossroads and looked where the crowd was going, and I followed. 

Leisure activities may be less stressful than the pressures of work, but they are not necessarily restful. On a superficial level, recreation can feel exciting, but the benefits are often short-term. Silence and solitude, away from all external turmoil, can be more relaxing--but inner restlessness may continue to be draining.

Even when we are surrounded by turmoil, rest can be found in the presence of God. Deep rest, the kind that reaches the soul, is acquired through a sense of security and stability. Trust in God brings peace that transcends circumstances. Every day we come to a crossroad where we have to choose. Do we take the deserted paths or follow the crowd? Can we separate ourselves from the worldly way? Do we dare to follow Christ alone? 

Showered with Blessings

“And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing.” (Ezekiel 34:26 NLT)

A few months before my wedding, I was surprised with a bridal shower by my friends. I fondly remember the little appetizers, the silly games, and the laughter. It was fun to open up each lovely present in the company of loved ones. I felt loved, cherished, and joyful. 

Recently I had an unexpected spiritual shower. During the span of one week, I received several inspiring messages from friends. Some were little notes of encouragement, including links to podcasts, songs, and articles. I listened and read deeply. I took notes. I sat in contemplation. Each of these messages blessed me greatly.  I felt loved, cherished, and joyful.

Now fresh ideas are stirring within me--leading me down unfamiliar paths. My intellectual curiosity has been galvanized once more. There are new concepts to ponder, angles to consider, and vistas to explore. I am grateful to each of these people who contacted me. Perhaps they were following divine nudges. If so, I am glad they followed through. In this season of dryness, I needed this shower of blessings.