Dead dandelions grow rampant in the front yard reminding me that we haven't yet done the work to kill those weeds. Windy day blows the seeds in winding patterns. Planting more of what we don't want. Why's the work so hard to kill that which we don't want? No effort at all to let it grow. But time, and sweat and planning and purchasing to flourish the green and kill the weed. Ah- so much like life inside here, too. No effort at all to let me live unchecked. Multiplying seeds of doubt or discontent or just something not really of Jesus. Words that knock down instead of build up. Thoughts that dishonor instead of glorify. Fears that leave no room for trust. Self image that leaves no space for grace. Deadly multiplying weeds that plant more and more unwanted hardships. Oh, foolish gardener to let weeds grow so far and let wind scatter bad seeds. I need to tend the soil.
Stop and listen. Read and pray. Sing and be silent. Soak Him in. My words can encourage when He's pouring out of me. My thoughts can be on things that are good and holy and pure when He's leading me there. My fears are diminished before His presence. My image is rooted in my Maker when I take time to ask Him to remind me why He made me, why He loves me. God- He loves me.
And my heart flourishes under that love. If I make myself available, He will tend the soil.
He's a nurturing God. Has a way of stopping the bad from multiplying. Has a way of producing a good crop instead. A good crop from my soil. But I have to be available for Him to tend to me. I have to do the work.
Stop for a moment to ask Him what you are here for. Ask why He made you.
You will hear Him say it's to know Him. And in knowing Him you have life.
Live today.
Beautiful and inspiring, Latrice - exactly what I needed to hear this week. Thank you! Was pondering very similar thoughts after reading some more of 'One Thousand Gifts' yesterday, and it blesses me to know that I am not alone in feeling this way - I was just too darn tired to blog about it...glad you did! :)
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