Random thoughts

Abba, I was thinking this morning about a discussion I had with someone about missing the relationships, the connections that I had in a community we were once a part of and of that time in my life.  They expressed that perhaps they weren't real but were just pretend but I choose to believe they were “for a season”. 

It occurred to me that sometimes we all pretend because we may not "feel" the way we think we should – Forgiveness, for example.  We know we should but deep down we aren’t fully capable of it and so we try to act like we forgive.

I think we’re all works in progress and sometime we just have to accept what is offered as genuine because it may be the best that can be offered at the time.

I’m reminded of the difference between Paul and Barnibus’ reaction to John Mark.  I don’t think either was wrong but each reacted according to their own personalities and visions.  I also believe that as a result John Mark grew in the maturity of his faith.

I think too it has something to do with our expectations.  People are going to disappoint us - and sometimes we disappoint ourselves.  We can choose to let the disappointment divide us or we can choose to allow grace to overcome the disappointment.

Help me, Father, to be an instrument of Your grace

Dogs and Leashes

As you know, we have had a number of golden retrievers over the years which we love to take with us on our adventures. One of our pups (Autumn) does much better on a leash.  She tends to wander off where she shouldn’t so we keep her on a leash, at least initially, for her own protection and our peace of mind. 

We had another pup (Shadow) who never required a leash.  He would always stay by our side and would come when called.  He seemed to know we had his best interest at heart and would choose to remain near us rather than wander off on his own.

Both were allowed to enjoy our adventures, but Shadow enjoyed a freedom because we knew he would obey.

I see God’s commandments are like the leash – they are there to keep us safe and are necessary until we learn to trust the Master, that He knows what’s best for us, and to listen for His voice.

We love them both and I know they both love us, but I can’t help but feel that Shadow’s love for us is what kept him close.  Autumn loves us too, in fact she loves to snuggle, but her “wander-lust” will often cause her to leave us in pursuit of her doing her own thing.  Therefore, the leash is necessary.

When our love for the Master is greater than our desire to wander, that is where our true freedom is found.

It is not activity which glorifies God -

. . it is character, it is what you are, and the way you react to a situation. 

Abba, Help me to be a woman of character, like that of Jesus.  I cannot in my own strength.  I know this all too well.  Each day I allow some situation to get the upper hand and my attitude shows just how un-like Jesus I can be.  The phase "acceptance with joy" comes to mind. So rather than anger, resentment or frustration, gives me eyes to see the blessing in the raindrops and the tears - Your mercies in disguise.