Kelly Summer approached its end, the daylight decreased and the shadows returned. This year it was different, no return to school for the kids and more telework for the parents, a new and very unwelcome routine. I’m found myself consumed with the prospect of less laughter and more complaining. It all felt heavy and dark. Fall was soon to arrive so a literal darkness was also on its way. Discontentment was also falling across my heart.
I needed something, I needed someone.
I went to find my Jesus, which means I went for a walk. Alone with my God pouring out my heart while my feet carried me through familiar paths. I need 10 minutes to get out of my head and start looking and listening for God. I guess I’m a child in this way, I want my Father to listen to me first before I hear what he has for me. I should be better about this; but I guess I’m not.
I’m grateful for his patience because sometimes I’m a bit extra.
As I walked the usual path, I began to notice the typical signs of fall approaching: the morning air was refreshingly cool on my skin, the sun was out but wasn’t piercing my eyes, the grass had fresh morning dew, there was a felt stillness. Then I started to notice what He had for me, so many plants with one last bloom. An entire rose bush with one standing rose, a gathering of zinnias where all were deadheaded but one. There were a few precious stems who stood in attention reaching for the sun. A reminder of the strong and faithful Christians that each day reach for the Son. These blooms held a special beauty, I thought they might be the last I’d see until summer returns in 2021. There is comfort in the promise of the cycling seasons. These blooms has something in common, they were shaded by something larger than themselves, that gave them protection from the glaring sun and summer heat. My mind circled about this whole idea of shade in the summer, a relief from the scorching heat. No one takes a picnic in the direct sun, they always seek the shade of a tree or shelter. We don’t thrive in places where we are exposed to such harsh elements without protection or refuge. Read that again…
We don’t thrive in places where we are exposed to such harsh elements without protection or refuge.
Harsh elements = 2020
Protection or Refuge = Jesus
Scripture started to pour over my heart. Truth be told, I haven’t mastered verse by verse citation, but it’s hidden in my heart. Biblical scholar I am not, follower of Jesus I am.
2 Samuel 22:2-3 …“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior…
Psalm 91:2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
The bible is full of stories where God delivers his people and loves them fiercely, and 2020 will not be an exception.
While it may seem a year of burden, we have a choice spend our time time trying to figure out the why or the why now, or how to fix it or we can find shade under the shelter of Jesus to rest and recuperate.
I needed to hear this. Thank you!
Glad I could be there, even if I’m not there.