A little relief, please?
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he
watches me.
–Civilla D. Martin
It is summer in Ohio, and it is
(finally) hot. (How hot is it?) It’s so hot, sunshine pours down through steamy
skies, turning the world into a sauna even on cloudy days. It’s so hot, exposed
skin peels like Velcro from vinyl seat cushions. It’s so hot . . . even the
robins are wearing tiny flip-flops so they don’t burn their feet. (Okay, maybe
not!)
There are seasons, less
predictable, perhaps, in our spiritual lives, as well. Sometimes we burn with
passion for the Lord; nothing and no one is going to quench our enthusiasm for
living. (Did you know the word enthusiasm
comes from two Greek words meaning filled
with God?)
But then the seasons begin to
change. The fire may cool a bit; we may even seek a break now and then, a
chance to “cool off.” It happens in nature, and it happens in our lives.
Yet even as summer gives way to
fall, and fall to winter, God’s desire to be near God’s children never wanes. We may need a break; we may even turn
away for a time. But rest in the knowledge that while God allows us the freedom
to wander off to other pastures, the Good Shepherd always has his eye on
Creation and on his beloved creatures. When we turn back seeking God’s embrace,
God is always faithful—and always
present.
Monday Take your “spiritual temperature” today. What season are you living in right
now? Pray to God as you are drawn. Isaiah
53:1-2
Tuesday Take a moment today to observe an animal, whether it’s a pet or a squirrel in a
nearby tree. Watch and listen; seek to understand its “language.” Genesis 11:1-9
Wednesday Allow yourself to actually feel and
experience the warmth today. Is it comfortable or uncomfortable for you? Rest.
Enjoy a cold beverage. Hebrews 12:28
Thursday A new month, a new chance to open your heart to the grace God offers. Is there
an area where you seek forgiveness? 2
Chronicles 7:13-16
Friday We are called to be blessing in the world. How will you bless someone today? Be
deliberate in seeking the opportunity to offer God’s grace to another. Give
thanks. Genesis 12:2-3
Saturday As you pray today for yourself, take time to be aware of the beauty of God’s
creation in this season. Savor the fruits of summer. Consider trying an
unfamiliar food with an open mind. Acts
10:9-15
Sunday Come together for worship with a curious mind, an open heart and a voice ready
to praise the Living God. Seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place. Genesis 28:16-17
Why do you go away? So that you can come
back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors.
. . . Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving. –Terry
Pratchett
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