Dandelion Gift

Heavy. That’s how I feel tonight. And I’m not talking about my scale although that isn’t too kind these days. I sift through feelings and contemplate. Is it right for a Christian to feel such heaviness? Just last night at bible study I commented that we live with joy. As Christians, it isn’t the life of can’t have and can’t do. Ours is the life of satisfying joy while choosing to do without much of what the world sees as fulfilling. Immediately a tug in the back of my mind whispered, take heed, I will have to prove those words.

So today, I’m struggling with heaviness. The monster that has been lurking for months is ready for attack. Sometimes it feels like life is all about can’t haves and can’t dos. Monstrous problems are in operation takeaway just like the stripping locusts. Where will I stand if all I see is can’t?

Prayer. Praise. Recalling promises. Sometimes these are done through hardened jaw, steeled eyes and sheer grit. Tonight it is a sacrifice, without much joy. I know the promises are no less true just because I feel heavy. Is that an honorable sacrifice?

Our study leader talked about when her children were little and they proudly brought her a gift of a dandelion from the yard. To them it was precious and beautiful. Her wiser eyes saw the weed it is. Her loving eyes acknowledged love in the weedy bouquet. When I bring gifts of praise, obedience and love to God, does He see my gift as genuine and precious?

Tonight I present my weedy bouquet. I give what I can. God understands.

Trust and Men

I hate everything about flying. . .

I only trust men so far, and it doesn't go above 30,000 feet!

Quote from my daughter.

It will be something I can use to a mother's advantage in the future.

Love you!

Migration

God gave my daughter and me one of those moments the heart of a mom loves. A moment of hope and shared experience in the form of a winged migration like none I’ve ever seen. It was an incredible sight. Hundreds and maybe thousands of Canada and Snow geese formed a labyrinth across the sky. I stopped the car to take in the wonder. All the energy saving V’s blended together, not separate but still distinct. The tail of one would blend into the beginning of another.

While the Canada geese were more organized, the Snow geese flew in like a mob without a leader. The effect gave the appearance of swirling smoke. We watched the strenuous rhythm of wings beating bodies forward. We rolled down the windows to the cold air and listened to the din as they flew above us. But the honks and squawks were not cacophony to God. He understands.

As I pulled the car away, we caught sight of a lone bald eagle. Magnificent wings positioned as it effortlessly soared toward its river nest for the night.

We watched the wonder of God’s creation. God placed within these creatures knowledge without having knowledge of the pattern of life, the direction of home and safety.

I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.

With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! Psalm 84:2-3