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| This morning's sunrise |
Here it is Saturday morning already...where did this week go? I tried to start this post yesterday, but just couldn't find anything worthwhile to say. Some days are like that...I kept drawing a blank when I'd sit down here at my computer with a blank page before me...my brain was as blank as the page...I didn't even have any decent or recent pictures to share! What's up with that?
I'm thinking to myself..."Self...there must be something you can say that is meaningful and to also express your thankfulness for all that God has done for you..." And even though my brain was whirling around thinking of things, I just couldn't seem to put it down "on paper"...or on the computer page. Maybe some days we just have to give our brains a rest and not try to push so hard...and let God have time to refresh and restore our minds and hearts and spirits... We don't have to be clever and bright and witty and wise all the time, do we? Even Jesus took time away from the crowds and the disciples to go to a quiet place to rest and pray.
I wish I could say that is what I did. But I really can't say that. It was just one of those days where I kind of wandered aimlessly around the house and didn't really focus on anything or anyone much at all. I think I was just plain tired. This week has been a bit draining...lack of sleep while adjusting to the new time change always affects me that way...and the election news was disturbing to say the least, but I am placing that in God's hands...He's already there...He knows what's going on and how it all fits in with the bigger picture of life here on earth and in the kingdom to come. I know I can trust Him to handle it all and take care of me and those that I love and care about as well.
So today I have awakened with more of a purpose in mind. Little things...like getting my house in order...literally my physical house, not just my spiritual house, although that could also definitely use some major overhauling as well. But I think as I begin to put this house in order my spiritual house will also become more aligned with the place where God wants me to be. It's hard to think good, wise, spiritual thoughts when everything around me is in a bit of a mess. Likewise, it's difficult to put the physical house in order when everying within me is in a bit of a mess as well. Maybe I need to get my priorities in line first. First things first...so let me go back and rethink this paragraph...I need to get my Spiritual house, my internal soul and heart and mind in order before I try to tackle the rest of the mess. Yep...I need to follow Jesus' example above...spend more time in that "solitary" place, alone with God and away from the distractions of this world and house...and then I will be ready to tackle the physical mess around me. I really think they go hand in hand...when our internal "space" is at peace and uncluttered from the things of the world, our external "space" will begin to fall into shape as I am better prepared to tackle things in an appropriate manner...not willy nilly, wearing myself out in the process.
It's good to have these conversations with myself prior to the very busy holiday season that is rapidly approaching. I tend to get myself into a mental frenzy that becomes a physical calamity when I start thinking about everything I think I need to do between now and then. It's time to take stock of things and pray about what is really needful and not allow the pressures of the 'world' get me down.
I have often identified with Martha in this story below...and I've also often been frustrated with Jesus' response to Martha. I, like Martha, want Jesus to see things my way. But Jesus wants me to see things His way. Therefore, my prayer as we begin this busy and sometimes stressful holiday season is that God will help me to be more like Mary and less like Martha...and perhaps then I will be more organized and get things done without so much stress.
Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Thank you for sitting in on this little conversation I've been having with myself this morning. Sometimes we just need a bit of a pep talk! Perhaps this was helpful for you in some way as well. I sincerely hope so.
Meanwhile, back at the "house"...I actually did start taking a few steps to get my house in order this morning. I started looking around me here in my little "Room with a view", and realized it had been a while since I'd done any dusting or cleaning in here. So while I was waiting for my computer to boot up (I had totally shut it down last night to give it a break), I decided to dust the top of the china cabinet...
And then I looked over at Pamela's Victorian Cottage to the left of my desk and noticed that they were getting ready for Thanksgiving too...
Last night's sunset on Still Waters Pond
Matthew 28:19-20 New King James Version
(Jesus said:) 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
