THIS MORNING, I sat on the backyard deck for a little while. It had been a busy week like most lately. It was unusually quiet outside. “This is just what I needed,” I lifted my eyes to the gray sky. I enjoyed the birds calling and answering each other, but mostly the subtle sound of a breeze as it meandered through the tops of the tallest trees. Eventually, a soft wind kissed my face in waves ever so gently, first one way, then the next.
“I’m tired,” I moaned, as I’ve had little rest lately. Mostly I've had too much busyness going on and it prevents my mind from shutting off to rest.
After a time of stillness, I began to think about things heavy on my mind:
The work week begins again tomorrow. I have deadlines awaiting. I don’t know how to do some of the things I must. I worry.
Last week, my wife and I challenged (in person) an enormous rise in our property taxes. Board of Equalization, indeed! The name alone is borderline hate speech. And their fair decision? Ultimately, our preparation and presentation were for naught, as our voices were simply not heard. The decision was made when we arrived. What a waste of a precious vacation day. I can now better relate to our forefathers' war cry, “No taxation without representation!” Sigh. Maybe they’ll listen to the attorney who will represent us.
On my way to dinner yesterday evening, as I sat at a traffic light, I noticed a man who looked homeless. He appeared so downcast, his head bowed in the heat and humidity as he waited in a wheelchair at a bus stop. About an hour later, while finishing our meal, that same man passed by right in front of us as he navigated around chairs and tables in tight formation toward a rendezvous with his friends or family a couple of tables away. I was humbled.
On the way home, I learned of a dear friend suffering from a terminal condition. It was more than my weary ears could bear.
The bright spot of the week had been the first birthday party of our precious granddaughter. What a joy to spend time with family and love on the little ones!
But I was suddenly brought back to the present when a stronger breeze made a powerful, rushing sound, causing me to look up at the bending trees and bushes. That sound of the Spirit reminded me of the scripture commanding me to shape my worries into prayers—followed by another scripture—“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, what was I to do? Only as I was instructed.
It is simply amazing how much a few words from the Creator can change one's outlook and direction. God has many clever ways to return our minds and hearts to where they should be. After I prayed for every item and person on my worry and depression list, I decided to write.
Who knows? Maybe someone else needs to hear this today.
Here's a suggestion to lift any day: listen to God after still, quiet moments of meditation. Recall his words. Do as he asks.
Afterward, I read a post from an old friend. You'll find his reference in the Gospel of Matthew. "Heaven and earth" (and everything the earth throws at us) "WILL pass away, but MY WORDS ______ ______ ______ _______." Blessings to you, Friend!
Copyright 2023 Gary Landerfelt mypericope.com
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