what I learned today

This morning has started slowly...a very real blessing!  So I am beginning in scripture and prayer.

My devotions took me to I Corinthians 13:12, where God talks about 'one day we will fully know'.

I've always believed that God has let us know in His Word just what we need to know.  Enough challenging goals and information to spend our life pursuing righteous living and to keep us focused and plenty busy!

But this study reminded me of all the unknown things yet to come, that only God knows.  It's easy to go through my day assuming that 'my little world' contains everything there is.  Of course we all know that couldn't be further from the truth as we look beyond ourselves at our current world and it's sad state.  But I sometimes live that way, worrying about trivial things.

But when I take time to wonder about the 'unknown things', things I'm completely unable to handle right now -  it's fascinating!

What is to come - the knowledge we will some day possess  I would guess will make the things we've experienced here and worried about here seem completely ridiculous.

Oh how I long to give my Savior the respect of trusting Him enough to realize that I'm never given more than I can handle here on earth.  That I need to keep my focus fully on kingdom things and FORGET the dumb worries of today.  A lifestyle of worship and trust.

May this day be fully focused and demonstrate to the King of Kings that His agenda and all the unknown things are what motivates us today.

my day off

I often talk to people at church that speak of the things and places that help them relax after working all week.   Places at The Lakes, amazing vacations or beautiful places to eat out.

Again, I guess that's just not my idea of a day off.  Waking up when I want to, eating oatmeal on my deck, enjoying perfect weather that allows me to read God's Word and pray outside...these are what my soul longs for!  And today, finally, I have that type of morning to enjoy.  I am forever grateful!

Before going outside,  I sorted and created piles of laundry to be done, pulled my little laundry rack out to our deck and settled into my favorite chair - I drew in a deep breath and as I exhaled I began to praise Him.

When all is well praises are sometimes few.  When you walk through trials your appreciation deepens for even the most 'regular day'.

My devotions took me to several scriptures this morning, one of which was found in I Timothy - telling of Paul's persecution and his words that remind us that ALL who believe will be persecuted...

Persecution can of course come in all shapes and sizes, it can be physical, mental, imagined, disappointments that we choose to dwell on, mistreatment from people we considered friends and on and on....

So far today it's peaceful and event free - this time prepares me for what lies ahead.  My schedule is no more demanding than anyone else's, but the Lord knew how much I needed a regular day - and I rejoice in it and rest fully in it!