General Maintenance
There is something about the Spring that energizes me to take on projects I have neglected throughout the winter. Today I have tackled two such projects. This morning I painted at The Dock. A splash of bright, new color was in order for the entrance to capture the attention of students the moment they walk in the building. This afternoon Christy and I spent about five hours working in the yard. My mowing and weed-eating turned into trimming hedges, planting flowers, pulling an endless number of weeds, and laying some pine straw. The time spent with Christy was most enjoyable and the work was much needed.
My mind drifted back to the resurrection story again. While walking with the two on the road to Emmaus Jesus said,
“How foolish you are, how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27).
Because I am so pious and so smart (as was discovered earlier this week) my attention was initially drawn to how foolish and slow of heart they were to believe. I want to say, “Come on, guys! Jesus is right there with you! Why are you so thick-headed that you just can’t get it?” Then I recognized the loving patience of Jesus as he goes through the whole thing one more time with them beginning with Moses and working his way through all the Prophets. Then the spotlight was turned on me.
My spiritual formation and growth are much like the yard and flower beds at my house. When neglected things get out of hand and the danger of losing beautiful plants and flowers to grass and weeds is imminent. It takes attention and work to keep things growing. The task cannot be relegated to once per year. Staying on top of it keeps it healthy and beautiful all year round.
How is your spiritual life right now? Is it overgrown with the weeds of doubt, fear, and confusion caused by neglect? It is worth the effort to spend the time alone with God. He will prune back the branches and make the adjustments necessary to keep your life healthy and beautiful. But remember it is not a one time solution. We need to give the Master Gardner free reign to cut and trim and fertilize and water our souls. I hope you are prepared for worship tomorrow!
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
My mind drifted back to the resurrection story again. While walking with the two on the road to Emmaus Jesus said,
“How foolish you are, how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27).
Because I am so pious and so smart (as was discovered earlier this week) my attention was initially drawn to how foolish and slow of heart they were to believe. I want to say, “Come on, guys! Jesus is right there with you! Why are you so thick-headed that you just can’t get it?” Then I recognized the loving patience of Jesus as he goes through the whole thing one more time with them beginning with Moses and working his way through all the Prophets. Then the spotlight was turned on me.
My spiritual formation and growth are much like the yard and flower beds at my house. When neglected things get out of hand and the danger of losing beautiful plants and flowers to grass and weeds is imminent. It takes attention and work to keep things growing. The task cannot be relegated to once per year. Staying on top of it keeps it healthy and beautiful all year round.
How is your spiritual life right now? Is it overgrown with the weeds of doubt, fear, and confusion caused by neglect? It is worth the effort to spend the time alone with God. He will prune back the branches and make the adjustments necessary to keep your life healthy and beautiful. But remember it is not a one time solution. We need to give the Master Gardner free reign to cut and trim and fertilize and water our souls. I hope you are prepared for worship tomorrow!
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; He's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the Land of Hope. I know You'll never dump me in Hades; I'll never even smell the stench of death. You've got my feet on the life-path, with Your face shining sun-joy all around.
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