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Last
week was a week of experiencing some graciousness. My spouse and I
were invited to some homes for a meal. Both of those ‘meals’
spoke a profound truth to my heart. It may be difficult for others
to picture all the food I was offered. But more than the food was
the hospitality that went along with the food. These wonderful
loving individuals went out of their way to make sure I had an
enjoyable evening. I found myself laughing and being accepted in
many ways.
As
I reflect on my experiences I am reminded again that God where two or
three are gathered together in His name. Thankfulness bubbles up in
me when I think about how some persons show God’s love in very
practical ways. I learned last week that I need to be more
hospitable myself. God calls me to it. In my profession I have
learned a great deal by being around other God followers.
I
have so much to learn in life. Yesterday I went for a ride with my
wife. We (I consulted with her) took the back roads to Chester,
Illinois and then to St. Mary, Missouri. We walked around an antique
mall in St. Mary and really did not see any that made the trip worth
it. But as I reflect on the trip it was more than worth the time.
Seeing the beauty of the country was well worth it. There were many
winding and beautiful roads that brought refreshment to my soul.
They were a reminder that God indeed created a beautiful world.
Sometimes
I forget what is really important. It is really not about getting to
a destination but about enjoying the trip. If a person keeps their
eyes open they may see some beauty that others may not even notice.
Take a back road and once again see the beauty of some of God’s
creation.
Last
Friday I went for a bike ride. I, along with my spouse and another
couple, rode 17 miles. The weather was great. In fact I road my
bike in shorts and sweatshirts and was very comfortable. I think
this is the first time I have ridden my bike in January. What makes
this ride more memorable is the next day I was again back to wearing
a winter jacket as I went out to an evening party. The weather had
changed dramatically very quickly. In fact by Sunday there was ice
on the roads.
I
am very much aware of how quickly weather can change and I am also
very aware that life brings change at me at a very fast pace. I know
what it is to lose a loved one quickly. I also know what it is to
see people move in and out of my life quickly too. Change is a fact
of life for me in many ways. So, today I am rejoicing in the fact
that love continues to flow into my life in many ways. One of the
reasons I cling to God is that His love never fails and is always
-always- there even in the midst of change.
I
read these words by an unknown author that I think are so true:
We
do not understand
joy….until
we face sorrow
faith….until
it is tested
peace…until
faced with conflict
trust….until
we are betrayed
love….until
it is lost
hope….until
confronted with doubt.
I
think I will think on these thoughts and remember the cycles of life.