My Charming Retreat

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-5 (NIV)

After months of staying inside, I ventured out to my patio for a predawn devotional time. Bronchitis and allergies had kept me from enjoying the beauty and solitude of the lake. 

            In the crisp morn, the enchanting view welcomed me back. A half-moon glowed in the inky sky. Its light beamed as the sun gently overtook the darkness. Tweets, trills, and melodies formed a chorus of hidden singers. 

            Swirling mist performed a ballet above the shadowy water. Dragonflies twirled above lakeside plants. Dew drops twinkled on emerald grass. 

            A filmy scarf of pale green adorned bald cypress trees as they emerged from their winter sleep. Pink, yellow, and orange blooms decorated plants that survived winter freezes. 

            Because of so much time inside and having only glimpses of the lake through windows, each part of the incredible scene mesmerized me. Everything seemed new and exciting.

            Following a light rain that washed away some of the pollen, I quickly returned to my favorite spot. However, as I lingered to savor the splendor of the dawn, coughing returned. Unfortunately, allergy season remained. 

            Although I longed to stay outside in my charming retreat, wisdom whispered to leave. Continued exposure to pesky pollen would again attack my body. 

            A choice had to be made. I could pretend to feel good and linger in a not so good environment or I could be sensible and avoid triggers that might cause harm. 

            Each day there are choices to be made. Sometimes between good and bad. Frequently between good and better or even good and best. Immediate desires may push decisions which can lead to undesirable consequences. 

            When I prepared to go into the house, a cardinal chirped. His scarlet feathers glistened as he bid me farewell. A perfect ending to my visit and reminder that eventually, I would be able to return. 

Loving Father, thank you for the creation that speaks to us. Give us wisdom to make the best possible decisions each day. 

Amen

No More Band Aids

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

As I prayed for numerous friends with all types of difficult circumstances, an image formed in my mind. I stood in a gigantic room with people milling about.

            Band aids stuck to every arm, leg, and face. Large, small, crooked and tattered dressings clung to bodies. No one seemed to notice the strange situation. 

            Silence filled the room. Not one person spoke but they obsessively added more and more bandages. 

            Standing to the side, Jesus watched intently. His compassionate eyes studied each distressed person. 

            My mind and heart opened to the revelation. I had known the answer but understood in a new way as I viewed the unusual scene. 

            Our broken world desperately needs to be fixed. However, we constantly attach our own band aids like little children who think that solves every pain and hurt. 

            In some instances, the damage is slight so we fasten small bandages. At other times, we wrap ourselves in lengthy bindings to cover up all of the painful cuts and bruises. They curtail any contact with other people. Our feeble attempts don’t solve problems but often cause more distress. 

            While we focus on repairing and improving circumstances with our limited abilities, Jesus patiently watches. When we humbly admit we can’t fix ourselves, He nods, smiles and opens His arms. 

            He won’t rush in to yank off all the unsightly dressings that conceal unhealed wounds. However, when we admit we are helpless, He lovingly peels off ugly bandages. Joy replaces discouragement. 

            Although scars may remain, He makes us into new creations. A transformed life replaces our messes. 

            In my vision, Jesus’ arms reached out to embrace all who took steps to Him. Others in the room continued to wander aimlessly and in despair. 

            His smile and gentle nod toward them, directed all new creations to share the news of transformation. A few wanderers edged closer to Him. Some finally hurried to the Lord. 

            Unfortunately, a number looked away defiantly and continued believing they could take care of themselves. 

            Memories of my vision reminded me that Jesus is open to everyone but not all will go to Him. In the meantime, Christians must share their stories of redemption.  

Lord, thank you for making us into new creations when we accept you. Lead us as we share out stories and bring others to Jesus. 

Amen