• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade • True compassion grows and shines from within • Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive • There are times when we just need to be alone • We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives • People can raise a stink when they are unhappy • The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds • Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes • Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences • Travel can open one’s eyes to many things • Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind • May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing • Be present for God, who is always present • God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows
– From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
A word has recently been popping into my mind and so I have returned to it to see what it is saying to me. 🙂 That word is “yet” …Have you thought about this small but powerful little word before? It’s one of those words that we use a lot. Some ways we might use this small word are:
Are you finished yet? I don’t know yet. I have yet to see that happen. He was yet a child. Is she here yet? Yet they were still able to come. Are we there yet?
Are those any you find yourself saying? …“Yet” means that we have expectations. When we haven’t finished something, called someone, or done something we’ve been asked to do … adding “yet” can make a difference! There are still plans or hopes for the future. “Yet” can spark both anticipation and concern.
Now, the hard part for me, and for most of us, is staying motivated and encouraged. Keeping a positive attitude and persevering can be challenging, can’t it? I still well-remember and appreciate my mom reminding me to take one thing at a time. I’ve also learned to work on my perspective, to trust God for direction, and to focus on the small and “do-able” steps needed. And then there are times to give up our own “yet” and re-examine expectations and life’s journey.
Look how God leads us to adjust our own “yet” as he modeled his own:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB
God didn’t wait for us to be perfect examples (That’s impossible anyway, isn’t it?!). His help with waiting, reminding me of the need for patience, and adjusting expectations knowing that He with us through the long haul… that’s what keeps me going. God has gone before us and is waiting and preparing for us as we travel to the “yet.”
My prayers for myself and for us all, is that God will surround us with people, and will create us to be people, who help during all our “yets”. I am so thankful that he came to us first, during our greatest “yet”. Be encouraged.
“Starlight, star bright, first start I’ve seen tonight. Wish I wish; wish I might, get the wish I wish tonight!”
“Make a wish! Make a wish!” we’d say excitedly as someone blew out their birthday candle.
Have you ever thought about “wishes” and how they are a part of our everyday life?! Whether intentional or not, they slip into all areas, both great and small. We wish for nice weather, for time to rest, and for a loved one to be well. We wish to go to a certain event or for help with something. We wish for things to happen (or not happen),
There are a lot of long-held traditions that reflect our natural yearning for things that seem improbable or out of reach… Wishes express sympathy, expectation, or hope. I know that I have wished for things to be different or better. I have wished, and prayed for, family members to be well and for God to provide for needs. I have wished for times of rest, for warm sunny days, for hope for the future, and for family and others to find faith in God.
I think of all the crowds of people that followed after Jesus and his disciples. They came with a lot of needs and wishes, too. Jesus told the people to do to others what you wish for them to do to you:
“So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
Jesus used the same Greek word (thelō) when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane
‘Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”’ (Matthew 26:39)
Isn’t that so amazing, and so very hard?! …Jesus modeled the ultimate wish, to give up his own wishes (his will) for God’s, to express his love for God and for others above himself. What a challenge that is for us!
As we gaze at the stars, celebrate another year in someone’s life, or just wish for better days and positive outcomes… May we consider what we wish for, what our will is, and release them to God’s care. Prayers that we will find encouragement and rest.
Spread its arms so round and true Joined together clasping tightly Firm boundaries to speak and declare Now look to the center to show us where
Moving turning in ordered motion Complete and whole so satisfying Gaze around in awe and wonder Savoring the vastness of eternity’s splendor
As swirling water released down drain Wind-chased leaves tightly lifted up Rain’s swift drops upon mirrored surface And sun, moon, and planets of glowing hue
A rounded loaf and water cup In busy pursuit upon bowl’s rim We meet ourselves upon life’s cycle
Pause and muse on earth and heaven Our quest in life and the circles we touch …The infinite love of God enfolds us Gathering welcoming upon this circle
• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us • Our surroundings affect us in many ways • Small experiences can add up to big challenges • Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings • Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences • Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent • Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful • As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air • Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential • Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships • Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest • Wisdom grows from built up experience • Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others • God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls
From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
“Stop here. Now, back slowly. Turn the steering wheel just so… and now into the spot between the two cars… Got it!”
I recall the time, many years ago now, when I took driver’s ed in high school and had to learn to parallel park. It was a bit of a challenge at first. Steering the car just so took some practice… Perhaps you can relate.
I saw a sign recently that read, “Make God your steering wheel…” That same day, I heard on the radio, “Steering is easier when you are in motion. It’s harder to turn the steering wheel when sitting still.” That got me to thinking.
When we ask someone to “steer me in the right direction” we are asking which way to go to find something or for help in making a right decision. A prayer in the book of Psalms says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.* James used illustrations about bits in the mouths of horses to turn them and large ships driven by strong winds yet steered by a small rudder.*
It may seem obvious, but steering requires movement. Moving involves taking steps and making decisions. How many goals, dreams, or calls have I had but have felt too distracted, insecure, or weak to persevere and pursue them?
Like parallel parking it may take some practice and work to move. Prayer and trusting God to do the steering and to show us the right way helps us move forward one step at a time. There are some things that I’ve had to set to the side for a while but there are good things in their place for now… and that’s a thought for another day.
My prayer for us all is that we will trust God to show us His way and that we will trust Him to do the steering. Ever willing, ever moving. Be encouraged and celebrate the small steps.
The Still Small Voice 