Shining bright Love deep and strong Life o’erflowing With passion and courage Reflection of most noble character Wisdom more precious … Incomparable worth Beacon to all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Hey, look at this! Could you…? “Crash!” What was that? I just found out… Did you know…?”
Distractions are all around us, pulling us away from our current tasks or thoughts, demanding our attention, diverting us from our plans! Whether building frustration or simply giving up on any thought of completion, there is often an accompanying level of irritation or resignation. Our own thoughts distract us, as we turn to more pleasant or troublesome things. Anticipated plans or activities can fall by the wayside.
What are we to do? How can we ever get anything done? … And if we do finally get our chosen or needed tasks completed, what is our final state-of-mind? We rush to get through our responsibilities so we can get on to better things and are left feeling drained and dissatisfied.
Distractions, distractions! But are they really? I have been challenged to look at those perceived distractions in a new light. As we take a breath and pray for wisdom… and a quiet heart that trusts in God’s timing, our whole perspective shifts.
In our daily experiences we begin to see these distractions as opportunities to serve others. What a great difference we make when our frustration and impatience turn more toward caring attention and love… and when we give ourselves grace and extend that grace to others when we struggle. Paul encourages us too with his words to the Romans, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” *
May our days be filled with opportunities, our eyes be opened to them, and our hearts be encouraged.
• 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
• A good foot rub relaxes body and soul • We often take things we use daily for granted • Comfort is bare feet on the cool grassy ground • Bringers of good news are like sunshine after a cloudy day • Be mindful of where you go and whom you walk with • Travel brings new discoveries and renewed relationships • Stand firmly for goodness and justice • Consider possible consequences to avoid slipping • Some paths are full of rocks, roots, and washouts • Wisdom speaks from experience • Heed words of wisdom to avoid stumbling • It’s good to put your feet up and breathe after a busy day • Walk through life seeing interruptions as positive opportunities • Follow the feet of our Shepherd
–from “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 