invitation to a changed life
consider the wildflowers
"Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more. "Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. "Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."
Luke 12:22-32
I often find myself fussing over whatever happens to be bugging me that day...cellulite, where my kid will go to school next year, how hard my job is, feeling like I'm not a good teacher, money, stress, weariness, too much to do, nothing to wear, what to make for dinner...everyday life stuff. Reading this passage last night reminded me that God really cares for me and has and will continue to provide for me in all the ways that I need. For me this goes beyond food and shelter, but stretches out to encompass wisdom in decision making, forgiveness for oft repeated sins, a love that is palpable, an understanding that exceeds my own by infinity to the 10th. In as much as food and shelter are necessities for my body, wisdom, understanding, love and forgiveness are the nourishment for my spirit and what I truly crave. Somedays , who am I kidding, more often than not, I am stunned by how fragile I am here. How little strength I have and how easily I feel defeated and completely wrung out. What I long for is clarity of mind (His wisdom), strength (His understanding of my weakness...for when we are weak He is strong...thank you, Father, that it is so)...and the assurance that I don't walk this path alone (His love).
Today I want to ponder this as I go through my day...relishing the fact that He is with me.
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