What is this life about anyway? Several mornings I’ve started my day wondering what I’m supposed to be doing, and why, for goodness sake! People still tussle: is it safe to ___? my rights vs the “greater good”? VAX or no? When can I take this mask off? I confess I’ve had to have lots of heart to heart talks with myself these days! I’ve had to do some serious digging into my Control Issues Department. Can anyone relate? Are you singing along with me, “Let It Go, Let it Go~”🎶
Where do you find joy these days? Where do you find purpose? What keeps you keeping on when times are stressful and uncertain?
Sit quietly, close your eyes, taste that latté you are drinking, hear the sounds of life around you or intentionally shut them out for quiet, and ask the Lord to come join you where you are in this present moment. Give Him your weariness and discouragement and ask Him for purpose and strength for this day.
Who do I know that is struggling, lonely or hurting, who is discouraged, or needs a hand reaching out or incoming friendly text or voice? Maybe someone needs to talk and, more importantly, needs me to listen and to care about them.
Maybe I need respite. Sing or play joyful music, share a latté with a friend, take a walk and smell the roses. Life is short – we have only this moment and our hopes for tomorrow.
I paint watercolors because it gives me purpose and joy. It also takes me out of myself, and sometimes getting out of ourselves is just where we need to be. Reading a good book also does that. I recommend Jan Karon’s wonderful Mitford series, starting with “At Home in Mitford”. Rereading it has brought me a remembered and treasured joy. Her writing brings some fresh perspectives on difficult times. I hope you might enjoy this treasured series.
But the best way to get out of myself is by getting into God’s Word. We desperately need to refesh our soul and spirit, and the Bible, God’s love story to us, is the best resource available to us. Packed with stories of flawed people as they were used by God, we find wisdom, truth and hope. And through it all, we find the sacrificial love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When He was asked what were the most important commandments, Jesus said to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31 NIV
Help us to love You, Lord, first and foremost, as we seek to find meaning and purpose in our days. Sometimes difficulties hijack our emotions and it is a struggle to climb out of discouragement. But you said the needs of our neighbor (friend, family, community) are as great and oftentimes greater than our own. Help us to take good, wise care of ourselves! But, also give us the strength and the courage to reach out to and love on others who You have put on our hearts. This road we walk called Life, is sometimes dark and discouraging, but You are always by our side and eternally Faithful.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
Thank You for Your strength, Your purpose, and Your great Love Story guiding us through, Heavenly Father. Help us to keep on keeping on!
Prayers and Paintbrushes 