Taking The Next Step

 

  Due to northern wildfires, the unhealthy air quality turned my fun, outdoor summer days with my grandchildren into "we have to stay in the house" days. We were forced to come up with different ways to have fun. One of our activities was a scavenger-hunt clue game. It was a game I always enjoyed playing with my children when they were young. My daughter, Theresa, began writing the clues, and the fun followed. My granddaughters had to solve each clue, which led them to the next. It was fun to watch them figure out the answers. What seemed obvious at times left them bewildered and needing more insight.

  I was thinking about this later on, and noticed some similarities between this game and a life of prayer.  Please keep in mind, that I am not suggesting that God is playing games with us.  Nothing could be further from the truth. What I am suggesting, though, is that through prayer, God leads us where we need to go.  If we listen to His voice, God gently guides us from one day to the next.  It's not always easy, though.  Sometimes we just don't pick up on God's clues. We may have to go back and spend even more time in prayer to discern where God is leading us- especially if we are being led to carry a cross. Often our hearts are heavy, and our heads are down when carrying a cross, making it difficult to see where we are being led. During these times, complete trust in God is needed.

  Unfortunately, wildfires touch everyone's lives. They can be completely unexpected and beyond our control. Keep in mind, though, that God is in control.  He will never abandon us. He loves us, and with each prayer, He will guide us away from pain and danger and into His world of love and peace. Never stop praying.  Prayer purifies us and fills us with His Spirit. And if you're too tired to say another prayer or take another step, just say four small words.  Holy Spirit, help me. Let His breath fill your lungs, enlighten your mind, and clear your vision. Praying in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is the best way to discover The Way.

-Susan

What's Your Love Story?

 

   I was praying the sorrowful mysteries this week with the Gospel of Mark. Just before Judas' betrayal, we hear the story of the woman who poured an alabaster jar of perfumed oil over Jesus' head. Jesus was deeply touched by this woman's love. But Mark tells us that many present didn't understand. They thought her generosity toward Jesus was a ridiculous waste of money. Jesus responded to their criticism with the following: "Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." (Mark 14:9)

  I sat with this for a while.  Our love for Jesus may not be understood by the world, but others' views shouldn't dictate how generously we love Him. When it comes to loving Jesus, don't hold back.  Give Him everything. One day, our stories will be told as well. Try to imagine Jesus telling others in heaven about your love for Him. I hope the story is as lavish as that of the woman with the alabaster jar.

-Susan

How Close Is Too Close?

 

  We loved visiting Yellowstone National Park! The scenery was spectacular! The number of active geysers and hot springs was astonishing! The wildlife was wild! Antelopes, bears, and bison were roaming the trails and fields. Iconically, we were stopped twice as herds of bison crossed the roads. It was exciting to see these incredible animals up close, but what shocked me was how many people got out of their cars to take pictures! Was I snapping pictures as they walked by? Absolutely, but from a safe distance inside my car. Parents stepped out with their children, trying to get that perfect photo op. Why would anyone put themselves so close to danger? I wanted to scream, "What are you doing? Get back in your cars!"

  I thought about this more later. I wonder how often God may be screaming warnings to all of us. "Hey, take a step back, turn around. This isn't good for you!" We know the dangers that can harm our spiritual relationship with God, and sometimes we risk getting too close and going too far. Temptation is everywhere! Often, we don't even recognize our own behavior as reckless because everyone else is doing it.

  This week, I'm going to take some quiet time to hear the warnings God has been speaking or screaming to me. Whether these behaviors are intentional or unrecognized, I need to see my life more clearly. My far vision might be pretty good, but my near vision could use a corrective lens. I don't need a wild life that teeters on the edge of danger; I'd rather be walking hand-in-hand with my Creator.

-Susan