Hidden between the low cloud coverage and building tops, the sun sheds a much needed warmth and light during a mid day break. It is the refreshing beams that flood the window and shine brightly into the eyes as lunch is being consumed. The treat of the clouds mutes the blinding rays from sabotaging the sight lines of the passing crowds and a conversation taking place.
Enjoying an afternoon activity with the family, questions and comments pulsate the ear drums and invade the thought process of the mind. Points and decisions are made in a moment of blitzing topics, but the waiter notes the fluids in the mugs are low and refills without a need for interruption.
Life is full of dreams and plans. God hears everyone of them. Sometimes it is beyond puzzling for us and often confounds our natural thinking. Is it the kids battling cancer? Is it the single mom struggling to keep a roof over their heads? Is it a student facing their finals? Is it the dog eat dog world that batter down the common man or woman? In the end, the Master has a plan that we fulfill or rather he fulfills in us, the willing vessels.
With a personal note, please allow me to share something a bit more intimate. For this I need for you to lean in a bit, coming closer…
Since I’ve come to a personal and Spirit filled relationship with Jesus, my life has taken an adventure that I could not have designed or thought of on my own. Some of it has been extremely fulfilling and other moments, not so much. They’ve hurt. It’s a part of me that is hidden from public view and a part of me that falls away.
Next to the desk where I write most of my journeyman letters is a big window, and on the inside of the window are big blinds, don’t ask me the official style I couldn’t begin to tell you. But what is hidden from most people is what I have placed on the blinds, two sticky notes. Each sticky note has a basic word described on it. And I use that to place my reminder before the Father. It is my version of a continual prayer for things very near and dear to me. I debate whether to share the words…
Uniqueness is what I requested from God. I see a world following after each other and missing the high mark of Him. It is something I wish more people had. Him. In the end, all that we do, all that we save, all that is… comes back to Him. It’s His: faith, actions, love, boundless ways, hope, and mercies, that lead the way. He is unique in His dealings with each one of us. As most snowflakes are unique, so are we made as individuals.
Commonality is found in the gift of His Spirit. He binds us to the Father and keeps us trotting down the path. Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. He’s the Promise from Jesus that the apostle John wrote about. We can be sure that He will lead us if we are listening. Its about relationship with Him. And this is what I mentioned to the Father. I lack in relationship.
In the unseen answering and reminders of my prayers, I can now begin to see that He has taken steps in getting resolution to my requests. Just not exactly how I pictured. You see, what I’ve come to understand in asking for with “uniqueness and relationship” God answered with Himself. With out a doubt I’m more peculiar today than I was a decade or two ago. And we have grown in a way that may not have been possible if I had other responsibilities, at least not at the moments that have gone by. My understanding of His delays have changed. The cries and yearnings of the heart are still being settled. But the Joy, the Joy that He brings is ever so refreshing.
Purposing the heart to finding Him can and does lead down some strange paths and ways, but the end result is the final destination that was sought. I hope in sharing this intimate gift you have a blessed and tantalizing Christmas day and season. I’m thankful for the freedoms we still share and am grateful for the men and women that sacrifice to help this happen. May the calling of God be heard in your ears tonight and may the heart respond accordingly.
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story comes from the season of Christ’s birthday celebration! What a way to honor Him by serenading Him with sweet whispers of gratitude and joyful adoration! Matthew 1 & 2 and John 14 are some key pieces in reference to this letter. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year’s! Happy Birthday Jesus!
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