Roots

Here in Texas, lantana is a heat tolerant plant that does well. Unfortunately, it has taken over several flower beds in my yard and it is time to make some changes. 

There is something quite satisfying in the sound of a large root as it gives way to the shovel. As the blade goes deep,  the dislodging begins. With a resounding crack, the earth moves, making way for new life. It is a surprise to discover the far reaching underground connectivity between these large plants.  As old rocks and debris are removed, hope for change rises.  It is hard work.

The "root crack" of no longer desired growth can also be heard during a quiet time with God or a talk with a friend.  An underlying tuber of pain or unforgiveness may be discovered, and the blade of Truth must cut deep so better things can be planted.

Goodbye lantana, and goodbye bitterness. It's time for something new.

He Is Present

I am sitting in the woods hearing evidence of life that I cannot see.

The hidden crickets lift their voices, their existence undeniable.  Wind tickles my face, unseen yet effectively cooling me.  Invisible sounds mirror a dimension that cannot be viewed with physical eyes.

God camouflages Himself, and like a child hiding behind a chair, He delights in being found.

Don't stop looking for that Unseen Life. He is right there, hoping to be discovered by you.

Waiting

There is a crystal hanging in my bedroom window. Unmoving, it dangles there minding its own business, and most of the time there is no light coming to shine through it.

As I walked into this room a few minutes ago, I discovered several dozen "rainbows" littering the walls. The floor seems to be on fire with freshly laid gems and the ceiling is glittering with color.

This says so much to me about waiting. If it had been a human being, the crystal could have easily said, "I'm tired of hanging here, I'm going to go find some light so I can produce a little glory!" not knowing that its time to shine was oh, so very near.

How grateful I am that it was hung months ago, because now there is  beauty scattered in this normally bland corner of my house.

Be encouraged while you wait, something good is coming!

"And let us not grow weary in doing well, for in time we will reap, if we do not give up."

Galatians 6: 9

Change Will Come

This morning I rode my horse on dry ground.

The cracked earth under his hooves gave no indication of the puddles and mud we traversed just a few short weeks before.

No matter where you're standing, the season you are in will change. For the better? For the worse? Most likely, yes.

Hold steady. You won't be right here forever. The only "steady" is that you are loved by the One who made you.

He Delights

Yesterday, I spent the day with my oldest granddaughter, Leila.  (Pronounced Lee-EYE-la.)

This girl is truly the apple of my eye.  Her laughter evokes memories of her mother's bubbling giggle, a sound that previous to her existence was unmatched by any human I'd ever known.

Leila and I played games, read books, tossed a ball, ate cookies, and made up for lost time. Eight hours simply flew by!

In the midst of our time together, I uttered, "How I delight in you!"

There was an immediate echo reverberating into my heart by the One who originated such a profound reality.

There is no greater love than the Father's love.  I bless you with that thought today:

He delights in you.