Change is Beginning. . .

Today, in mid-August, as I stood pumping gas into my car, I gazed at blue skies with candy-cotton clouds being wafted about with a gentle breeze while my mind wandered wishing to squeeze out just a few more days of summer.  My gaze sauntered to a patch of small maple trees across the street in front of the bank.  I noticed that several of the more exposed branches toward the top of the tree – the branches facing east – had already begun to dress for autumn.

Their colors were vibrant and the leaves danced as the breeze blew through them.  “Changing already,” I thought to myself, and sighed heavily.   I realized then that in just a few short weeks, fall would settle into northeast Ohio, and the “change” [of seasons] would begin.

While fall is my favorite season of the year, it does most definitely signal change.  The nights have certainly been getting cooler, the daylight is hurrying away more quickly now, and the start of our school year in just a few days signals the end of sleeping in (if 7:30 AM is sleeping in) and a wait of many months before the thoughts of vacation can rise again.  I was blessed to be able to travel into Canada and Maine during the fall of past years and have certainly witnessed the magnificence of God’s handiwork as he painted each tree before it lost its leaves.

While serving as a witness to the change of seasons, my thoughts turned toward our Father in heaven – the creator of all that is so magnificent.  I remembered that no matter how much change takes place – the seasons, the death of loved ones, the birth of a baby, the joining of young lives as husband and wife – no matter what, God never changes!  This was not some fantastic revelation that I had but a certainty that I feel each day in my heart and in my soul.  I can rest assured that I can trust Him knowing that He has everything under control.  In a world that seems so out of control most of the time, I know that God who placed the order in our vast universe still has everything under control, whether we think He does or not.  He IS in control and most importantly – He NEVER changes. “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” (I Samuel 15:29)

“For I, the LORD, do not change. . .” (Malachi 3:6)  How do I know that God does not and will not change?  His word tells me in Hebrews 11:1 “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.” (The Message)  So, here it is – the change of seasons, from summer to autumn is a given – we live in northeast Ohio – we expect that change; we live in a world of uncertainties and the political climate in our nation is just short of a riot every time a politician opens their mouth but I have confidence that God will not change and His infinite love for me and the assurance of His presence in my life will see many through any change that this world and this life may bring to me. 

Just look around. . .the “change” is about to happen but the leaves are about the only thing that appear to be changing, and thankfully and gratefully, certainly not God!

Does it Happen to You?

Does it ever happen to you? It happens to me and I hate to admit it.  Sometimes, when I pray, my mind begins to wander.  I talk to God just as I write – unpretentious – and I know He always hears.  But, sometimes when I am singing a worship song or a song of praise, I fail to hear or think carefully about the words flowing from my mouth. Then, a pang of guilt strikes and everything gradually shifts back into focus – I center my mind totally on praising and worshipping my Savior trying to be certain that my words are more than just “pretty words”; or I continue my pursuit of seeking God’s leading and asking His will for my life (even if just for the day or the moment).  And. . .I remember – I remember the blessings in my life that I take for granted every day: my salvation, a loving husband,  three great children, two adorable granddaughters, some of the best friends in the world, my terrific church where I can worship with others who share my faith, my job, my home, good food – I could go on but I think you get the point.

Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

The Psalmist David remembered. . . and he meditated. He engaged in thought; he contemplated; he reflected.    When I meditate on all that God has given me and all He has done for me, I cannot help but worship.  I cannot help but lift my voice in praise.  I cannot help but reflect to others what He means to me.  Often it feels like I am a flower that has not yet bloomed and then all of my thoughts, my energy, my innermost being is concentrated on that meditation, the worship, my Spirit begins to praise and I begin to bloom as a rose opening its petals as it reaches upward and outward.

Do you remember?  Can you remember the last time when you enjoyed pure, focused on your Savior, worship and praise?  Can you remember the last time you truly enjoyed a 1:1 conversation with God when nothing or no one else was competing for your attention – not the kids, not your husband, not a friend, not your pet, your students, your employer?

It happens to all of us – we are human – we are consumed with our lives and all that pulls and tugs on us.  It is important to make a concentrated effort to meditate - to put it all aside – it’s as if your spirit can breathe in His presence.   But oh the blessings when we do.  When we put forth even the smallest effort, when we reach just a bit, we will be blessed beyond anything we can think or imagine.

So, take time to remember – to meditate – to have a personal conversation with God – and if your mind wanders or you lose focus. . .just come on back and finish your visit with Him.  You won’t regret it.