Tuning into God’s Tender Care
On my evening constitutional last night
I could hardly take in a breath
For the heat and humidity.
This morning I awaken to cool, clear
air and smile at how easy the
breaths in and out have become.
Even the cicadas forget to quiet
their voices, so happy are they
for this spectacular day.
When the air is heavy it seems the
trials and tribulations of the
world correspond to that heaviness.
We listen the world news and the
complications they’ve selected
for us to deal with each day.
For just awhile we need to tune
Into the channel of prayer and
Light and release challenges and fears.
This perfect weather day is a reminder
of God’s tender care for you and
for all of humanity and creation.
So, let’s just sit here, you and me
and listen to the goodness of Nature
and fully sense that God loves us.
Be assured and at peace!
Nurturing Gratefulness and Hope
As I sit here in my chair hammock, facing the corner of the house, I look up to see the lower branches of a locust tree growing into the top of a narrow pine tree hedge. I’m sure that the neighbor who planted the pines didn’t realize how tall they would grow and that the intertwining of branches would occur in a mere seven years.
Even when two things are good, pruning helps both flourish. We assess, trim back, pull out, and see what works today. The old adage, “we’ve always done it that way” can be paralyzing or just plain boring and may lead to thinking of everything that is wrong with the world instead of being appreciative and grateful.
If we but focus on gratitude, hope, and goodness for ten minutes, three times a day, we will be changed. A good novel, poem, or movie can take us away from repeating the same ole tapes and help us see things in a satisfying way. Reading a scripture that meant something to us years ago and still brings back those memories of healing or dancing when repeated today can help us release the things we cannot control to our God. Like Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will fly up on wings like eagles;
they will run and not be tired;
they will walk and not be weary.
It’s certainly renewing when we enjoy or imagine a perfect weather day. Yet even when it’s still hot and muggy our strength will be renewed one day at a time when we pray and have hope in the Lord. The problems of the world have obviously not evaporated, but in prayer it is possible to feel the perfection of God’s love. How pleasing it is to rest awhile and look, listen, and watch for the ways God is at work in the world. May we be grateful for the ways we discover the glory of God.
We pray for you and hold you in the Light and Love of Christ.
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view and download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2021-08-25