While It's Called Today - by Kelly

Today has been a teary day. A wonderful day. You know, those days you want to bottle up and smell every so often, remembering the fragrance.

I looked out the sliding glass door to the deck early this morning. What a wreck. Leaves strewn everywhere. Lawn chairs out of place. Debris from squirrels and people that needed to be swept away and disposed of. I stepped out, knowing the task that lay ahead when my little porch swing caught my eye. It is one of my favorite places to just sit and be with God. I hadn't been there in what felt like ages. I'd forgotten it even existed while I was closed inside the heated house. Remembering naps on the swing/prayer times on the swing/conversations with the ones I love on the swing and those special quiet times with God now brought purpose to my clean up. I'd make my way toward my swing, pushing the filth out of the way. It took at least an hour, counting a trip to the dump, but soon I was where I wanted to be all along. I visited again later in the afternoon, this time with my faithful Goldie dog at my side. I love my little private getaway.

John called out to me from the lawnmower at one point when I was thanking God for His great goodness. Ah, don't make me open my eyes - the tears will roll down and you'll know I was with God. It was embarrassing, but John knows me, almost as well as God knows me! Real life of picking up sticks so he could mow unimpeded was necessary. Back to service.

Isn't this the picture of our lives? Our God has His secret place - the place He beckons us to come to, but we often have to clear the clutter of debris out of the way, intentionally working our way back to His heart. And even though this place is sweet, we can't stay. We must heed the call to service so that others can make their way to Him too.

Maybe I'm over spiritualizing the day, but God is worthy to be seen, thanked and praised in all circumstances.

Has your day been hard? Listen to His call - Come away, my love.

Has your day been easy? Bend your ear even further to hear His whispers of love. Watch for His call to service. His equipping often comes in this quiet time.

My prayer for you all is that you will be intentionally thankful - purposely prayerful - bent upon being with Him, if even for just a few tender moments. He loves you!

Mark 6:31 And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."

Kel