Unwinding

I've lately been blessed to spend much time outside gardening. There never seems to be a shortage of things to learn from Him on these occasions. Today found me pulling weeds, moving plants around, and pulling out ivy. Any of these could have served as a teachable moment from the Lord, but there was one instance that I heard Him most in. It was the morning glories.

We noticed the very first one opened this morning, which made me resolve to get them a bit straightened out. You see, they are growing all among the other plants in the bed. I set about painstakingly unwinding the ones that had wrapped themselves all around our dill, lilies, evening primrose, liatris, and other things. Once it was finally freed, I would transplant it near my fence where it could climb and wind around as much it it liked. Oh, was it a tedious task!

A friend had recently shared how the Lord takes such tiny detail in caring for us and directing us. I began thinking about these wild morning glories and seeing how I can be just as bad as them. How many times have I wrapped myself around people, situations, or ideas? During those times, He lovingly unwinds me, saying, "Child, wrap your life around me for I am the only source of true security and satifaction." He knows it would go such much better for me if I would just follow through in this way. How He must long for me to entwine my life with Him and rest in His love.

Help me, Lord, to wrap my life around You. I want to think of You first thing each morning and last thing each night. Cause my soul to cling to You so that I am utterly enthralled by Your presence. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Hiding

A friend recently asked for help identifying spots on her lavender that looked like spit. I searched the recesses of my mind for the needed information that I stored away last summer. It had been during a Nature For Kids hike through the Metroparks. The naturalist had pointed out little bubbly globs on several plants that looked like spit. She explained that there was a little insect inside, appropriately named the spittlebug.

I began looking up details about this bug to share with my friend. As it turned out, the bug blows the bubbles using sap from the plant. Neither the "spit", nor the insect are terribly harmful to the plant.  The bubbles are a wonderful defense mechanism for the bug, allowing it to hide and feed under the foam for protection from predators and the heat.

While learning about this, I began hearing the Lord speak to me about hiding. Basically, the spittlebug is creating a smokescreen to hide behind and make life easier. Do I do that? I generally try to be fairly transparent with those I come into contact with. It is one of my pet peeves when people slap a happy face on and act like life is grand even if it's not.

Being real with one another is one of the best ways to build up the Body. The encouragement it can offer is two-fold. First, it can allow each party to see that they aren't the only one who's ever felt this way or walked this path. Secondly, it is a wonderful form of accountability. Sharing enables others to encourage us to get back on the path if we have strayed. We can and should do the same for them.

I've continued to think upon this insect and its way of protecting itself. In what ways do I attempt to protect myself? Perhaps I do okay in the transparency area, but what of the different areas concerning fear in my life? Have I grown comfortable hiding behind all of my fears, rather than stepping out in obedience to Him, the ultimate Protector?

Lord, forgive me for attempting to seek out my own protection when You are more than willing to keep perfect watch over me. Remind me that nothing can come into my life except that which You have lovingly allowed. Help me to see that, come what may, Your grace truly is sufficient. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Undivided Heart

I recently brought a beautiful Bleeding Heart plant home from a perennial sale. I knew that my girls would adore it and it reminds me to pray for a very special lady I know. I couldn't be happier with this newest addition to our flower garden.

Sometime last week I came across a scripture scribbled on a piece of scrap paper in my Bible. I couldn't wait to see what it said and quickly thumbed my way to Psalm 86:11. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Hmmm.... that got me thinking. What does an undivided heart look like? Just what does that mean?

First and foremost, I guess it would mean that I should seek after God wholeheartedly. I suddenly began examining each little part of my heart. How was I doing? Was I really putting Him first? Was my heart truly undivided? As I meditated on that passage, I began to realize that any time I allow something "iffy" into my life, my heart becomes divided. At that very moment I have taken a piece of my heart that is rightfully His and given it to someone or something else. Ouch! I don't want to do that.

Next, I began thinking of the passage with marriage in mind. Am I allowing anything into my mind that is causing my marital heart to become divided? Is disrespect present? Am I putting his needs before my needs? Am I loving him for who he is, strengths and weaknesses alike? Am I doing the things he asks of me, his helpmate?

I think I can do better in both respects.

Father, thank you for speaking to me about my heart. I love that You care enough about me to have these "conversations" with me. It helps me to feel that You are with me. How very precious You are to me! Please help me to always be sensitive to what You are telling me. I do want to have an undivided heart so that I may fear your name. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Opening

Lord, I've been watching these flowers outside my front window. For about a week now they have been ever so slowly opening. They are not there yet, but they are definitely on their way. I am like those flowers, slowly opening to You. I am reminded of the tail end of Isaiah 61:3 - "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." I'm not quite there yet, but I long to be. Or am I mistaken? Am I, in more ways than I am realizing, displaying Your splendor? Speak to me, Lord, I will listen...