You did not choose me. I chose you.

When you walk into a room full of strangers,

isn't it a relief when someone you know greets you warmly?

"Hi! I'm so glad you came!"

That sure does make me feel more welcome!

You may be the only one... (part 2)

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

I simply love to stop and look at trees, but I can’t stop there. I have to touch them, too. Words fail me to describe the joy and refreshment I experience when I touch pine needles (the bluer, the better!) and trace leaf designs.

Yet, I can’t tell you know how many trees I’ve stopped and touched, or which trees I’ve touched in places I’ve frequented. There’s no way I could even begin to figure out which leaves I’ve touched!

I can say that I’ve touched leaves, observed trees and enjoyed the detail God’s put into those trees. I don’t need to know which ones I’ve touched.

So it is with people. I can’t say who or when or where I’ve made a difference… I don’t need to. It’s not my business. It’s not a contest or a checklist to cross off on my way to heaven. Instead, I’d do well to simply trust that God’s so incredibly ABLE to use my life – no matter the circumstances – to bring glory to Him and to “touch a life”. He’ll use me to encourage, enlighten, or edify as He sees fit. He’s so much bigger and wiser than I am – I cannot do anything worthwhile outside of Jesus’ help through His Spirit and His resurrection power! I’d best simply continue to trust Him and not worry if I’m doing enough. He’ll let me know if I’m not.

Abba God, how gracious and kind You are to bless my soul and remind me of You infinite ability to touch lives through me. I’m nothing on my own, and You’re everything good. I want to please You and bring You glory; I’m so thankful that You’ll accomplish this through me! Give me eyes to see truth and courage to stand firm as You use me to reconcile others to You, one little minute at time – just like You use one little leaf on one small tree to change the air I breathe. In Jesus’ name…  

You may be the only one... (part 1)

Recently a Children’s Sunday School teacher shared a precious moment her grandpa gave her as a child. 

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

As I reflect on the countless times I’ve stopped and enjoyed trees, often reaching out to touch the needles or leaves, I honestly don't think I've ever considered the countless leaves no human will ever touch... How many leaves have I touched? Hmmm... How many leaves are on the tree I'm looking at right now? How long would it take one person to touch every leaf on that tree? (There. Now you've had just a glimpse into my brain. lol!)

I love observing the different shapes of trees, leaves, and how they move in the breeze. They are breath-taking reminders of my Abba God who loves me so much. 

Truly, The Lord God is so full of wisdom and grace! I'm humbled when I consider how He made trees to provide for our needs (oxygen, shelter, firewood, pollutant-remover, etc.) and made sure they'd grow again after The Great Flood - in vastly different geographical regions all over the world. He made them plentiful, beautiful, and full of variety. Wow... 

What other blessings has Abba God put into the details of my existence that I’ve missed? 

Abba God, thank You for the details You’ve taken care of in my life – many of which I’m sure I’ve still not noticed. Your perfect love and attention to detail is mind-boggling and brings awe into my heart for You incredible power and wisdom. You are powerful enough to overturn thrones and create this world, yet your giant fingers were full of great care when You knit me together in my mother’s womb. This piece of the world that I see is such a tiny part of the planet, and You’ve provided just want I need to be able to do all that You’ve called me to do while alive. I ask for eyes to see more of Your perfect love in the details of my life, so that I might praise You more each day. In Jesus’ name… 

“What did I do to deserve this?”

When troubles torment me, I mistakenly wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?”

I fall prey to lies, as the Pharisees did. Surely trouble only comes to those who have sinned. A man born blind was sinful from birth. Job’s friends believed this; and scholars claim they came before the Law. So, I at least have assurance that this thought is very, very old.  

However, it greatly bothers me that I think this way, because I know better. I know sunshine and rain fall on all people, regardless of their deeds. I know I don’t deserve anything good.

I’m a life-long student of the Word. I live on this side of Christ Jesus in history, have both Old and New Testaments to study, and all sorts of other resources! (I do not say any of this with any pride, but with great humility and frustration, because I STILL don’t get it - and YES, I mistakenly expect perfection in myself. Does anyone else relate?)  Scripture is clear.

Jesus was perfect. There was no blemish in his life. 

No sin.

He was pure, holy, righteousness, noble, good.

“But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;”

Isaiah 53:10

Abba God, I am grateful that you saved me through Jesus. Still, it is hard to accept that his cruel death was the only way to save me, AND that you are pleased to “crush” when it is the only way... Your ways are higher; your thoughts are deeper. Help me abide and trust when I can't comprehend (Abba, you KNOW how I crave context & to grasp a concept fully!). Give me courage to trust in darkness, knowing you DO know best. Let me always believe that my story will never, ever, ever end on a negative note. Jesus himself is the author and finisher/perfecter of my faith. Your Spirit helps me do the good works you planned long ago! So, when I leave this world I will be done with "my jobs" and face-to-face with my sweet Prince Jesus. It's in his precious name I pray... 

Proclaim His excellencies!

This morning, I was reminded of Haman (you know, the bad guy in Queen Esther’s story). Do you remember