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Greetings of love to my dear friends! I've recently written about my walks through the mountains, with Levi by my side. Some mornings, as I've mentioned, I've asked the Lord before starting out, "What is it You want me to see today, Lord?" Occasionally, I've forgotten to do that, and my walks are so different; fragmented. My thoughts have wondered from one topic to another, from one commitment to the next, from high hopes to dashed dreams…all in a two mile walk. Eventually, I get around to asking again, "What is it You want me to see this morning, Lord?" He is always faithful to answer.
So often, I have shared with you all my love for canning just about anything I can get my hands on over summer. After the strawberries, the green beans, freezing and canning corn, I move on to peaches, and now tomatoes…anything you might imagine, with tomatoes. Spaghetti sauce. tomato juice, ketchup, salsa, tomato soup, stewed tomatoes…always up for a new recipe. In between the major things, I squeeze in everything cucumber and zucchini. Zucchini can take on any flavor you add to it, so relishes, pickles…on and on. Did I mention all the different jams? I just really enjoy being in the kitchen, making food and plans for the winter months. When our children were all at home, all eight of them, it was nothing to can over one thousands quarts in the summer months. Fall brought on even more…canning pumpkin, potatoes, and finally meat and soups. I'm in my element in the kitchen.
What does all this canning have to do with my walks and my intimate time with the Lord? Everything! I mentioned, I like to plan for the future by making food for my families. MY plans! The problem is, MY plans may get in the way of HIS plans entirely too often, but I may miss it because I'm so busy working on my own. That's what He brought to my attention as I walked recently. Sometimes, I'm just too busy to meet all the needs of those around me that I want to. When I get to that point, my mind goes into shutdown mode for a spell, until I feel strong enough to handle MY plans once more. It can be a vicious cycle, one of my own making.
As I walked, I was thinking about so much that I hardly even noticed my surroundings and before long, I was almost back home. How different from recent walks where the Lord was showing me much and speaking into my heart.
I thought, "This needs to change!" I wondered what would happen if before my feet even hit the floor each day, if I said, "Lord, what do YOU want from me or for me today?"
I've done this in the past and what a game changer! Knowing myself, I wanted more, though. What if I said, "Lord, these are MY plans for the day. Would You take any of them from me that are not from You?" Shouldn't that change my day, and yours? I hope you'll try that.
I recently had opportunity to spend a day with a dear lady who has touched my life in immeasurable ways over many years. As we sat down to lunch, we both bowed our heads to pray. We prayed silently, or so I thought. I did the usual rote prayer in my mind, "Lord, watch over my loved ones/ thank You for our food…blah blah blah…formality. I was totally ashamed as I raised my head to witness the most beautiful sight. My dear friend was still praying, for a long time yet. I watched her, as her lips moved in whispers to her Father who loves her so. The expression on her dear face told me she truly was talking to her heavenly Father. I realized right then and there that it's time for a change. Good grief! My ninety year old friend, in no rush, no agenda other than to talk to her Father. She must have been praying for the world and the souls of the lost, as well as her own family and her needs as a widow. How I love her! How her prayer spoke to my heart!
What is life anyway? The Bible says we are here for a moment and then gone…like a vapor in the wind. Our days on earth must be intentional, but intentional for what matters most. Relationships, the lost, the lonely, the forgotten. James 1:27 says it best: Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. I'd say that doesn't leave alot of room for frivolous living, does it? Then, some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before leaving this world were…"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Yeah, I think I need a makeover, one of my heart. I long for my heart to be touched by the things that touch His heart. I long to live a life where some fine day, some searching soul will take notice that I have been with Jesus. They'll notice the sincerity of my prayers for them. They'll want that relationship I have with my Father. Whether they notice that spending time with me in my kitchen canning, or on walks together, or sitting around a table sharing a meal is not what's important. What's important is that I'm not so busy making a living that I miss Life. You, too? Let's make our lives intentional for Jesus like never before…no matter what our hands are doing or where our feet take us. Let's take Jesus with us! Don't forget to ask Him, "Lord, what do You want me to see?" You'll be amazed at how He will answer that plea!
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.