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Kindness

IMG_4241Judy Villanueva

“Kindness is a habit that softens the atmosphere. It is an outgoing of neighbor-love that becomes instinctive, and is often unnoticed even by the person who practices it; yet voices and actions and even thoughts surrounding acts of kindness impart this softening toward others as if it were a benevolent virus, a happy infection that eases everything for everyone…Kindness is a selfless form of thinking that sees a need and meets it, almost by reflex, with no thought of reward. (*J.I. Packard)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)

I felt the cold wind touch my cheek as I emptied the contents of my trunk onto the pavement. Spring had one more snow shower to deliver and I had one large box to fit into my car before she did! The package looked a lot smaller in the store and was definitely not cooperating with my plan to override the laws of physics. Pushing and turning I pleaded with my new box and just when I’d about given up, a voice lifted up over the parking lot, “Do you need some help there?” It was definitely a rhetorical question asked by a fellow shopper who noticed my predicament. He stopped and with a smile and few calculated shoves loaded my box and closed the trunk! I shook his hand and thanked him, aware that this simple kindness deposited a “soulish” blessing — one that felt like a sweet touch from God.

Kindness is both gentle and powerful! It smells good, feels good and leaves love in its wake.  It notices another and offers care.

It springs up from kind deposits that have left their blessings and created love.

Kindness moves outward with intent to bless.  It is healing and makes us kinder people.  Its touch is disarming and its voice speaks with reminders of things we most need to remember.

“You matter. I see you. I love you. I am here.”

God is kind and when kindness touches us, it helps us touch God.  That is why in the wake of kindness we feel lighter even if our burdens have not yet been lifted, and hopeful even in the midst of a storm.  Is it any wonder God asks us to be kind and tenderhearted to one another because when we are, we usher people into an experience of His presence.

As I drove away with my new box safely tucked away, I became aware of a blessing that lingered over me. “Is that You, God?” I queried, remembering my morning prayer where I’d asked God to help me feel His presence in my real life.  He did … through the kindness of a stranger in the middle of a parking lot!  What may seem like a small gesture was a gift that encouraged my heart and helped me feel God touch my real life.  It also awakened me to the potential that each day holds to be kind and bless others, to participate in God’s kingdom coming to earth in ways that “soften the atmosphere” and usher fellow shoppers into His presence.

“Thank you, Father, for your many kindnesses and for helping me feel your presence today. Create love in me and use me to bring your kindness to others. Amen.”

How about you?

Where did you last experience kindness?

How did it make you feel?

Who in your life offers you kindness?

Are you kind?

Can you feel God in and through acts of kindness?

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 *J. I. Packer with Carolyn Nystrom, Guard Us: Divine Leading in Life’s Decisions, )Grand Rapids, Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2008), 70)

Worship

Pausing and Pointing

DSC_0220By Judy Villanueva

Psalm 18

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” (verse 6)

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. (verses 16-17) 

He brought me out into a spacious place;  he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (verse 19)

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. (verses 32-33)

…you stoop down to make me great.  You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. (verses 35-36)

When I look out the big picture window in our home my eyes are immediately drawn to the peak that seems to stand watch over us. It’s irresistible!  I can’t help but look at it every day, several times a day because its face changes with the light and I don’t want to miss even one of its beautiful declarations!  As clouds pass over shadows form and as the sun sets, colors dance around its silhouette.

“Look!” it beckons, morning, noon and night always inviting awe into the narrowed places of my heart and mind —the places that get small when I neglect to look at God.

Today, for the first time, I noticed a ridge I’d never seen before, a sheer rock wall that stands over a hundred feet high supporting an entire family of aspen trees.  The light, the time of year, and a moment that had my full attention gave way to an experience of God setting me in a spacious place where I could see more of His majesty!

Reading Psalm 18 today felt like standing before a spectacular mountain peak.  My inclination was to ascend up and over the 50 verses lickety-split but, I’ve learned that to hear God speak I must stand unhurried before His Word and listen as I read.  So, I took a deep breath and told myself to wake up and pay attention!

Pausing and pointing our attention at God, reading with patient expectation and noticing where we are drawn invites us to see things in Scripture we’ve never seen before.

Reading in this way becomes an experience of God speaking into our lives and, in that spacious place, we are known and loved and taught.

God hears my voice and my cries are before Him!  That my words are in God’s ears catches my attention and breathes love over me and the great consolation that I am known.  He takes hold of me and draws me out of deep waters.  He sets me in a spacious place and delights in me.  The relief and gratitude that God rescues me is overwhelming but the notion that He delights in me practically knocks me out unconscious!  It’s news that is too good to be true and while I can’t quite touch it, it touches me deeply!  Next, to read that He arms me with strength and makes my way perfect pours joy over my head and makes my faith sit up straight!

Most impactful is coming upon the words that God stoops down to make me great.

I’m not sure I can even put words to what exactly this speaks into my narrowed places but it undoes me!  It broadens the path beneath my feet, puts me in the arms of God and loves me to the core.

“Thank you, Father, for who you are always and for helping me see you a little better today. I see your great kindness in these verses and I am so grateful. There is none like you!  Amen.”

What about you?

How do you pause and point at God?  What helps you tune in to His voice?

Are you aware of the narrowed places of your soul?  Where you lack faith or a big enough vision of God?

How does it make you feel that God hears your voice?  That He delights in you?

I hope you’ll take time to pause and point your mind and heart at Psalm 18.  I pray you’ll see things about God that you’ve never seen before.

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Worship

 

You Belong

DSC_0992 2By Judy Villanueva

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

“Yes, there is that voice, the voice that speaks from above and from within and that whispers softly or declares loudly: “You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.” (Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved) 

“Shall we sit here, Nana?” I inquired as we came upon an ancient Oak whose branches stretched out over our heads offering a canopy of shade we couldn’t resist.  I pushed her wheelchair until it rested next to an iron bench and took a seat next to her.  It was our favorite tree and our favorite spot on the grounds of this quiet place that was now her home. She was ninety-eight years old and the matriarch of our family, not to mention one of my dearest friends.  Maybe it was because we had become friends over the years that I felt the freedom to tease her with a particular question that always brought a smile to her face.  “Nana, am I your favorite?  You can tell me.  I promise I won’t tell anyone!” J 

I don’t think I’m unique in wanting to be “the favorite”, am I?  It seems to be a need that bubbles up from the core of the human heart.  I notice it in children when they hunt for assurances that they are the fastest, the cutest, or the “best” at something.  I see it in the smile that erupts when a friend calls a friend her “bff” or when a husband whispers to his wife “You are my one and only.”  It is about belonging and being wanted.  It has to do with, what I believe is, a God given need to feel special. (because we are!)  I was reading the story of the last supper this week and came upon verse 13:23 where John refers to himself as “the disciple who Jesus loved” and I heard a familiar echo.  “Am I your favorite?”   

Can you hear the Voice that calls you from above and from within with whispers and loud declarations?  “You are Mine!”

It is staggering that the One who made the heavens and the earth summons us by name!  He keeps track of our thoughts and knows the sound of our voices when we pray.  He understands our need to be someone’s favorite and longs for us to feel His heart that spills over with joy for us.  When my soul cries out to belong, especially on days when I can’t feel that I’m wanted, I return to Gethsemane and kneel next to Jesus.  There, I experience His unfailing kindness.  And, as I watch Him pray with His face to the ground, I remember the length that Everlasting Love went to make me His beloved child. 

We belong.  We are wanted.  We are His!  

“Thank you, Father, for making me yours and calling me beloved. That your love is “everlasting” and your kindness, “unfailing” touches my heart with gladness!  I love being one of your favorites!  Amen.”

What about you?

Where do you best hear and feel God’s love? 

Has your heart been touched by God’s unfailing kindness?  

What does it mean to you that God has summoned you by name and called you beloved?

You are special to God. He loves you with an everlasting love!

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Worship 

Worship!

heart wiminucheBy Judy Villanueva

Psalm 145:3-7

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,  and His greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise Your works to another,  and shall declare Your mighty acts.  On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
, and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
, and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.

I found myself standing by the window early this morning, sipping hot coffee and watching for the sun to announce the new day. Shadows slowly transformed into snow-laden pines and colors of pink, purple and blue emerged on the horizon as if being softly painted by a Master. With each minute that passed the landscape unfolded its splendor and shouted, “Glory!” I looked from east to west and felt the goodness of God reach out and offer me its blessing through glistening snow and frosted mountains that wrapped around me with a happy embrace! A mesmerized witness, I listened as creation declared, “He is worthy! He is good! Worship Him!”

Seeing God, wherever and however we do, creates worship in our hearts. It writes a song that must be sung!   Noticing Him in the world around us, in the things that we might ordinarily pass by, all become invitations to celebrate His goodness! It might be a moment of laughter, a tasty meal, or a warm hug that draws you into awareness of God’s love. It might be the feeling of gratitude that sweeps over you as you hold a child, pay for groceries…or sit by a fire eating heart-shaped brownies with a friend.

All day long we live in moments given to us, each one a grace and each one holding opportunities to see God and feel His touches of love.

On mornings where we stand at windows that display His glory it is an easy song to write, but what about the harder moments in life? What lights the flame of worship when we are hurting?

The Psalms of praise point us, with all our joys and sorrows, at the One who is high and lifted up!  They bring their whole lives to God, even the devastated parts, and ask us to look at the face of God and remember His abundant goodness.  Their proclamations of God’s faithfulness are unswerving and jubilant! They tell of His power, sing of His righteousness, and help us meditate on His wonderful works.

The fact of God’s faithfulness becomes an unfolding landscape of love that wraps around us with healing grace…and, holds us in all our places.

Out of these musings our songs bubble up and join creation in singing,  “He is worthy!  He is good!  Worship Him!”

“Thank you, Lord, for beautiful mornings and gently painted skies — for heart-shaped brownies, mountain hugs and unfolding landscapes that sing of your glory. Help me to notice you in the moments of this day that offer me your love and grace. Amen.”

What about you?

What draws you into worship?

How did God reach out to you today and offer you His blessings?

Are you able to feel God’s tap on the shoulder that invites you to notice Him in your day?

Muse on the wonders of God and worship!

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Worship

 

Glum

DSC_0335By Judy Villanueva

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”  “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:19-24)

Driving down the highway in the pre-dawn light, my thoughts returned to a conversation I had with my husband just the evening before.  I sensed the Spirit inviting me to revisit my responses or, to be more accurate, my reactions.  It was one of those times when I was pretty sure a correction was coming and I knew I had a choice to be open or — turn on the radio!  I decided to listen.  I didn’t have to wait long before an old cartoon character filled the screen of my thoughts.  His name is Glum from Gulliver’s Travels and he says things like, “It’ll never work!  We’re doomed!”  In an instant, I recognized the echo of my own voice.  Good grief!  Is that how I sounded to my husband?  Is there a Glum, a naysayer, a doubting Thomas in me that needs to be forgiven and find her way to Jesus?

As I’ve prayed since this particular car ride, it occurs to me that one conversation does not a bad attitude make and it quickly becomes clear that I, like the frog who gets boiled on a low heat, have subtly developed a disposition of unbelief.   Not all at once but, little by little, and one disappointment at a time I have unwittingly become Glum.  It explains a lot like, why I have lacked peace lately and why it has felt difficult to hope.

Not trusting God is hard on the soul!

And, even though it stung, I am grateful for God’s correction because truly — I don’t want to unwittingly become anything.

 I want to live for Christ on purpose and honor Him with my best believing!  That is what He deserves no matter how I might feel on any given day.

I live with a man of strong faith who reminds me of the little boy who digs through a pile of manure convinced that a pony waits to be discovered!  In good times and bad, he holds fast to the truth that God is always working behind the scenes for His glory and our good.  It has been a long week of reflection, confession and listening for God.  And, while I feel refreshed and forgiven, I also feel exhorted to spend intentional time looking at God — in His Word, in silence, in flowers and in music that leads me to worship.

I must put myself in front of Jesus!

When I do, I can feel the power of Who He is touch my glum heart and say to my soul, “Everything is possible for the one who believes.  Trust me!”

“Father, increase my faith!  I want to honor you with a believing disposition and trust you with all of my life.  Help me to draw strength from who you are today and always.  Amen.”

What about you?

Is there a Glum in you that needs to be forgiven and led to Jesus?

Are you aware of who you are becoming?

How do you help yourself remember who God is?

What is God saying to you through this passage of Scripture?

Trust God.  I think it pleases Him when we dig for ponies!

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Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvvEKMPGhA&list=PLspjCRPqATxpMAhhEEg7HNk4hT1xWcFNU&index=21

Child of God

DSC_0259.JPGBy Judy Villanueva

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1John 3:1)

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.  You are precious in my eyes, because you are honored and I love you…the mountains may depart, the hills be shaken, but my love for you will never leave you and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken” (Is 43:1, 4; 54:10)

Piggy-back rides to bed, family dinners at 6:00, sledding down muddy hills on rainy days, and giggling when dad kissed mom — I loved being a child of Bob and Linda! Their love was a blanket of warmth that spread out over our home as they set limits, listened to our hearts and taught us how to love and be loved. Growing up, I did not appreciate the gift of “footing” that being their child gave me nor did I have the slightest idea how their covering shaped a “Yes” in me to becoming a child of God.

Have you thought about what it means to be a child of God lately?

Words can become so familiar that their meaning evaporates and we end up living with ideas rather than realities.  The phrase “child of God” is such a massive concept that it’s no wonder it’s hard to grab and drag into the middle of our lives but, don’t you want to?  I have heard it said that our beliefs shape our feelings, attitudes and outlooks, so I can imagine that believing I am the daughter of the King, the Creator and Author of Life, the all powerful, all knowing First and Last might just make me feel — kind of special!

When I awake each morning I become aware of God’s invitation to live as His child.  On the best days, I open up the Word to look at His face and listen to His voice.  It helps me return my thoughts to all that is true and it is often there, that I begin to remember who God says I am — Redeemed. Named. Precious. Honored.  Forever loved!

Dragging the reality of being God’s child into the middle of our lives changes the ways we think and feel about everything.

It’s a prayer that sets our feet on solid ground,  gives us courage to trust beyond what we see and helps us hope from underneath a blanket of Love that spreads out over every part of our lives.

“Father, thank you that you made me your child. Help me to live in the reality I am precious to you.  You are faithful!  Amen.”

What about you?

How does being a child of God impact your daily life?

How does it affect the way you think and feel about the trials you face?

What does it feel like to hear God call you precious, honored and forever loved?

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Worship

Dented Gifts

christmas2015By Judy Villanueva

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

It has been a week of wonder and joy!  My husband and I traveled to the mountains to prepare for the arrival of our children and grandchildren. Colored lights line the split rail fence but only on one side because we ran out of lights…and, I overcooked the Christmas roast!  All the gifts have been purchased and wrapped but, I somehow lost one set of boy pajamas between here and there.  It’s tempting to get annoyed that my best-laid plans have dents, but even now as I sit at the window watching for loved ones to arrive, I feel God’s gentle invitation to turn toward Him and be helped to find Emmanuel in the middle of it all.

With all the flurry of “Christmas busy” behind me I surrender to this holy pause and let the words of Isaiah linger around me. I read them over and over again. “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

It feels like being shaken out of a stupor and awakened to the divine arms that enfold me with peace and power and the forever “Yes” of God.

The reminder that the mighty and righteous God reigns with greatness, now and always, brings a deep comfort to my soul and seems to whisper over me,

“Rejoice!”

So each night when the Christmas lights turn on I look down the driveway, half lit, and smile. The grandchildren’s “pajama picture” will have seven little ones fleeced in red and white santas — and one in royal blue long underwear. I realize that, in reality, all the gifts I give have dents in spite of my best-laid plans.  None can offer that one thing that will satisfy the deepest yearning of the soul.  It is only in the presence of the One who guides with wisdom, rules with supreme power, and establishes royal peace on earth that our cups get filled to overflowing.  It is only in the arms of our Everlasting Father that we find the perfect gift we long to unwrap!  His forever “yes” — Emmanuel.

“Thank you, Father, for your perfect gift of love and for the ways you help me find Emmanuel in the middle of my life.  Amen.”

What about you?

How do you feel when your best-laid plans fall short?

Have you felt God’s invitation to turn toward Him and find Emmanuel in the middle of your life?

What does it mean to you that God is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace?

Do one of these stand out to you as a particular way that you need God this year?

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Worship

 

Overshadowed

danaAutumnBy Judy Villanueva

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.  (Luke 1:34-38)

An angel appears to Mary with a message to deliver.  I’m pretty sure I would have been unconscious before Gabriel had the chance to say anything, but Mary listened with curiosity and asked a question for all of us, “How?  How can this impossible thing happen, given that I am just me?” Practical realities and past disappointments like to gather in front of our thresholds of promise and block our view of God. But, rest assured, He is there, carefully holding our hopes and inviting us to press through and join Him.

Gabriel accommodates Mary’s question and explains that, “The power of the Most High will overshadow you…” and then, reveals that Mary will give birth to the Son of God!

First an overshadowing and then a divine revelation!

Have you ever felt an awakening of soul upon reading and reflecting on the Word?  I did today as I read this familiar passage and it was like hearing these words spoken over my life and over the very things I’m straining to bring to God today — things that feel impossible. Sitting quietly, I allowed thoughts of the Most High to overshadow my doubt and fear…and before long, I found myself peeking through to Hope!

All that had blocked my view at this particular threshold evaporated in His presence and my first peek revealed that the answer to “How?”…is Him!

I suppose Mary could have said “No” to God’s plan, but she didn’t. I don’t know what she was in the middle of doing that day, but whatever it was, she set it aside and wondered with an angel!  She followed Gabriel’s words to an unbelievable threshold and peeked through to a God whose Word never fails!  I can’t imagine that Mary understood the magnitude of what was told her that day, but regardless, she let go of doubts about “how” and said “yes” to Him!

“Thank You, Father, for sending your Son and becoming our How! Help me to hold Gabriel’s words to Mary for myself today and let the power of the Most High overshadow me. With Your help, I can let go of doubt and trust You for the impossible. Amen.”

What about you?

Does doubt and fear block you from seeing God and trusting Him?

Is there something is your life that feels impossible?

Do you need to be overshadowed by the power of God and reminded that He can do the impossible?

Sit quietly with God and let Who He is surround you.

No word from God will ever fail! I pray God’s overshadowing power to break strongholds and loose life over you today. Amen.

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Worship

Grateful to Tears

IMG_0661By Judy Villanueva

Luke 7:36-50


When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

“What are you grateful for this year?”  I asked my husband. We sat quietly together running back over the year in our minds, sifting for God’s good and kind provision. A flood of sweet memories swept through and lined up to be named, each one a blessing for which we are so very grateful. Relationships, health, and daily bread along with coffee in the morning and a warm bed at night —  daisies, snowflakes, rainbows, and baby kisses — colors, wind, good books and skies that show up each day uniquely dressed in splendor!  It felt good to recount  blessings and give thanks but there is something about this story that calls me to go deeper.

As I read this passage two questions come to mind.  The first is, “Am I this grateful?” and the second is, “Have I grown too use to being forgiven?”

Suddenly, this isn’t just a familiar story but an encounter where I am a witness to kisses and tears, an outpouring of oil, and a heart exploding with gratitude!

It causes me to take inventory of my own heart and consider  this woman’s act of thanksgiving.   She threw it all down,  all she had to love Jesus and as I read the story again it occurs to me that she was grateful for something far beyond any gift this world has to offer.

When Jesus asks Simon who will love more, the person who has been forgiven little or the one who has been forgiven much, I am startled!  Of course!  The magnitude of the woman’s thankfulness hits me and I finally understand.  She knows she has been forgiven much and cannot stop living and giving gratitude to Jesus.  Worship spills out of her as she lavishly loves Jesus with all that she possesses.

She has been forgiven, accepted and loved!

At the cost of her dignity, she lets down her hair and pours out a year’s wage so that she can shout “Thank you!” to her King!  Enfolded in the beauty of her worship I feel my own heart humbled and hungry to wake up and feel the grace I have been given.  I, too, want to worship with kisses and tears and the best I have to offer.

“Lord, I have been forgiven, accepted and loved. Help me to touch this gift and feel its power so that I cannot help but respond by loving lavishly and freely.  Amen.”

What about you?

Are you grateful?  Are you awake to the grace that you have been given?

Have you gotten use to being forgiven?

Are you living free and forgiven?

How are you living and giving gratitude to Jesus?

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Worship

Freely Give

DSC_0561By Judy Villanueva

“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

“Yahuwah your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His Love, He will dance over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

When finally I took a breath, I lifted my eyes and was met by a knowing look on my mother’s face.  She had listened as I recounted a hurtful episode with a friend.  Normally, she would be the first one to encourage bringing conflict into the light but this time her expression told me that I wasn’t going to receive her normal counsel.  She said with care, “I know it hurts and you may want to draw back, but this is a good friend and trust me —- it’s better to go forward, forgive and be happy with whatever your friend can give you.”  I sat quietly letting her words sink in and, there, felt God’s gentle invitation to grace.  That day I chose to forgive and make peace with what the friendship was not, rejoice over what it was, and trust God for a good way forward.

I think my mother discerned that my expectations of my friend, while reasonable, were unrealistic.  The options were to either ask something of my friend that she could not give, withdraw from friendship, or adjust my expectations and trust God to provide.  The result was a floodgate that burst open!  No longer was Love held back by my unforgiving heart and its flow washed over and carried me to a place where grace grows.  I realized that the gift of grace is exactly what I receive from God every single minute of my life. He forgives me, believes in me, and celebrates who I am…even if who I am, is a creature in process, flawed and selfish. 

Here and now is where God loves me! 

Henri Nouwen once spoke of two necessary ingredients to all friendships:  forgiveness and celebration.  If it isn’t every day, then it is often, that we need to forgive and be forgiven by our friends. 

Without an open heart that is willing to share the grace freely received, we grieve the heart of God and sadly, block His flow of Love through our lives.

If we cannot forgive, we cannot celebrate and if we cannot celebrate we cannot join God in His exuberant dance over creation — that’s you and me!  His dance steps are full of grace and the tune that He sings over us is a melody of generous love…freely given!

“Thank you, Father, for the way you look at me!  What would I be without the grace I have received?  Fill me with your love and let it inspire a gracious dance in me.  Amen.”

What about you?

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?

Have you tasted the freedom of forgiving? Being forgiven?

Are you expecting things from your friend that they cannot give right now?  

What does it feel like to be celebrated by God and others?  Who are you celebrating?

Have you felt God invite you to grace lately? 

Freely receive the grace that pours over you and trade your grudges for grace.  God invites you to celebrate with Him!

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