I realize while out walking this morning
I’ve made some mistakes
and it’s yet pretty early!
Each of them was based upon
the faintest nigglings of fear.
Itty bitty angsts, really.
Nothing too terribly big.
But I can share with you
the plain and simple truth!
They have a tendency to add up
and they’ll demand deposits!
And as silly and small as they might seem to be
they’ll have a negative impact!
I’m up at 4!
Excited to use my new mug!
A gift given to me
for my birthday.
I love the fine detail,
the rustic glaze,
and clay folds.
It’s a bit smaller in size
from my usual fave
and I find myself suddenly afraid.
Afraid it won’t hold 10 ounces of coffee!
So, instead, I brew 8.
It’s a bit strong for my taste
so I add a little extra cream
and make the best of it.
Before long it’s time for a second round.
Yes, my new cup can hold 10 ounces but now
I have a very different concern.
Should I do a 10 after drinking an 8?
I don’t want my coffee
to taste watered down and weak!
I won’t hazard the chance!
I brew another 8.
A bit strong for my liking and not quite to taste.
And most definitely harder on,
and felt by my gut!
Time passes quietly in
Bible reading and prayer.
Several thoughts come to mind;
encouragements for a friend.
I pull out my phone to type out a text
and become afraid.
Afraid I’ll loose my train of thought!
Afraid what I started will be forgot!
I don’t even dare look up to say a good morning
to my husband as he shuffles past
on his way to his own coffee.
What a frosty way to start his day!
Couldn’t I have shared
some warm sunshine?
Batting average seems a bit low.😳
Mind you now, all this is hindsight!
It only becomes clear
after I have a squirrel moment!
Literally.
NINE squirrels, tightly gathered,
romping together in one place!
Were it to have been at my house…yikes!
I’d felt compelled to rig up a deterrent!
My overthinking mind
has made a giant leap forward
to imagine the neighborhood
completely overrun
by an entire hoard of renegade squirrels!
Who knows what kind of untold damage
would be released in its wake!
But wait! Hold on a minute!
This isn’t a common sight!
Is the hand of my
Father in this?
I pause in my stride to ponder.
The squirrels now aware
freeze in their frolic.
They go completely still
so as to track my lack of movement!
Quiet as statues
with unblinking eyes.
Peeping thru tree limbs.
Peering ‘round thick trunks.
Then, simultaneously,
as if orchestrated
by a maestro,
they scatter like all kinds of crazy
in what appears to be
a frenzy of terror!
Funny, silly squirrels!
I shake my head and laugh.
Begin to walk on
then remember me
and my skitzy thoughts
regarding my text and my
brand new mug.
Their assignment completed
in a matter of seconds!
GOD, You are SUCH a creative teacher!
You excel in the use of ANYthing!
You’ve certainly an ironic sense of humor!
In an INSTANT it happens!
Your correction is laced with kind!
I best pay attention!
How many ‘itty, bitty’ fears
do I heed in the course of a day?!
I haven’t gone but three hours into this one
and look at the silly choices I’ve made!
Oh, sure…
they seem super small
and a little bit laughable.
But the spirit behind them
is anything but!
A slap in the face
to the freedom You offer!
Father God, Precious LORD,
Welcomed Holy Spirit…
You see the ‘I’m sorry’ state I’m in!
Help me be more mindful and diligent!
I believe You can move mountains
within and around me!
Help me to watch over my choices
and consider the behind-the-scenes
engines that are driving them!
I so appreciate Your High Style of Teaching!
Grant me a heart that always desires to be listening
and a willing spirit unto Godly obedience!
I’ve managed to rustle up
quite a scurry of fears!
They defiantly scamper about!
Gibber and chatter
amongst themselves!
Dig deep damaging holes
in all of my stuff,
create an ungodly mess!
They disrupt the new plantings!
Thieve a lot of good seed!
Carry away my fruits and veggies
with no thank you or any please!
Leave behind
an acrid taste in my mouth,
a bad case of heartburn,
and an unsettled stomach!
Worse yet,
when understanding calls,
are the feelings of regret
over things done
and not done!
Praise You, God,
for every teachable moment!
Thank You, right now, for this!
Jesus, Your name trumps over all things!
Holds way more weight and power
than just wishing things be different!
What a Great King and Mighty God!
You always see right where I am!
What do You reckon?
Bless You for visiting!
For caring enough to clear the air
I’ve gotten to used to breathing in!
Today’s drill and learning exercise
is sure to become the next blessed thing!
I thank You for You
and for this Sweet Friendship!
For guidance and support!
And for this continual conversation…
for it’s only ever in Your name…
Amen.
And amen.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:9-10 NASB1995