Generally speaking, I routinely push thru a bank of dense fog upon waking up, a process that requires that I not give up and is something that simply cannot be rushed. This morning I’m even more aware of that fact as I sit to down to begin my Quiet Time and notice how filthy the windows of my house really are!

Gingerly I lean back, settle my Self into place. A hot cup in one hand, a cloud of murky thoughts to replace.

Sigh. Quite obvious the grime’s been there for some time. Droplets from an overnight dew clings, too. I’m barely able to see outside!

Enters first a short, distinctive tweet. A cardinal has come to the feeder to eat. All the negatives have creeped out of their hide-aways to cheep. I know all the answers don’t lay within me, so I reach out for what I can call my own in order to lay hold of that which has been given to me. “Thank You, God, for ears to hear and eyes to see, for the view out my window even though it’s unclear to me. Thank You, too, for the alert of a cardinal’s brief tweet, for the fluttering blur of its outline prompts me to take my mind off of me. I’m blessed to have this cup of fresh coffee to hold, for the coordination and strength in my hand that I’ve been given to hold it secure. The soft cushion beneath me is a safe place to sit. How grateful I am Your light has come….and that it’s still dawning yet!

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the first light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.” Proverbs 4:18-19

Like ripples across the surface of a pond, better thoughts gather momentum as I lean in and press on. “Thank You, GOD, for my husband and each of the members of my family, for all the folks I’m getting to know and work with at church, and for the neighbors living next door and across the street from me. Thank You for all the people I will interact with and meet today.

A rather simple, short but heartfelt prayer…

But then dense murk of thought is pierced by flashes of bright! Traveling faster than the speed of sound, shimmering at the speed light! They race along mental hooks and lines; extracting Less…and leaving More behind…exposing the root of some very negative, sinful thinking! I see where some “right” choices I’ve made are, in fact, super, duper stinky! A very different sort of focus is sharpened, and…WOW…am I ever able to see the difference! Looking up and out of my window, now, I’m able to see the letter “V” tucked between two branches!

Unashamed to be seen by others while dressed in my bathrobe, I hurry outside to confirm with a closer look!

What an encouragement to me! What an auspicious “V”! It carries in it a promising ring!

Lyrics to an old time hymn rise up; I join in to sing with all my heart:

🎶 Faith, is the victory!
Faith, is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world!

Tender Whispers of hope and comfort wrap ‘round; far better Inspiration begins to stir. Strife disappears. I’m able to soak in the Peace and Marvel and Wonder of it all: the gifts of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit converge…the Presence of the Living God…His dominion at work in every area of my life!

This “V” has been formed by the shedding of the ‘skin’ on this tree. A Once-And-For-All Deal So Vast, I’m only able to process in part. Thru a similar cyclic, tried and true way, I best plumb the depths and applied parallels. Something to rejoice over, even as I lament. An entirely essential necessity in cultivating growth, maturity and good health!

There’s a certain order to embracing change, a sense of loss when it’s still brand new, but oh its chock full of potential as GOD redirects to straighten my ways! A new chapter is opening up…yes, a new season is arriving! It’s a cost seen, sealed and delivered to me as I continue to cling to the Person of Jesus Christ! Oh, what harm’s been committed by my continuing to hang on when I was asked to trust and let go! It has led to the revelation of my own personal blind spot…rebellion! Now to deal with the outside of my window…the slinging of dirt and grime and Must!

Addressing with all honesty, having now repented, I find myself cleansed…and armed with a better understanding. Hindsight often serves as proof in The Putting. It’s from this place I’m able to look around and note some rather important and significant goods.

Such as underpinning and background. Soil to mind, come rain or shine. A willingness to sweat when temperatures get hot. Remaining faithful in maintenance…weed, weed, weed…a lot! Thunderstorms and collected water. The richness to be found in a variety of leaves and plant color.

The opinions I’ve held and positions I’ve taken haven’t always been thankful…but quite honestly…complaining!

“Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, do not complain. Do not argue. Then you will not be guilty of anything that is wrong. You will be clean inside yourselves. You will be living in a completely good way, as God’s children should. In this world, you are living among bad people who have turned away from what’s good. But you must bring light into this dark place, like stars that shine bright in the night.” Philippians 2:14 EASY

I hadn’t realized its insidious nature, the danger it poses, nor the damage it brings as it rings in the ears…my own and most certainly everybody else’s! Not to mention it obviously doesn’t make GOD very happy! And He has the best hearing of anybody! He even hears the sounds that never make a peep! As humans we justify everything we think!

An owl is considered to be a symbol of wisdom. The plant thriving beneath its place is commonly referred to as “Moses in a Basket”.

Father God, You are the Ancient of Days. We acknowledge Your wisdom and thank You in advance for Your work of deliverance!

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Philippians 2:12 ESV

The growth of this vine has been stunted for YEARS! Little more than like a dead stick….my, how it’s CHANGED!

“…for it is GOD who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 HCSB

Another letter! This one a “J”! Yes, Sir, may I live out more of Jesus today! More Fresh! More Green! Maturing and fruitful!

I’d like to share Philippians 2:16 using a swapped around emphasis.

“I haven’t labored among you for nothing, for your lives are the fruit of My ministry and will be My glorious boast at the unveiling of Me!”

Author and Perfecter of my faith, I rest myself in the assurance that there is more to who I am, than what I’m not! You so faithfully and patiently continue to teach me really important stuff! Grant a bold willingness to open up more to Thee… so that more of Your kind of love can be released!

Help me to shed the weight and scales of my own measures, to live out Your way, Your heart…Your pleasure!

The above seems to be the theme for this season. Our church is hosting Vacation Bible School this week and I’ve been assigned the position of Crew Leader of the Red Trail Blazers.

Even as adults we can be ever young at heart. You can be certain that in the midst of the wild, both inside and out, GOD sees and loves each of His kids. He is ever watchful and merciful in His discipline…and yes, He is perfectly prepared to meet our deepest need…HIM!

What’s been on your mind lately? The battles are fierce…oftentimes we stumble. Oh, but the lessons learned. They help us grow and keep us humble.

The Invitation is ever standing. Don’t be coy when having that ‘little’ talk with Jesus! He’s far more forgiving to us than we ever are to ourselves! He performs wonders and miracles on a daily basis! He lifts weights! Heals hearts! Chases away doubt and fear! Reconciles relationship! Mysteriously works out finances! Stretches time! Takes what’s ours as His! Makes what’s His as ours! Shines a bright light in the dark! He wields overcoming power! He especially excels cleaning up a murky, grimy perspective!

May you, too, be blessed with a sparkling clean window today!

“Skilled living gets its start in revering the LORD, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. It’s thru wisdom that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life.” Proverbs 9:10 TPT