Tropical storms really throw
everything for a loop then add a short week following. Those two things make
for an almost perfect storm for schedule and life in general to be extra
difficult. I hope we don’t become complacent about future storms and our
preparation for them since these three have not been very significant events.
That being said past performance is not necessarily a predictor of future
performance. The next one could be a significantly destructive storm. There is
just no way to know. Preparation is the key.
Most of us are lulled into a
false sense of security and certainty on a daily basis. Life develops a routine,
a rhythm that we move and dance in each day. Soon enough we believe it will always
be like this because it has been like this for some time. It becomes
predictable, comfortable and secure or so we think and act. This leads us to
prepare for what we “know” is coming and not what could be coming. The trouble
comes when the “unexpected” (what should have been expected) happens and our
apple cart loses its wheels.
An upset apple cart leads to upset
schedules, activities, plans, expectations and dreams. It may lead us to an
upsetting discourse directed at and to God for his lack of care and security.
What we thought we understood has been shaken to the very foundations of our
soul and it is God’s fault. Really? “Change is constant,” Queen Elizabeth said.
True! What happened is we relaxed our preparation for change physically,
emotionally and most importantly spiritually. We began to believe we had all of
God we needed. This a need to know faith.
Truth
is we need to know more than we can ever imagine to face the change that is
inevitable in our lives. Some of those changes will shake the bedrock of our belief
and faith. Because we counted on a foundation that was not and could not be
solid or certain. Oh sure, it seemed solid and immovable but it turns out not
so. That’s when we look so anxiously, desperately, hurriedly for a solid
footing. When all along we knew where it was and who it was. That’s when we
find the invitation.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on
religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show
you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting
on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
How
about that invitation? Jesus is inviting you and me into his presence and his home.
He is inviting us into his rest, his peace, his security. That is what we do, where
we go when our apple cart has lost its wheels. But what about before? How can
we head this off? Preparation is the key. What about taking him up on his invitation
daily. “Come to me,” he says. “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it,”
he invites. That’s storm preparation at its best. The truth is storms will
come. Change is constant. Apple carts lose their wheels but we don’t have to. With
daily preparation in the presence of Jesus we live with a new perspective. Let’s
get ready! Be prepared!
In
HIS service and yours,
BroG
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