Photo by: Linda Meadows This plant often surprises me.
Some mornings it's blossoming with new flowers!
“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities:
It is this; that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”
—Thomas Carlyle(1795-1881), historian, essayist, satirist
Could it be that the most driven personalities, the most audacious, determined spirits walk their own paths in life and feel that they need not borrow from our platter of experiences? Come what may, they are going to do things their way and in their own time. Many of them may see the signs, the seemingly very obvious indicators (to me and you) telling them to go another way, avoid the pitfalls, smell the coffee, get out of that business plan, abort that agenda, leap from the burning building, or squash that dream. But they shrug their shoulders in disbelief and ignore us! Their exuberance can’t hold a candle to the voice of caution. It’s a “faith system” that befuddles most. They read the “signs” differently! You can’t get in their way. That’s that resolve that reminds me of the scripture that “God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Several days ago I realized that during my noon walk I pass a line of trees, not very tall but they are lovely. If I am too absorbed in thought, I miss them all together. Move too fast and I am around the corner and back in my office. Depending upon the season, the transformation of leaves and buds has occurred over night. The leaves and flowers appear and re-appear in varying brilliant colors- the weather and the season play a huge factor. The trees have that tell tale sign that a change has resulted. Are we having an “aha moment”? I believe that Holy Spirit is speaking:
He desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees planted on my lunch walk! Change doesn't deminish it's beauty. It's foundation is strong! Is yours?
Our spiritual foundation will sustain and nourish us during the harshness of the elements. Study and pray to become further rooted and grounded in God’s word. Let love and faith will anchor you. The benefits of your spiritual foundation will help you to thrive. I am a witness!
Are you paying attention to the seasons in your life? Are they serving to mature you and encourage you? Remember it’s all a life lesson –just pay close attention to the momentum. Growth is evident. Take a moment and let your mind escort you back to all that you’ve encountered. Remember God’s grace? It’s right there.
I am confident that God desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees rooted and grounded-still standing! We too can be determined to live and not die, no matter the season!
Literally enjoy the signs of nature, the artistic impressions, the billboards, the graffiti, the conversations, the relationships, the dynamics and the words, so many words along the way; learn from them!. Take them as signs to assist in navagaating your way. Filter what has no place in your spirit! Pay attention to the signs! Go on and tuck them in your heart.
Friends it’s a fact, God doesn’t abandon His own! Your blessed pursuits–whether they be unchartered waters or familiar avenues; fully rely on God! Surely you’ll know victory.
Shared With Joy,
Linda Mose Meadows, Columnist & Inspirational Author:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com
