COFFEE ON THE DOCK

My early years were spent learning WHAT to do, followed by decades of learning HOW to do what I do better. I am still learning “what and how”, but more recently the focus has shifted to WHY I do what I do. Perhaps it takes a lifetime of journey to get to the question of motive. The ebb and flow of people and circumstances eventually strips away every veneer, depositing a simple prayer in our hearts: “Father, not my will, but Yours be done.” His motive is always love, mine is most often not an impure mixture. Lord, reveal and cleanse my deepest motives. May Your perfect will come forth in me and through my daily activities

Conflict, both inward and outward is a constant, unwelcome companion of the human condition. But there is good news for believers; our struggles turn us to God. So herein is a simple truth: the strife we so often despise invites the grace of God. My sorrows lead me to self-examination, repentance and renewed commitment to turn everything over to my Lord and King. So conflicts are a necessary part of the process of full surrender. Self-generated transformation is always too limited in its scope. Perfection is not just a goal of God, it is His very nature. O Lord, You are the Beginning and the End. You are an exquisite finisher so I trust Your Work in me and trust no other path. You made me, own me and will complete what You started.

The accessibility of travel has dramatically changed over my lifetime, bringing home a simple point: I can get practically anywhere from where I am. It is easy to feel stuck in life, but with decision and determination, we can move forward from wherever we are. The belief that we CAN is vital to taking the first steps. The words of Paul ring loudly: “I CAN do all things…” Equally important to belief is the rest of Paul’s message: “…through Christ who gives me strength.” Surrender to the Person, Power and WILL of God is key. In other words, I am limited only to God, nothing else. Lord, thank You for pointing to the means and direction for pursuing Your best.

While on a morning walk I scanned the bright blue sky above and counted over thirty contrails slicing across the azure canopy. The wispy white streaks silently announce the passing of high-flying planes filled with passengers and cargo. I would have missed it all if I not looked up. How much in life do I miss for failure to follow King David’s example: “I lift up my Eyes to the heavens.” Lord of Glory, You continually act within the heavenlies to enforce Your will in the earth whether I notice or not. Help me to keep my countenance turned toward You. To You I lift up my eyes. 

I am continually amazed at how little I actually know about God. Each new discovery opens another universe of more to know. Children seem to have the advantage in divine discovery since they are not encumbered with a need to know how it all works. Interestingly, as I grow older I seem to be reverting back to a childlike approach. It is reassuring to realize that this whole process of spiritual growth is in God’s hands and not my own. He initiates the divine spark in us, then guides the process of learning; His Word and Spirit navigating us through inexplicable mystery. Father, You have brought me thus far, I hunger for more. Teach me Your ways. 

Raising multiple children informs parents of how dangerous life can be; parking lots become minefields of danger. Every stop begins with a stern reminder of the rules of disembarkation. Number one rule: “Hold Daddy’s hand.” I am well acquainted with God’s Holy Grip. When I press in it is gentle, soft but firm. In moments when I am being pulled away, or straining against it, I feel His Grasp tightening. There are startling moments of feet dangling over a precipice, yet I am still in held firmly in the Savior’s clutch. Father, thank You for Your Mighty Hand. You uphold, guide, prod, restrain and comfort me. Your love endures forever.

The diversity of people is as much a gift of God as any other treasure He offers. While differences engender many difficulties, they also provide ample opportunity to learn the many angles of love. Like a diamond turned in light, each person reveals another facet of God’s imprint upon each of us.   Even those wholly unaware of His Person and Presence become a necessary part of discovering the breadth and depth of God’s love. Lover of My Soul, I praise Your for the beauty of Your image upon all Your creation, especially upon those You created in Your image. 

Today's sunrise looked as if God dipped His finger in florescent paint and stroked a soft orange, backlit ribbon across a silvery blue background. What else has the Master crafted into this day? I will watch for His work. Perhaps He will stroke the canvas of my soul, covering over useless space only to delicately create something exquisite in its place. Lord, I desire Your Holy craftsmanship. May my heart be a ready landscape; I welcome the touch of Your holy brush. 

The slightest touch of a rudder can change the course of a vessel. The same is true of my soul. While I often seek something colossal to shift my course, God mostly uses small things to guide me into His best. Scripture warns us to not despise “the day of small things.” Every great oak begins as an acorn. How can something with the potential to populate the entire planet with trees fit in the palm of my hand, yet it can. Father, remind me to pay attention to Your smallest touch. May the full potential you have designed me for be fully realized. 

Life is jam-packed with opportunities to grow. There is so much to be learned, yet, seeking understanding is useless if we are never able to acknowledge truth. God alone reveals truth; a life devoid of it has no enduring boundaries. Once acknowledged, I must embrace truth, put it into practice and be transformed by it. Lord God, You alone are the Fountain of Truth. Grant to me this day a willingness to learn. I confess my ignorance and joyfully await Your divine instruction.