COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Ospreys and Pelicans feed from the water near our home. The Osprey, a hawk that is as big and beautiful as an eagle hovers, swoops, and delicately plucks a fish with his talons, gracefully flying away. The pelican, an even larger bird pauses, then drops like a rock, headfirst, full speed and mouth opening as it hits the water. Sitting on the water like a dazed boxer on the canvas, he spits out water and swallows the fish. Both the osprey and the pelican feast at the same table, one with graceful poise and the other with seemingly clumsy grit. Lord, thank You for my daily bread by whatever means You provide. I am genuinely grateful for Your constant care. 

The kind of happiness that we dream about can never offer the authenticity of the joy that only God provides. Since human happiness is rooted in earthly circumstances, it is temporal, with ebbs and flows like tidal waters. Over a lifetime we learn to anticipate its departure soon after its arrival since we know that circumstances never stay the same. The Joy of the Lord is very different. Unlike circumstantial happiness, the Joy of God sticks since it is rooted in the Eternal One. Joy is not frivolous giddiness, instead it brings deep gladness, exquisite texture and is loaded with extras. Lord, I'm dumping human happiness. I love Your joy, no cheap substitute will suffice. 

I wonder why a dog chases his tail. If he catches it will he be happy with his prize or will he regret the pursuit? We spend a lot of time considering what we want and how we will attain it. Unfortunately, we make little effort to understand why we want it in the first place. Too often, after obtaining long-sought goals, our pursuits leave us exhausted and disappointed. Discerning the “why” before the start of the chase can deliver us from the wrong quest. Lord, help me truthfully discern my desires. Cleanse me of mixed motives and keep me from running headlong down empty trails. 

The Information Age has become the Age of Confusion with so many pseudo experts. Misconceptions spread so rapidly that they go unchallenged while new ones continually pile on. In a world jam packed with half-truths, deception and pretense the soul grows weary from the daily stampede. A sound, biblically informed internal compass combined with divine guidance and trustworthy comrades help me navigate the constant onrush of external illusion. Father, thank You that while huddled in the storm, I rest safely in Your hand where truth prevails, love lifts and sinking sand turns to solid Rock. 

Each day the sands of time seem to be pouring through the hourglass faster and faster. Perhaps it is simply because I am getting older, or it could be that we are in the climax of God’s eternal plan in the earth. Scripture reminds us to “redeem the time.” Talents, treasures and time are gifts from the Almighty to be invested wisely and I want to live and act in a manner that is most effective. To live with divine purpose is to truly live. Heavenly Father, Giver of Life, thrust me full speed into the race. Open doors of opportunity for me to make a difference and give me courage to steward my life accordingly. 

The temptation to simply drift along a lazy river of complacency is persuasive. The volume of life’s complications can cause us to disengage from our responsibilities, even withdrawing from active pursuit of the will of God. As past disappointments pile up and the desire to take risks is smothered, soon divine purpose becomes a mere shadow. The confession of false motives, mistaken priorities and reliance on the wrong things brings heavenly relief and opens the path forward. Father in Heaven, awaken my heart with daily passion for Your will. Make me, mold me, fill me, use me.