COFFEE ON THE DOCK

It is no bother at all to simply categorize someone we don’t like or understand under a cherished prejudice and ignore or even revile them. To mistreat, disregard or malign others is to show contempt for their Maker. I must never forget that the differences I sometimes resent have God’s fingerprints on them. Father, help me to love as You love. I thank You for confronting my preconceived notions.

God openly invites us into His secret chambers. Nonchalant pride should never characterize my approach to the Holy and Mighty One. Carelessness is an uninvited companion that sometimes accompanies my intimacy with God. Lord, forgive my presumptuousness. May I never abuse Your Goodness by an inappropriate sense of entitlement. High and Lofty One, You are Glorious.

I have often fallen into a trap of feeling something was urgent or desperate, when in fact, it never was. It is wise to be on our guard, but anxiety drains away life and is in direct contradiction to God’s command, “Do not be   anxious about anything.”   Instead, we are to let prayer and praise reshape our worries into expectation of God’s intervention. Lord, I cast my cares upon You. All is well.

I should be grateful whenever I see spiritual progress in others or me. Sadly, this is not always the case. I sometimes do not like the method by which betterment comes; the process just doesn’t fit my plan. Thankfully, God ignores my opinion in these situations. Divine Disregard; I often need it, God’s goodness provides it. Lord, thank You for taking little notice of my commonly contaminated opinions.

Every second is precious, an irreplaceable gift of time. I desire to make wise and effective use of this day. Without God’s help this would be impossible, but the gift of new opportunity to act is accompanied with a daily allotment of grace, wisdom and opportunity. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Teach me Your ways each moment. Thank You for another lap.

All too often my sincere praying becomes another anxiety session sprinkled with moments of praise, quotes of Scripture and several forgiveness requests. Prayer must be bathed in trust and thankfulness, but I easily slip into thinking, planning and assigning blame. Almighty God of boundless greatness and infinite wisdom, show me Your strength and deliver me from the terror of my own imagined perils.

I replaced an old pair of shoes recently. Strangely, though they lost their maximum contribution to my life long ago, there was a last minute moment of indecision. I sometimes have a difficult time letting things go. Not so as we stand at the precipice of a new year. No, I am ready to turn this page; there is no hesitation to step forward. Eternal Father, you have this moment in Your grasp; happily I press on.