COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Weariness awakens selfishness and drains away kindness and consideration for others. It is an indicator of self-dependence and loss of vision. When I become overwhelmingly tired, God faithfully reminds me why I serve in the first place. Father, I owe You everything and I owe others Your love and kindness on which I necessarily depend. I am excited about serving You and the people You created in love.

Every season of life brings its own joys and disappointments. Letdowns seem to accrue more easily than gladness. King David found it necessary to remind himself of God’s blessings and to command his own soul to praise God. A quick inventory of things for which I can be thankful ignites my soul, releasing joy and praise. O Lord my God, my heart is jubilant as I contemplate Your goodness.

Nothing clears the mind of clutter quite like a conversation with a three year old: innocent curiosity, unrestrained laughter, simple words, clunky attempts at philosophical and technical concepts, humble openness. We are commanded to “change and become like little children” to enter the Kingdom of God. Father in Heaven please forgive my outlandish pretense; I am Your child, teach me Your ways.

Much of our effort produces little of measurable value. I have poured my emotions, energy, time and resources into things only to discover that all I expected from my enterprise came to nothing. Yet, it is the effort itself that has great value. Faithfulness, stewardship, passionate pursuit; these are divine treasures produced by effort. Lord, may I never grow weary in doing good. In Your mercy, keep my shoulder to the plow.

Upon being cast into an angry sea the only hope is to cleave to whatever floats and hope for rescue. It may be the sea itself that deposits the lost soul on shore or perhaps the timely kindness of a passing stranger. Most likely, however, rescue will be at the hands of those who have long before made it their heroic mission. Father, by whatever means You choose, I cleave to Your Grace, Mercy and Providence.

It is dangerous to face truth with a hardened heart. Lack of godly understanding becomes an open door to unfiltered thoughts tainted with pain, prejudices and disappointments. Since we are partly deceived until truth arrives, we form a narrative that seems airtight but contains falsehood. Fortresses of thought must then be defeated before truth can enter. Father, in Your love tear down strongholds of deception in me and in us all.

A moth sees an attractive glow and is pulled to its death. Moths use the moon as a navigational tool. Lesser light, though still attractive, throws off their ability to triangulate and they lose their way. The same is true with people. When the light of Scripture and Spirit is replaced with human opinion disaster is immanent. Father, may the light of Your Word and Spirit guide the course I follow.