Monday began really early. It was just after midnight Sunday when I woke to find myself sleeping soundly in my easy chair. I got up to go to the bed when I heard water running. It was then I realized that it was raining heavily. Our basement (where our den and master bedroom are) was beginning to get wet.
We began to do all we could to stop the water coming in, but the water couldn't be stopped. Before the night was over about 25% of our basement had water and mud covering it. Not a pretty picture. It's been well over 2 years since we fixed the problem. I wasn't happy to say the least. The clean up began the next morning. Schools were closed due to flooding as well. I was amazed at how easy the clean up went (plus at how my sweet wife worked so hard at cleaning when I had to leave). Only a few reminders of the water remain in the house.
After a great time with our church leaders, I got home rather late last night. Sitting in that same easy chair I began to go through the events of the last 24 hours. Honestly, I was shocked at some of my thoughts. My mind raced ...
to the people who have been crushed by the earthquake in Haiti
to two families who lost loved ones that day to death
to a friend battling cancer and in much pain
Those and other items left me thinking about how blessed I am and how small my problems are. Have you been where I was?
Mark 11:22-25 (The Message) --- Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."
God has and continues to bless us. Yet is easy to take our eyes off the blessings and begin to fuss and be discontent. It is time to "Embrace the God-life. Really embrace it" so that we can see as God sees and touch the people God intends for us to touch. When we are bogged down in our problems, we can't see and help others. We can't love God or love our neighbor at that point.
I spent time yesterday continuing to hear from God about our vision and dreams at The Community. I want to close with a note one of our people sent me. It blew me away because I believe that God is filling us with His dreams which are so much bigger than anything we can do on our own. Be blessed and read on:
"On this day, God wants you to know ... that the voice of God is best heard in silence. All too often loud events and daily busyness cloud your vision of God. Take some time to slow down; let there be silence, let there be peace. Calm your mind and let your inner voice re-emerge from the silence. Allow yourself to see visions, allow yourself to dream dreams; and you may hear the voice of God reaching out to you."
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