Thinking on Responsibility

Responsibility

Responsibility is a unique word that seems on the surface to be limited in scope; often those jobs…chores…requirements on the “to do” list seem outside the realm of another list of want to do, called to do, inspired to do opportunities. For far too long I have mentally separated the two areas of my life by viewing these less glamorous works as duties to get done so I can move on to the productive projects and commitments as the “real” work for the day. This attitude is clearly apparent to anyone who is witness to the works of my hands when my heart is not in my efforts.

It is becoming clearer that this propensity to omit some things from the command to do ALL things as unto the Lord is indeed something that needs changing. My attitude toward these mundane duties does not glorify God in any manner. Scripture tells us that everything is beautiful in its own time. When I rush through washing dishes as something to get out of the way to get to something else it is my attitude that is ugly, not the chores at hand.

Response must be unified to get rid of the disconnect between chores and destination. All these responsibilities are truly part of the destination, not something to get through to get somewhere else. When I awaken each morning let me choose a balcony attitude and desire to make every part of the journey a delight. What a difference it would make were I to live in the wonder of each day, and put my creative self into observing beauty and light in every effort to which I am called.

There are responsibilities that change with every season that must be met. There are those things which are expected that come with commitments. There are many more things which we load upon ourselves in order to meet our own expectations. The list grows beyond the bounds in which we can complete well and that list requires seeking the Lord’s wisdom for the whens, hows, and ifs for making choices that align with His purpose for each life.  Beyond that, for each choice we make, let us seek to do that thing well. Let us choose an attitude of heart that will foster joy in whatever the hand finds to do. In this age of great technological communication it is tempting to multi-task and it divides the mind’s attention so that often nothing is given our best effort. Let me delight in such a simple thing as washing dishes. Let me hold the glass to the light and see the sunshine pouring through, perhaps even making a rainbow in the process. Let me remember the person who gave me the crystal bowl I am washing. Let me plan an occasion to use the beautiful floral china with dainty tea cups given to me by a friend who knew Iwould treasure the fragile beauty of such a set. Let me be thankful for having family and friends to feed and serve with love. Let me do the simplest jobs with the mindset that they too are to be done as if serving the Lord Himself. Each choice, each chore, each opportunity deserves to be given our best effort… that is our responsibility, not the number of items we can cross of the list each day in order to get to something we feel to be more important or fulfilling.

The Mirror of Providence

Looking Forward

Sometimes it seems a bit sad when I look at photos and read special keepsake notes, when I fondly remember journeys to faraway places and mountaintop moments where ever they are experienced. It seems a bit sad as well when I consider my age and know that there is less time to do the many things that I felt I would one day accomplish. On the other hand, when I look through those keepsakes, those heart wrenching times of both joy and difficulty, I see the light of providence highlighting the different moments with the golden lgiht of understanding and see the unique way in which they have been woven together to form a tapestry of other worldly beauty. If even one of those events had been missed the grand design would not be complete at this day and time. One door led to another; one decision had direct influence on each following decision. It is with growing wisdom that I look forward with great anticipation to see what each new day will bring. It is through the perfect providence of God's care for me thus far that I greet each day with joy. Not that there are not anxious moments. Not that there are no concerns, no lapses as I try to be in charge of the hours of the day. At times it is hard to move forward into something new because I don't have all the answers and do not know exactly what to expect. But... this is the beauty of it! This is the excitement of each day. Just as I do not know what type of sunrise will greet the dawn, I also do not know what surprises await my moving forward into the day. I do not know when the rainbows will appear. I do not know when a dear friend will call, or when my children and grandchildren will come to the farm to visit. I do not know when I will be visited by beautiful light of inspiration with which to write or create something of beauty. I only know that for every breath I am allowed there is purpose and opportunity. That is more than enough.
It is the mirror of memory that magnifies each morning to marvel in the majestic splendor of each moment.

Beyond the Drought

Yesterday morning was an example of gaining extended vision... slowly... sometimes almost immeasurably, but certan grow in seeing beyond the present physical condition. This extended heat and drought has brought challenges to so many people. We have been feeding hay for a month when it is normally at least mid October before that becomes necessary. Our ancient air conditioning unit has been struggling and required continuing repair. The new motor that was installed only Thursday stopped working last night. We awoke yesterday with no water. With perseverence my husband was able to get the water restored mid morning after discovering a leak and making a trek to the hardware store for parts.The trees in the yard and surrounding fields are showing signs of distress in shriveling leaves and even some leaves alreading falling away.  But I sat on the deck in peace. It was very early in the morning. Before it began to get light we could see a line of clouds to the north when they were illuminated by frequent lightening. Hope. Perhaps there will be rain. When daylight arrived that line of clouds was still very close, just across the river valley. There was something peaceful about watching the clouds and the continued lightening. Then I began seeing the rain. For hours, framed by our thirsty tree branches, I watched the rain across the way.  As I always have the camera nearby, I took several photos of the clouds and rain in the changing light. Though we did not get any of the moisture I was surprised to find myself thanking the Lord for the rain others were getting. I was truly glad for them. I was still asking the Lord to favor us with some of the rain but at the same time content in what He chose to provide. Resting in Him. I am thankful for attic fans and breezes that make things more comfortable. I am thankful that we can carry water when we have plumbing failures. I am thankful for the light of the morning that continues to illumine my heart and soul with new perspective on what is truly important in this life as I compare my failures with opportunities to do better every day. Each sunrise brings promise of new choices and results when I set myself aside to consider the needs of others. Life is not about me at all.

There is something peaceful about the early morning light as it heightens the contrast between rows of hills that seem to go on forever. The color blue is so pronounced in nature. Blue carries the emotion of calm to refresh and uplift one in preparation for the unknown challenges for the day. Blue adds depth to a scene in three dimensional reality; blue fades into the horizon and continues to infinity if we were able to see it there.
Blue seems to cleanse the mind of worldly worrys and replace them with hope and anticipation of special moments waiting just ahead. The blue shadows reflect the sky just as a glass smooth surface reflects the vast canvas being transformed by the Creator moment by moment.  It takes time to watch the creation of a sunrise... to see the layers upon layers of clouds and fog and distant mountains change in the dawning day. At times the clouds are brushed with pink and gold, breathtaking to behold. As the sun rises higher and higher the early gold is exchanged to lighter gold tinged with a hint of pink... wisps of clouds catch the playful light and expand the sence of infinity. Each morning brings something new into view. It is a grand awakening for all the possibilities Linger a while in this state of watchful anticipation and be inspired by the heavenly light.

Baby Wrens

Responsibilities

With the beautiful sunrises of summer and the melodic music of the song birds winging about in flight we begin to understand something of the urgency of a summer day. From the first warm days the creatures of the air rush about with great perseverence usually reserved for man. The wren is a unique little bird filled with personality to match the joyful melody with which it greets each day. Sometimes it perches near by, as if pondering the best place for a nest and the arduous task of gathering enough materials to line it and make a cozy place to lay eggs, to sit and hatch them, and then provide space enough to land and feed the babies as it makes coutless trips to fetch all kinds of insects. It is so interesting to glimpse such a nest up close, and to witness the types of materials it has chosen to preapre for the responsibility of parenthood, a responsibility ingrained in its creation. It is so quick and purposeful in its movements. It seems it is untiring and focused on seeking out enough morsels to nourish the quickly growing little chicks. And by natural reflex the little ones open their mouths on cue at any sound in expectation of more food. With our gift of reasoning and the ability to learn to care for others, are we as careful to uphold our responsibilities as these excellent wren parents? It makes one stop and ponder how we use our time, often for our own pleasure, when we have so many responsibilities in our own families and neighborhoods. Do we sing with joy in our work half so beautifully as these little birds of the air? Does our joy become a sweet fragrance to others who behold the attitude of our hearts and our minds in the simple every day activities of this life? It is so easy to grumble about every detail and yet we need to practice being thankful for all things and watch to see some good purpose in every providence of God. When we open our mouths let it be with songs of hope and encouragement to all who would hear the message of our hearts.

Peace Through the Fog

Vision Transformed

Midpoint between the valley and the realm of glorious light

Along the winding river course, mingling with the low hanging clouds

Mischievous fog swirls in curious delight

Leaping with joyful abandon, carried along in harmony

With the ageless melody of time

Combining with an inclined cloud to form as a snow capped peak

Majestic in poetic beauty to thrill a peaceful soul

Perhaps a glimpse of promised of splendor too lavish to extol

Yet for a moment, a hint of that realm beyond knowing

Real to the imagination

Entranced, watching in stillness as illusive fog keeps flowing

In a moment in time, a blink of the eye

The fog vanishes, revealing an azure sky

Memory of such a witness lives on to surface at another time

Protected in a willing heart without need or wondering to ask why.

5/72012

Perseverence

 

Natures Old and New

Two natures cannot inhabit the same body

Awareness of eternity that is so near as if to touch

Yet just out of reach to fully grasp

Slowly in learning to know God

New awareness of God’s appointed nature

New nature leading me more frequently

Old nature is dead, its power gone

But habits are strong tempters

Response to desires for present pleasure

Power must be practiced

Procrastination changed to perseverance

Taking every thought captive immediately

Resurrection nature

Giving meaning and assurance

A rock of absolute truth against which to measure

Adding vibrancy to that which was merely good

Perhaps it is youth renewed

Strengthened as being carried on wings of eagles

Fullness of time, hour by hour

Contentment in the gifts of each day

Moments when the soul sings in satisfaction

And I see beyond the face in the mirror

Fulfilled life extending beyond my years

Abundance current boundaries cannot contain

Overflowing riches through simple wisdom

Lavished with love and eternal purpose

Humble truth transcends generations

Man’s wisdom so confuses knowledge

That truth appears dead to worldly thinking

Absolute truth thrives

Unchanging in victorious triumph

Constant through powerful divine authority

Filled with enfolded wisdom and revelation

Treasure gifted in God’s timing

To be illumined in the full light of day

Tasted and experienced with awe of the eternal

Confirmed by the Spirit moment by moment

To the praise of His glorious grace

Life without end

Lavish and abundant in Christ alone

Enthroned in the praise of His people