Today I sat along the shore and watched as hurricane force winds whipped up endless, pounding waves. There were two seagulls flying right in front of me. One was flying as hard as it could and yet it was literally moving backwards. The other had it’s wings outstretched and was gliding with the wind. It would go high and then dip low, but it kept moving forward as the other kept losing ground as it tried to fight against the wind. It was the perfect reminder of part of my own journey. Eight years ago today they removed the very large tumor that had made it’s home, univitedly, on my right kidney. There has not been a day that I haven’t wondered if, where, or when, it might show up next. But, instead of casting a shadow on my days, it motivates me to make the most of them. Knowing that one minute can change everything leaves me with the unsurpassable urge to make minutes count. To slow down, be in pictures, breathe deep, walk in the rain and know that there is someone who knows the days of my life, but it isn’t me. What a relief to be free from the fear of death in order to participate more fully in life. I wish you the same with out a cancer diagnosis. Today is an invitation to let the difficult circumstance that is bringing hurricane force winds into your life move you closer to letting go of the need to try to be God. You can stop fighting against the wind and surrender to the truth that there already is a God who is fighting for you. A God who wants you to have rest. Not sleep, but peace. The resting of everything that wars in you and keeps you from everything He has for you. Not only in the middle of unexpected medical trials, but in the midst of uncertain political times. In spite of evil that makes itself known daily. Peace even when it seems every person, and every nation, is at war with someone. Peace even when frightening weather patterns and vicious viruses threaten. Peace when everything you hoped would never happen is indeed happening. A peace that comes from recognizing that you can soar with the wind instead of fighting against it. Not the absence of difficulty, but His Presence in the middle of it.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.“
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.“
Psalm 46:1-3
SaveSave
