Moments

It has been said that we do not remember days... we remember moments. 

They are full of impact.  They influence, shape and change our lives forever.  Strung together they are the sum of our existence.

Moment.
An instant. A short period of time. The present time.  A point. A juncture. Of importance or consequence.

Lately I've been reminded of how quickly moments slip away.  It is sad how easily they are lost... how fleeting they are.

Moments.  Some are unexpected.  Some are difficult.  Some are painful.

There is great loss when moments are wasted. There is great loss when they are missed. 

Moments need to be lived consciously.

Appreciate them. Be grateful for them.  Enjoy them.

Cherish them. Treasure them. Savor them.

Spend them well.  Make them count.  Witness them.  Really experience them.  

Be present in them.

Exhaust them.

Make them count!

And remember.... the best moments are shared.

 

2 Corinthians 4:17  For our light and MOMENTary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be STILL, and know that I am God
Psalm 131:3  Israel, put your hope in the Lord both NOW and forevermore.
1 Thessalonians 3:8  For NOW we really live, standing firm in the Lord.
2 Peter 3:18  To him be glory both NOW and forever! Amen.
1 John 3:2  Dear friends, NOW we are children of God.

Weary of being weary

"my soul is getting tired"...

As I read these words of a friend, I sighed and my heart sank a bit ...

I whispered a prayer for the exasperation she felt; for the struggle and hurt involved as someone in her life continued acting on the decision to remove themselves from her life - making the choice to turn their back.  Because of the other's misperceptions... expectations ... unwillingness ... self righteousness ... or perhaps it is due to the other's own hurts --- restoration, rebuilding, trust, and amends are left to fade away and become impossibilities.  This is not what her heart and her soul want.  Time, energy, emotion, love, self investment  have resulted in weariness.  

Weary.

To be physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted. Strained. Fatigued. Tired. Worn out. Indifferent.

Weariness. 

To be honest - a big reason why my heart sank in reading my friend's words is because I've been struggling with weariness as well. 

Weariness. 

It seems like it is all too familiar to quite a few people --- obligations, chronic illness, diagnosis for loved ones, priorities vying for attention, unresolved relationships, struggles, loneliness despite being surrounded by others, giving without receiving a return... difficulties.  

 

Weariness.
The Word tells us  "in this world you will have trouble". 
Statement of fact.  Which means weariness will occur.  It's inevitable ... an unfortunate certainty.

So then, are we to be left in a continuous struggle always feeling fatigued as we wear ourselves out trying over and over, unsuccessfully to prioritize, meet obligations, giving over and over again of ourselves until we are left with nothing but indifference and exhaustion?

I've learned that I can't overcome the weariness on my own. 

I will never be able to meet all the obligations I perceive life has given me.  There is no such thing as being on top of it all.  Our expectations in life, or of other's for that matter, cannot be fully met.  True satisfaction, life neatly wrapped with a bow, can't happen as a result of our own determination or our efforts.  Control of life, its circumstances or the people in it, is an illusion.

"In this world you will have trouble...

but take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). "
 
Here in lies the relief.
There is a place we can find relief - “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed (Isaiah 50:4)." 
There is One who can help - ”He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29)."  He "will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint (Jeremiah 31:25)".
When we turn our focus from our trouble or from the actions of others to the One who holds us in the palm of His hand our strength will be renewed.  We can cry out with the psalmist - "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your Word (Psalm 1199:28)". Our cries will be answered and " those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31)".
No more weariness... doesn't that sound good?  That is my prayer for you!

 

Matt.  11:28 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

the dawning of this new year

The clock struck midnight - - - the ball dropped, confetti flew, toasts were made, hugs were given, celebration occurred.  The beginning of the new year came.  

New.  Existing for the first time.  Fresh, unfamiliar, strange.  Not previously discovered, learned, experienced or encountered.  Different from the former.

When the new year came, some made resolutions.  Some made plans.

Some are eager and confident. Some are hesitant. Some are hopeful.  Some are despairing. Some look upon it as the start of a new chapter - others are starting a whole new book.

I've been Standing Still with the beginning of this new year.

Today--- very, very, early today (thanks to insomnia)--- I used the quietness and the stillness to contemplate this new year.
Truth is, for me, resolutions despite good intentions are broken.  Plans change and fall through. I am not always the most eager or confident when it comes to starting something new as doubt sometimes nags in the corners of my mind.  So as I look at this new year; face the unfamiliar; prepare for something different; try to prepare for something I've not encountered and for which I may have no experience; my hesitancy is understandable. 

Standing still in these early hours the morning sun rises over the horizon I watch and see the darkness slowly creep away. 

 

I am struck by a bit of an allegory - "the sun rises and darkness creeps away"  "the SON rises and DARKNESS creeps away.

A new day continues to dawn and words seem to be whispered across the horizon and into my heart...

Lamentations 3:22-23 - " Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  

Revelations 21:5 - "Behold, I make all things new."

Jeremiah 29:11 - "God declares, 'I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Is. 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

This new dawn brings a new day.

Every day is a new beginning to take a deep breath and start again.
Every day's journey begins with a single step.

As a beloved child, I have assurances that no matter what each new day brings in this new year - I am greatly loved. There need be no hesitation for HIS plan is the one in play (thank goodness it's not mine - or my plan B... or C ... or....)  If I fall on this journey - He's there to pick me up. If the darkness creeps back, it will not consume me.  When I feel tired, I am upheld.

Looks like it's gonna be a bright, bright, sun shiny new day (and year)!

My prayer for you is to experience His assurances for new mercies each day of this new year!

Endings

The clock struck midnight - - - the ball dropped, confetti flew, toasts were made, hugs were given, celebration occurred.  The old year came to a close. 

I've been Standing Still with the ending of this past year... for so many reasons... and have had a few realizations.

Ending - a conclusion, a closure, a finish, a termination, a stop.

Sometimes an ending comes thankfully.  There is a conclusion - a termination; a finish -  to an experience which was difficult... hurtful...painful... sad... a struggle.

Recognition of an ending - whether happy or otherwise - ultimately brings relief.

Ending -the culmination, the sum.

The sum of the experiences of this past year - no matter how difficult - did ultimately culminate in good.  There were lessons and growth. There was realization.  And a detour led to a better path.  There was strengthening.

Standing still with the ending of this year I considered some of what I learned -

              -Often a person's reaction is more the result and a comment on issues they personally have.

              -There is a difference between listening to understand and listening to reply.

              -Some people use words to reflect who they want to be, but actions always show who they really are.

              -You may already have what  you are searching and working so hard for.

              -Detours can be rough; they take time; they are often not planned... but they are for our safety... our benefit-... to either keep or get us on the right path.

              -Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.

              -Peace isn't always mine to make - but I am always kept in perfect PEACE when I rest in HIM.

              -Where God leads us He will always provide a way.

              -God may not give us what we want but rather He gives us what we truly need.

              -I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know WHO knows tomorrow.

 What has the sum of the past year culminated in for you? Stand Still and see...

 Matthew 28:20  - I am with you always, unto the very end of the age.

Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.”
Proverbs 4:11 - I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.
Isaiah 58:11  The LORD will guide you always; HE will satisfy your needs.

Light

Sitting with my tea in the darkened room lit only by the lights of the Christmas tree I find myself standing still with 'light'.

Darkness comes not just as night. 
Illness, conflict, hurt, hatred, sadness, anxiety, stress, poverty, ...

So many live... exist... day to day walking in the darkness of this life.

There are those moments when light shines in the darkness.

The glowing embers of a fire giving warmth.

The beacon of a lighthouse creating  a path across the water.

The illuminating beam of a flashlight guiding your steps.

The magical glow of a lightning bug suddenly appearing in the dark. 
The flash of brightness cracking across a dark sky as lightning flashes.

The beauty of the Milky Way spread across the canvas of night.

Light.

By definition - electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the eye; something that makes things visible; an illuminating agent or source.

Looking at the lights on the tree, I wonder how would most define the 'illuminating source' in their lives.

Being successful?

Their beautiful home?
Their children?
The glowing words others use to describe them?
Knowledge or expertise they may have?
the thing is - at some point - each of these sources of illumination do eventually dim.  The finest of silver will tarnish. Things will age, need maintenance, fall apart or go out of style.  People are human and often will not meet our expectations and we certainly will not always meet theirs.  Success can both come at great cost and easily fall prey to failure.  And knowledge can fade but almost always a person's own folly leads to their ruin.

Looking at the lights on the tree my eyes are drawn to the star at the top...

 

There was once a dark night through which there was an explosion of light - "and the glory of the Lord shone around them".  Words were proclaimed ---" Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

I stand still with two thoughts.

First, I can't even imagine the light which is defined as "the glory of the Lord shone around them". 

Secondly, "the news that will cause great joy for all people" --- THIS is the illuminating source that will never dim.  In this world darkened by sin --- "A light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) We have the assurance of our Lord's words, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”(John 8;12)

This light will guide us - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
This light gives us strength and is our salvation  - "The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

 Through this world's darkness; through the dimming commercialism and materialism; through the folly of men there is ONE LIGHT, ONE illuminating source that will never dim... given to us to bring joy and love; to bless us with peace and provide Hope despite the darkness of this world and the darkness within us.  That light came wrapped in clothes and lying in a manager. 

I pray you the joy and peace of This wondrous light.  I pray you discover that Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.  " And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  And I especially pray that you know " neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The light of Christmas's very purpose will shine brightly on this earth - guiding you, strengthening you, loving you.  This light will shine through you to others.  This light will guide you to an everlasting home in where the glory of the LORD will shine about you.

May the light of Christmas bring you joy and shine about you for all eternity!

 Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."

Psalm 18:28 - You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
EPH. 5:8 -For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
John 12:36 - Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”