Purpose

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

We’ve been given the opportunity to travel in this season of our life and consider it a precious gift. We do not want to take it lightly and have searched for ways to serve and be good stewards of our time. Everything in life is an opportunity and meant to bring glory to God and for our good. Time has not stood still but we have been given a less hurried schedule. This is in no way advocating idleness and my busyness has never been like maybe many others. I believe I’ve been given this time to improve the mission I’ve been personally called to do. It’s a time to open my heart to see what God wants to teach me.

There have been times of correction; to expose old , unhealthy, accepted habits that I’d become comfortable with. There have been times I’ve been overwhelmed with tears at His glory in the beauty of nature and times I’ve had to yield to His plan , trusting in His goodness. Oh, that God would be seen!

Some people love to see the city lights with all the hustle that accompanies it or the beach with the sound of the ocean and sand between their toes but Gregg and I prefer the forest, mountains, wildlife ,rivers and streams. We have found a peace there. It gives us time to step back, regroup and reconnect.

Gregg’s fishing trips have yielded little but he doesn’t seem to mind. It reminds me of his steady patience but even more of our God’s. Gregg takes the time in adding a new fly, gingerly walks out on the slick rocks trying to find the right spot to cast. The line just floats in the air , back and forth almost in slow motion and is like a work of art to me. So is God’s love for us – patient, gentle, diligently working in us to make us His prize work of art.

I pray I will not be robbed of the memory of the crisp freshness of the spruce and sage or the perfume of the wild flowers that are as sweet as the honeysuckle back home. I’ve also noticed something unusual. On several of our walks down a trail , often a bird will find us and seems to begin leading the way, staying just far enough ahead , that we are unable to touch it but consistently being our guide. What a simple little pleasure that also reminds me of how our Father finds us and guides us on our path even if we can’t physically touch Him we know He’s there.

Even in the calm we’ve enjoyed ,there is still a form of busyness that is going on around us. The bees and butterflies are everywhere gathering the pollen and even the bears have a steady pace to gather and eat as many berries as possible. It’s the careful, precise rhythm and balance that lures me; a place I find rest. God speaks clearly to me here: “ Come and sit with me, Sue.” “Stop and listen to me; slow down and wait.” I Am here, listen to my voice, learn from me”.”Let go of your repentant failures; they are not who you are; they show my grace.”Be refreshed and renewed”. “I am God there is no other. “ “ I am the Creator and Maker of it all.”

“Give grace as I’ve given it to you ; be an encourager so that others will come to know me; the Author and Finisher!” To Him alone be the glory forever and ever!