Leaning In

This morning I was inspired by a fierce little violet bud.

 

Huh?

 

I have been struggling with some insomnia, and I was up in the middle of the night.  As I got a glass of water, I noticed my violets.  One pot had a violet bud, standing straight up, pointing at the window.  The very dark window.  The hours away from any sign of light or day window.

 

It really caught me.

Am I leaning in?  Am I seeking the Son - no matter how dark it seems?  Am I behaving like I know that His mercy is new EVERY MORNING?? Or am I reacting to the situations around me, turning away from the Light, forgetting what happened yesterday, last week, last month...last year.

 

How many of you can testify to yourself?  I sure can.  I have kept prayer journals, and all I have to do is go back and read through them and see the faithfulness of God.

 

But even this morning, I was cranky because I was awake.  I was dreading the coming day and the possibilities.  

 

Imagine - being convicted by a flower bud!

 

That little bud was leaning into the window - straight, tall, expectantly.  And sure enough, when I came back to it later, it was in full bloom, shining its beautiful little flower face for all to see.

 

One is connected to the other.

 

The expectation- that sense of purpose, of knowing that the Son is coming, that there is a purpose for you, keeps you upright.  Standing on the Word, leaning into His presence, is what will help his love shine through us, and in us.

 

The darkness was real.  And enveloping.  And all encompassing - but the little flower leaned in to what it knew was it's source of light.  A dark window.

 

Lean in.  Expect the Son. Let your hope be in the fact that no matter how dark things may seem, the morning will come, His mercy is new, and His love will endure forever.

Starting today.

 

Make sure you are involved and present this Christmas season.  Go to a church service on Sunday.  Connection groups on Sunday and Wednesday.  Fellowship opportunities listed at your local church. The Christmas musical.  The Christmas Eve candlelight service.  Volunteer at a nursing home.  At the mission.  Get outside of yourself - you won't regret it.

 

We are praying for you!