Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect

Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll

God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional.  A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days.  I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.

Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse.  Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life.  My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications.  The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me.  It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making.  Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.

The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn.  It's not a passive process.  With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend.  One is a women's group.  The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere).  One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people.  The other, entirely African American--except for me.  Both are incredibly warm and welcoming.  Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches.  One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates.  The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship.  Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.

Homework five days out of seven.  I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it.  Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day.  Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look!  I know, I should be overwhelmed.  I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them. 

But that isn't the case.  In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other.  I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker.  Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material.  Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood.  It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.

Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life.  I want my life to change.  I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years.  I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives. 

But this, like everything else in life, is a choice.  You have to choose to walk that path.  You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know.  I've tried those things.  They don't work for me.  So, I'm gonna try something radically new.  If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in.  Will keep you posted on what we're learning...   
              

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee

Calls back the lovely April of her prime. ~ William Shakespeare

Today's Joy: Discovering Your Mother.

Had an epiphany today, Reader. After spending a lovely afternoon at the Farmer's Market and then picking up two new garden planters for Mom's front porch, we had lunch and got to talking about the past. She related to me a story of her younger married life and the struggles she went through that I'd never heard before, and suddenly I saw my mother from an entirely new perspective. The young woman she had been became clear to me in a way I'd never considered before and tears welled up in my eyes when I thought about all that she overcame in those years. I suddenly felt ashamed for the times I didn't make things easier on her. It was a big moment for both of us.

I look forward now to getting to know even more of this elusive woman and to a closer relationship than we've ever had. Thank you, God, for this opportunity to better understand my mother and to show her how much I appreciate all she's sacrificed for us. I pray that you will bring continued peace and joy into her life and bless us with her warm presence for many, many years to come.

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it. ~Lord Acton

Today's Joy: Putting It All Together.
Am feeling on top of the world, Reader! After 2 & 1/2 weeks of intense on-the-job training, something clicked in my brain today and all of the skills I'm learning suddenly fell into place. I felt like a dynamo whipping out inventory adjustments, credit memos, transfers and receiving every invoice in sight!

Got caught up on everything so the store's in great shape for tomorrow's month-end paperwork and I left the office tidy & well-organized. Love it! I can't believe how fast the time flies while I'm working. Hurray for being challenged all day long! And thank you, Lord, for leading me to this wonderful organization that makes a difference in people's lives. What a blessing!

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Apologizing. If you're like me, Reader, and you suddenly realize that you've hurt someone by doing or saying something bone-headed (which I do with some frequency), that guilty feeling just hangs on and nags at you until you say you're sorry.
It's funny--the moment I acknowledge my insensitivity and remind the-party-in-question (usually Himself) that he is far more important to me than whatever irritation I felt, all is once again right with the world. He feels better too. Thoughtfulness = vindication? Or maybe it's just hearing that I've actually taken the time to see it from his perspective. While I can't exactly tromp around the house in his size 13's, I can at least make an effort to try on his point-of-view.
With any luck, my bone-headed moments will happen less often. That would definitely be a joy for both of us. :-)