Jeremiah 29: 12-13 & Acts 17: 22-28 "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (Jer. 29: 13; New Language Translation).
I'm noticing something new on my favorite Christian broadcasting medium since the first of the year; that is they're pausing fifteen seconds between shows or pieces before starting into the next one. Now of course I know that in our current day of receiving information we absolutely have the option of pausing as we see fit, but do I pause and look for God? Admittedly, I was tempted to contact them [WEZE 590 AM] in case they weren't aware of their short void of sound, but in my own life, do I stop often enough to look or listen for His still small scene or voice? It's 5:35 am in my world as I attempt to put these few sentences together, which I find cathartic and cherish with fervor, but I just received a text. Am I 'that' available to the world or do I value more my connection with my proclaimed Creator God? How earnest am I about finding Him anyway? The Message tells us that "when you get serious.... ...you won't be disappointed." (v. 13).
A few days back, I visited at a distance of course, Covid-infected family and failed to adequately acknowledge the 1 year-old grandson, daughter Astrid, held in the window. She later told me, "Papa, Abel cried when you left." Truth be known, I was preoccupied with my timing and fetching a tool I came to get, rather than taking between 6 and 10 seconds to look at the gift that God was giving me in the moment, smile big and make a silly hugging gesture that would likely have made the little guy squeal with delight. And, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion on birds at the gathering on Zoom after worship this past Sunday. Folks' attention to many details around our feathered amigos reminds me of God's care for sparrows and the hairs on my brain container, meaning all the elements of my circumstances. Like the Israelites that Jeremiah was encouraging: despite our difficult times, we needn't despair - - for we have the privilege of prayer and God's presence and grace. I trust that the little guy will forgive me and you'll keep looking, because neither strangeness, abuse, oppression or sorrow can sever our fellowship with God. Our free will is not in question here, and His desire is that we seek and find of our own volition....are my eyes, ears, heart and mind open to the possibilities He presents?
God is never far from you, may we finely tune our awareness of the Blessings He sends our way! Kevin T. for FCC's Deacons.