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Rest, Refresh, Re-focus
July 1, 2009
The moss covered trees lining the winding gravel road remind me of having the arms of Jesus wrapped around me. I remembered those trees on the way to the trailhead but somehow they looked different this time.
My husband and I went hiking recently with some friends to Barclay Lake. I like to hike and I always get good insight from being in nature. It's interesting when you hike at different times of the year, at the same place, how different they can look. That's like reading your Bible, you can read the same verse at another time and see it from a different perspective.
There is one particular place on this hike where you walk over a bridge. Last time I walked over that bridge I was confident in my stride. The stream below was shallow, you could see the rocks clearly through the water. I even thought about getting in the water and picking some rocks out for a project I was doing. It reminds me of times in life when I walk with great confidence, well aware of God's presence guiding me.
This time, as I approached the bridge, it was wet and slippery from the spray of the waterfalls to the north. Slowly, cautiously I walked on the bridge holding onto the railing, my knuckles turning white. The rushing water sounded like rush hour traffic. Grasping the rail firmly to make my way across the bridge reminds me of the times I've had to hold on tight to God's Word to keep my balance.
Two waterfalls separated by a gigantic rock were unnoticeable the last time. Obviously that gigantic rock was not a recent placement but very noticeable because of the fast rushing water. On one side the water spilled over quickly and generously between a generous gap. The waterfall on the narrow side careened down with such force that the water turned white. I don't understand how the clear water turns white! But then there are many things I don't understand that God does. Like how does He make all my bills get paid when there's not enough money? How do I have peace when I should be freaking out and afraid?
We stood for several minutes studying the waterfalls. Both came from the same lake, yet one was hurried, steady and clear while the other was rapid, rushing and powerful. We were in awe of the force of the water wondering the cause of the difference. Finally my husband says, "When you narrow your focus you increase your power"! That was an 'aha' moment for my friend and I. We both agreed we have been trying to do too much. We have become a 'jack of all trades, master of none' and we are scattered like leaves on a fall day. We flow quickly and generously in the many areas we know but we would like to specialize and see God's 'white water' power in our lives.
Summertime is a good time to take stock of your activities for Jesus. It's a time to rest, refresh and refocus on what He has planned for you and discover your 'white water' purpose!
Enjoy the sun/Son,
~ Rhoda
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