Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
(Psalm 90:12 CBS) I barely notice the landscape around me this morning as I jot down my plans for the week. Once the list is complete, I whisper a quick prayer asking God to bless my plans, adding a hasty amen, of course. Before I rise to leave, movement on the lake catches my attention. Mist floats across the surface of the lake. The mist seems especially elegant this morning as it performs a silent dance above the dark water. I grab my phone to video its performance. I watch the video several times to make sure I captured the serene atmosphere. When I turn to look at the mist again, it’s gone, vanished under the sun’s warmth. A hint of sadness pricks my heart as I realize I’ve missed watching the elegant vapor’s final waltz. Through the sadness, the Holy Spirit whispers, You are that mist. “Lord, what do you mean?” I sit quietly for a few minutes before I hear the Spirit whisper again, You are that mist. Immediately James 4:13-16 comes to mind: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil (ESV)." “Lord, what am I doing? Haven’t I learned that every single day is precious, and life can change in a second? Please forgive me and cleanse me of my arrogance. Change my heart to truly accept that You have the best plans for me. I need You. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Remind me daily to focus on You and trust you with every step I take. Amen.” I grab my phone and load the Bible app. I’m curious as to other passages that compare humans to mist. Psalm 39:4-6 is another sober reminder of our frailty. "Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am. In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah. Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them (CBS)." I pick up my journal, look over my plans for the week, and pray for God’s wisdom and guidance. Several minutes pass before I cross out a few tasks and place question marks by those that may change. “Commit your activities to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3).” Walking closer to the lake, I notice the sky’s reflection in the water. Clouds enter the scene and slow dance across the surface where the mist performed this morning. Peace replaces my earlier sadness as I ask my Heavenly Father, "What is your will for me today?" For now, sweet daughter, just sit with Me and soak in the beauty of My creation. And so, I do.
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5/3/2024 06:22:44
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AuthorKathy Garrett McInnis Archives
October 2023
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