Today is the shortest day of the year! There’s a psychological aspect to it. In many parts of the world, THIS is the day of Christmas, intentionally.
Isaiah 43:18 says: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing anew thing! Now it springs up’ do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” In her desk calendar called “Blessings for Every Day” she writes: (an I hope she doesn’t mind my sharing it…) “May this next season for you be one of rest, revival, and renewal.” I don’t know about you, but she has my need written in capital letters. I have been sick for the last ten days with the worst cold I have had in years. That and preparing for Christmas and being eighty-three and a half, moving to a new facility, and reassessing many things have resulted in a deep fatigue. I also have a sister languishing in a nursing home facility and facing life decisions because of her failing health. It’s not a time of joy right now for me. But then I read her words, which truly do bless me every day, and I am renewed. Here’s what she says to my world-weary soul today. May it bless you.
“May you experience the REST of God in your most trying circumstances, and as a result, find peace and bear fruit where there’s only been angst and thorns. May you experience a personal REVIVAL that changes how you pray, what you say and where you put your time. And may you experience such soul RENEWAL that even the old things in your life feel new. God doesn’t make things “nice.” He makes things new. Trust Him to do a brand new work in you in the days ahead.”
Her chosen Bible verse yesterday from Joh 15 blessed me as well. I am finished with one book, almost finished writing another one. I just couldn’t get them finished this month as I wanted to do. I am frustrated by that lack of achievement. Then I read this verse and her commentary on it. Let me share it with you that you, too many be blessed.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last– and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. This is My command: love each other.” Think about what Susan Larson wrote for this, the shortest day of the year: “May you begin to see your disappointments as divine appointments. May your Spirit eyes open up to God’s invitation to something better, something deeper, something profoundly fitted for you. May you lift your eyes and see how your whole story fits the bigger story God is writing for His Namesake. God intends to solve some of the world’s problems through you. Trust Him and let Him use you in ways that are beyond you! Look for those appointments and have a great day.”
So, my conclusion is, “stop thinking about how tired and discouraged I am, see discouraging things as opportunities for change, and get on with what God is telling you to do. In my case, finish the writing, get the books out there to bless others, but first, rest, relax, renew, revive, for a new year is coming when I can literally “start over” and do what God has given me time and opportunity to do. Teach that memoir class with vigor; start a new book series, and devour my new study Bible with gusto. Then, bless those around me. I have a whole new mission field in this senior living complex… lots of people who need loving and caring and encouraging.
How about your walk? Are you exhausted? Have you lost a sense of purpose and direction. I hope this “View from Here” blesses someone like me who needs to hear Susan Larson’s blessing today.
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