Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week 49 Archives
Year 5; Day 338 Prepared
Well, today (tonight, actually) is the big day. Our household increases by seven! Ever since we found out son and family were coming, we have been living in anticipation of this day. We started talking and planning...doing and buying. The house has not been this clean in...in...a long time. The new freezer is nearly full. A few Christmas cakes have been made. The air mattresses are pumped, the tree up, and decorations in place. The games are stacked in a corner, new colouring books and crayons bought, and some surprises hidden away. Except for a few last minute details, we are as ready as we are going to be. Now all we have to do is wait for their arrival. I was reminded of the parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25. These young bridesmaids would have helped prepare the bride for the groom's arrival. Unsure of the exact time, five came prepared for a wait by bringing extra oil for their lamps. Five did not. When the announcement came that the bridegroom was on his way, the unprepared maidens did not have enough oil left for their duties. While they were gone to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived, the prepared followed him to the banquet hall and the doors were closed. The unprepared missed out. Unlike my family's arrival, we don't know the exact time when Christ will return for His church. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (verse 13) Today is Monday. It behooves us to always be prepared so we don't find ourselves on the wrong side of the door.
Well, today (tonight, actually) is the big day. Our household increases by seven! Ever since we found out son and family were coming, we have been living in anticipation of this day. We started talking and planning...doing and buying. The house has not been this clean in...in...a long time. The new freezer is nearly full. A few Christmas cakes have been made. The air mattresses are pumped, the tree up, and decorations in place. The games are stacked in a corner, new colouring books and crayons bought, and some surprises hidden away. Except for a few last minute details, we are as ready as we are going to be. Now all we have to do is wait for their arrival. I was reminded of the parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25. These young bridesmaids would have helped prepare the bride for the groom's arrival. Unsure of the exact time, five came prepared for a wait by bringing extra oil for their lamps. Five did not. When the announcement came that the bridegroom was on his way, the unprepared maidens did not have enough oil left for their duties. While they were gone to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived, the prepared followed him to the banquet hall and the doors were closed. The unprepared missed out. Unlike my family's arrival, we don't know the exact time when Christ will return for His church. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (verse 13) Today is Monday. It behooves us to always be prepared so we don't find ourselves on the wrong side of the door.
Year 5; Day 339 Fruition
I am sitting in a motel room with a roomful of grand-daughters and daughter-of-the-heart. Grand-daughter 1 suggested I write about the little things in life like being together and family...except those are not little things to me. When son and family came down the airport escalator, I thought my heart would burst. All the waiting was finally over. They are here and my heart is full...full of gratitude...full of thanksgiving...full of love...and full of wonder. Wonder that such a thing could even happen. Thankful that God knows our desires even better than we do. I can't say this is an answer to prayer because it never entered my head that this was even a possibility to have them all here and so I never prayed for it. But God knows the desires of our hearts even better than we do. And so begins an adventure...an adventure that will enrich and bless all of us. Today is Tuesday. "A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..." (Proverbs 13:21) Sweet indeed!!
I am sitting in a motel room with a roomful of grand-daughters and daughter-of-the-heart. Grand-daughter 1 suggested I write about the little things in life like being together and family...except those are not little things to me. When son and family came down the airport escalator, I thought my heart would burst. All the waiting was finally over. They are here and my heart is full...full of gratitude...full of thanksgiving...full of love...and full of wonder. Wonder that such a thing could even happen. Thankful that God knows our desires even better than we do. I can't say this is an answer to prayer because it never entered my head that this was even a possibility to have them all here and so I never prayed for it. But God knows the desires of our hearts even better than we do. And so begins an adventure...an adventure that will enrich and bless all of us. Today is Tuesday. "A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..." (Proverbs 13:21) Sweet indeed!!
Year 5; Day 340 A Glimpse
Every once in a while I think the Lord gives us a tiny glimpse of what He has in store for us. A little taste to help us carry on, to keep going, a reminder that this is not as good as it gets. Because we have so little light pollution, on a clear night I can look up and see the Milky Way. The sky is filled with stars like bits of diamond glitter. And the faint milky path of white can actually be seen. It never fails to leave me awestruck at the immensity of space and the majestic power of God in creation. The colours of a spectacular sunrise or sunset, the delicate design of flowers, the distinctive feather patterns of the birds are all visible reminders of an invisible God. And we glimpse His love through the joy and happiness of reunion. As we walked through a parking lot yesterday, I held out my arm for a grand-daughter to tuck under. She wasn't quick enough and a grandson stepped right in instead. So many hugs and kisses and handholding and laughing and heads bent together. There is a lot of love flowing and wrapping and surrounding us. So what must heaven be like? If this is what we see and feel here on earth, how much more will eternity be? I cannot fully imagine but I know I am having a little sneak-peek right here, right now. Today is Wednesday. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." For this gift of reunion that I never imagined, I am ever so thankful.
Every once in a while I think the Lord gives us a tiny glimpse of what He has in store for us. A little taste to help us carry on, to keep going, a reminder that this is not as good as it gets. Because we have so little light pollution, on a clear night I can look up and see the Milky Way. The sky is filled with stars like bits of diamond glitter. And the faint milky path of white can actually be seen. It never fails to leave me awestruck at the immensity of space and the majestic power of God in creation. The colours of a spectacular sunrise or sunset, the delicate design of flowers, the distinctive feather patterns of the birds are all visible reminders of an invisible God. And we glimpse His love through the joy and happiness of reunion. As we walked through a parking lot yesterday, I held out my arm for a grand-daughter to tuck under. She wasn't quick enough and a grandson stepped right in instead. So many hugs and kisses and handholding and laughing and heads bent together. There is a lot of love flowing and wrapping and surrounding us. So what must heaven be like? If this is what we see and feel here on earth, how much more will eternity be? I cannot fully imagine but I know I am having a little sneak-peek right here, right now. Today is Wednesday. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." For this gift of reunion that I never imagined, I am ever so thankful.
Year 5; Day 341 The Speed of Time
Time can feel like a friend or an enemy. We all have exactly the same amount each day, every day, always. But it doesn't feel the same. Some days seem endless while others seem to fly by. Last night we were having family devotions. One grandchild prayed that time would go slow while they were here. It touched my heart when he said that...that he was enjoying his visit, not wishing to be somewhere else, loving our company as much as we love his (and theirs). I thought about God. Do we ever wish time would go slower when we are with Him? Do we enjoy His company and His presence so much that it seems like time flies? Do we look forward to spending time with Him in His Word? Do we anticipate joining with others for worship? Over and over Scripture tells how much we are loved by God. Does He long for our fellowship only to be disappointed because it doesn't go both ways? Antsy if the church service goes over an hour, a promise verse from a mini loaf of fake bread, and the occasional, "Help," thrown heavenward when things get rough doesn't seem like much. I can honestly say I have never prayed, "Lord, make time go slower so I can have more of it to spend with you." And yet, I think that is how He feels about me and us. He loves His time with us. How do we love Him back? "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) Gain a heart of wisdom and a heart of love. Today is Thursday. Amazing how God can speak (challenge, convict) through the prayers of a child.
Time can feel like a friend or an enemy. We all have exactly the same amount each day, every day, always. But it doesn't feel the same. Some days seem endless while others seem to fly by. Last night we were having family devotions. One grandchild prayed that time would go slow while they were here. It touched my heart when he said that...that he was enjoying his visit, not wishing to be somewhere else, loving our company as much as we love his (and theirs). I thought about God. Do we ever wish time would go slower when we are with Him? Do we enjoy His company and His presence so much that it seems like time flies? Do we look forward to spending time with Him in His Word? Do we anticipate joining with others for worship? Over and over Scripture tells how much we are loved by God. Does He long for our fellowship only to be disappointed because it doesn't go both ways? Antsy if the church service goes over an hour, a promise verse from a mini loaf of fake bread, and the occasional, "Help," thrown heavenward when things get rough doesn't seem like much. I can honestly say I have never prayed, "Lord, make time go slower so I can have more of it to spend with you." And yet, I think that is how He feels about me and us. He loves His time with us. How do we love Him back? "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) Gain a heart of wisdom and a heart of love. Today is Thursday. Amazing how God can speak (challenge, convict) through the prayers of a child.
Year 5; Day 342 Maturing in Him
I am so enjoying getting a taste of viewing the world through a child's eyes. They keep reminding me of spiritual truths. We attended a local church's potluck last night. Grandchild #5 turned to me during an after meal skit and whispered, "These must be adult jokes because I don't get any of them." She found the accent difficult to understand and the humour was above her. But most of us older folks did get it. How many times do we not understand what God is saying because we don't understand how He talks or we are not mature enough to realize what He is trying to say? When I first came to Newfoundland I didn't get a lot of what was said to me either. But the longer I stayed, the more I listened, and the more involved I got helped me to become familiar with the Newfoundland ways. It is no different with God. The more time we spend with Him, the more familiar we become with His ways. What a pleasure to converse with son and daughter-in-law as adults. Childhood had its season of wonder and joy but I wouldn't want them to stay that way. Having an adult relationship with them brings another level of pleasure and experiences. Son will always be my child but our relationship should and has matured. It should be no different with the Lord. Today is Friday. "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Philippians 1:9)
I am so enjoying getting a taste of viewing the world through a child's eyes. They keep reminding me of spiritual truths. We attended a local church's potluck last night. Grandchild #5 turned to me during an after meal skit and whispered, "These must be adult jokes because I don't get any of them." She found the accent difficult to understand and the humour was above her. But most of us older folks did get it. How many times do we not understand what God is saying because we don't understand how He talks or we are not mature enough to realize what He is trying to say? When I first came to Newfoundland I didn't get a lot of what was said to me either. But the longer I stayed, the more I listened, and the more involved I got helped me to become familiar with the Newfoundland ways. It is no different with God. The more time we spend with Him, the more familiar we become with His ways. What a pleasure to converse with son and daughter-in-law as adults. Childhood had its season of wonder and joy but I wouldn't want them to stay that way. Having an adult relationship with them brings another level of pleasure and experiences. Son will always be my child but our relationship should and has matured. It should be no different with the Lord. Today is Friday. "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Philippians 1:9)
ear 5; Day 343 Everlasting Love
Love is so amazing. I had seven people arrive that I love so very much. Two more are coming today. If I had to choose which one I loved the best or the most, I couldn't. I love each one with all my heart...along with some other people (husband, family, close friends). How is that possible? Our first grandchild was so anticipated. The love was so huge. And then the next was no different. It was as if the capacity for the heart to love expands as needed. There is no limit. It is a glimpse of how God loves each one of us with all His heart. Except He does it better. He loves us even before we are born. He loves us before we come to love Him. He loves us even if we never love Him. He loves us first, last and all the in-between. A grandchild came downstairs yesterday morning, walked straight to where I was sitting, leaned in, and gave me a big smile and a hug. I melted. Does God do the same when the first thing we do each morning is greet Him? How does it feel to have billions of people who start their day without so much as a thought or acknowledgement of His love for them? Do we sadden or gladden the heart of God? I know how I would feel if the people I loved so dearly had no time for me. Heartbroken. Do I hurt God with my busyness, my casual attention, my catch-me-if-you-can attitudes? He deserves so much better. Every day I feel as if I am having my eyes opened a little wider, being reminded, being taught...mostly by children. I am humbled and grateful. Today is Saturday. "...I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3)
Love is so amazing. I had seven people arrive that I love so very much. Two more are coming today. If I had to choose which one I loved the best or the most, I couldn't. I love each one with all my heart...along with some other people (husband, family, close friends). How is that possible? Our first grandchild was so anticipated. The love was so huge. And then the next was no different. It was as if the capacity for the heart to love expands as needed. There is no limit. It is a glimpse of how God loves each one of us with all His heart. Except He does it better. He loves us even before we are born. He loves us before we come to love Him. He loves us even if we never love Him. He loves us first, last and all the in-between. A grandchild came downstairs yesterday morning, walked straight to where I was sitting, leaned in, and gave me a big smile and a hug. I melted. Does God do the same when the first thing we do each morning is greet Him? How does it feel to have billions of people who start their day without so much as a thought or acknowledgement of His love for them? Do we sadden or gladden the heart of God? I know how I would feel if the people I loved so dearly had no time for me. Heartbroken. Do I hurt God with my busyness, my casual attention, my catch-me-if-you-can attitudes? He deserves so much better. Every day I feel as if I am having my eyes opened a little wider, being reminded, being taught...mostly by children. I am humbled and grateful. Today is Saturday. "...I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3)
Year 5; Day 344 Worth the Wait
When son and family arrived, there were presents waiting under the tree. Grandchild #5, upon spying them, immediately suggested opening one a night starting then. She took it well that she had to wait until Saturday night. Even when Saturday arrived, there was still waiting. The salt beef had to be soaked, the vegetables peeled, and the turkey stuffed and prepared. Then the whole works cooked, more family had to arrive, and the table set complete with a Buck or Two tablecloth and Christmas red paper plates. More waiting while the clean-up ensued. Finally it was time. One by one the presents were opened and exclaimed over. And then it was over. Nothing left under the tree. Months of thinking, buying, wrapping, and waiting over in minutes. It's not all over. There are still things to do, memories to make, laughter and conversation to share but one aspect of our mini Christmas is over...maybe never to be repeated quite like this. I have been waiting a long time to see Jesus. Still waiting. I have no doubt it will happen...I just don't know the when. But when I do see Him, when heaven becomes my reality, it won't have an over or a finish or an all done. There will only be a beginning and an eternal middle...no ending. I can't comprehend that. But I know in my heart that it is worth waiting for. Today is Sunday. "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 2:11) Someday the waiting will be over.
When son and family arrived, there were presents waiting under the tree. Grandchild #5, upon spying them, immediately suggested opening one a night starting then. She took it well that she had to wait until Saturday night. Even when Saturday arrived, there was still waiting. The salt beef had to be soaked, the vegetables peeled, and the turkey stuffed and prepared. Then the whole works cooked, more family had to arrive, and the table set complete with a Buck or Two tablecloth and Christmas red paper plates. More waiting while the clean-up ensued. Finally it was time. One by one the presents were opened and exclaimed over. And then it was over. Nothing left under the tree. Months of thinking, buying, wrapping, and waiting over in minutes. It's not all over. There are still things to do, memories to make, laughter and conversation to share but one aspect of our mini Christmas is over...maybe never to be repeated quite like this. I have been waiting a long time to see Jesus. Still waiting. I have no doubt it will happen...I just don't know the when. But when I do see Him, when heaven becomes my reality, it won't have an over or a finish or an all done. There will only be a beginning and an eternal middle...no ending. I can't comprehend that. But I know in my heart that it is worth waiting for. Today is Sunday. "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 2:11) Someday the waiting will be over.