dumbstruck

 

I am here

merely dumbstruck

for a season, but

holding space

for words return

just beyond

April soon will slip away

the rains retreat, to hide in a place

we will not know, umbrellas 

useless now, tightly furled

so too our season in Africa

tumbles towards its end

leaving bumps, scratches

bruises, time alone can heal

yet there, just beyond reach

not quite in focus, waits

an outburst of new

glory unfolding, certain

as life

I show you specified new things from this time forth, 

even hidden things [kept in reserve] which you have not known. 

They are created now [called into being by the prophetic word], 

and not long ago; and before today you have never heard of them, 

lest you should say, Behold, I knew them!

Isaiah 48:6-7 Amplified

Freshness in the ancient ways

Bread rising, baking, cooling on racks
flowers, sweet and vibrant
citrus oil from fresh cut oranges
all fill a house with the warm scent of fresh

and we hunger

We are a people easily bored
seeking new without a moment to absorb old
crying out to the Lord for a fresh word
a change of direction

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ Jeremiah 6:16 NLT

May we find our delight in the ways He leads us
as He seasons this new season
with His Spirit
always fresh.

Joining Peter Pollock and the rest where the word is fresh
 

Slow and slower

In the quiet of yesterday morning, I sought the Lord and what He had to share with me.  Opening my journal I captured His heart:

Step by step, little by little.  I know My people like action, fast results, drama.  But this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Step by step, little by little.  You want to fly but I Am asking you to walk, so slowly at times that you do not even realize how far you are moving.

Giant leaps almost always leave you needing to retrace your steps, missing important lessons - and the need to go back loses the time you thought you gained.

Step by step - maintain forward progress - without grumbling and complaining about what I ask of you along the way.

And you will remin in My perfect will, in My love and in My care.

When I sensed that He had no more to say, I picked up the book I wanted to start reading, The Resolution for Women.  I will share more about this book as well as The Resolution for Men later in the month.

In the introduction is the thirteen point resolution.  As I read #1 the chills of knowing that God had just prepared me ran through my spirit:

I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it.  I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent and portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

Just as He had said: Step by step, little by little.

 

Sharing with Jennifer and others at Getting Down with Jesus