Light: Something that Makes Vision Possible

 

Blessed are those who

have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light

of your presence, O Lord.

Psalm 89:15 NIV

I like Mondays. On Mondays, I observe a day of rest. I call it my extra Sabbath. On Sundays, my husband and I serve and worship at our church. And I often take a nap in the afternoon.

But resting on Mondays is different. I don't schedule any outside appointments. I don't have to rush anywhere. I can linger with my coffee. I let go of agendas and I do my best to listen. There is no hurry to leave the presence of God. I read, journal, listen and pray to my heart's content.
 
This particular Monday, I am enjoying time on our porch swing on a warm, balmy winter day. The sun is shining, the birds are calling each other with warbles and whistles and chirps and trills.
 
Sometimes, I go back and read over my journal to gain insight. To see what light has been poured out through my pen. I notice what God and I have been dialoguing over the past several weeks. Since I had the leisure to do so today, I thumbed through my journal, highlighting the glimpses of a theme or a direction. Path, desire and want were common words. Also hope, blessing and love. Here are some quotes and musings that resonated with me today. I hope they are a sweet balm of warmth on this wintry Monday.

"As wonderful as it is to have Jesus' blessings,

it is even more wonderful to have Jesus."

(Roy Lessin)

 

 

 

"O LORD, the house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it that Thou mayest enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases Thy sight; I confess it, I know. But who shall  cleanse it, or to whom shall I cry but unto Thee? Cleanse me from my secret faults, O LORD,

spare Thy servant from strange sins."

(St. Augustine)

 

 

"To have someone to absorb us, who wants to understand the shape and structure of our lives, who will listen for more than our words,

is one of friendship's greatest gifts."

(Paul D. Robbins)

 

 

Below is a written prayer that I copied down today, and my response to that prayer:

 

"Almighty God, whose word is authority and power and whose way is love, grant us today clear minds, understanding hearts, and willing spirits so that we may wisely appropriate Your word of truth. Amen."

 

 

My response:

 

"Let us not try to change each other, but rather trust each other. Trust ourselves. Accept that each other's personalities, skills, gifts and life experiences inform the whole of who we are and how we interact with one another. Let us love one another."


Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 
(1 John 5:21 NLT)