This morning, I awoke at my usual time. However, since I am at a hotel in Sioux City rather than home in Lake Mills, I made my way to the coffee station in the lobby, got a cup of coffee and headed outside to wake up in the LORD’s creation. This morning the LORD’s creation was wet and windy! It was raining sideways. I found a spot under the car canopy that I wasn’t obstructing traffic nor getting soaked. I stood and tried to joyfully greet the LORD, but I may have not been entirely convincing with my joy. I cut my morning prayer time somewhat short because of the weather.
I went back to my room thinking that I’d get an early start on my blogs. I opened my computer, and my screen display was upside down. “Really, LORD?” I asked. There was no audible, but I’m pretty sure the reply was, “Really.” I used my cell phone to ask what to do if the screen display is upside down a dell. The fact that there were multiple articles on solving this situation surprised me but also alerted me to its frequency. I read the solution, but then I had to practice using my mouse backwards and upside down. That took several minutes.
I did get it fixed. Then I wrote the solution in my junk journal so I would remember it/have it the next time it happens because something tells me it will happen again. And then I settled down to write. And the first thing that occurred to me, almost as if it were whispered in my ear was “things worthwhile aren’t always easy.” And I smiled and spoke out loud, “God it, LORD,” as I took out my pocket cross. Indeed, good isn’t always easy.
We should get that. It should be intuitive for us who know Jesus’ words, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24-26)
We who know Christ and love Christ and desire to live Christ every day everywhere rely upon that love and the promise, “Remain in me as I remain in you” (John 15). We also pray for the Spirit and for the graces and gifts necessary to walk as Jesus walks, to follow in His footsteps, to meet and love and serve His sisters and brothers. And we pray especially for the gift of fortitude, the ability to stick with the good, the loving even when surrounded by hate.
Jesus told us “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gently and humble…For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). But we have to see into Jesus’ words and realize that it’s not that what we’re being asked to do and be is easy, it is that we share it with Christ who carries the majority for us.
I love the way the LORD works in my life. I love that the LORD challenges me daily. I love that the LORD never really leaves me alone. I love that the LORD continues to reach out to me and invite me, “Come closer” in unexpected ways and moments. I love how the LORD can use the weather and a computer screen to teach me “the Way and the Truth and the Life.”
Until tomorrow, let us all love well.