“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” Isaiah 61:3 KJV.
The alarm rings and I pop out of bed in spite of the 3:30 am hour. Off to work and, although mostly informational, the first full day of my new journey, all wrapped into one.
“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11).
The view out the window to the left is a beautiful white Art Deco sky scrapper looking down on sometimes busy streets, lined with cars and blinking lights. This city is much quieter than the Chicago chaos, people four deep on each sidewalk, car horns yelling at pedestrians to hurry and sirens blaring day and night. I watch from the quiet of the 12th floor in the sunny city of Phoenix, AZ.
I am preparing to meet Heartfelt Family from all over the world and those who soon would be. Before I do, there is set up and training to check off the schedule. In the wait, Heavenly Dad urges,”Tracy, I’m here. Come and spend time with me.” It’s awesome! Where ever I go, He is there waiting, an ever present comfort/help in time of need.
“Thanks for being here Dad. Please, speak to me…”
Can you imagine being a character–is that the right term–in the Bible?Little kids to adults hear about huge events in your life from birth to death, all the while HOPING you will make the right choice but ultimately learning from either?
The sky is N. Carolina blue with billowy clouds and sparkles as the sun reflects off of the icy snow out the window. A cup off coffee within arms reach, earbuds in, legs straight, crossed at the ankles and a three hour wait with no place to go: I am excited! A date with Heavenly Dad!
“My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:3–5).
Wait…where I have I heard this topic before? Was that in the book of Job or your living room?
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
The snow flakes were HUGE and numerous but falling ever so slowly. I would watch one flutter from two or so stories high and spin down until it would land and instantly melt on my windshield. Aaaand then another, and another.
Green light! Slowly the traffic moved as the after 5 o’clock rush was in full effect. Then it happened again:
“Wow! Heavenly Dad, you don’t have to speak so LOUDLY… ”
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
As 2017 comes to an end in just a little over two hours, the last year of “My Own Little World” is running through my mind. First and foremost who do I show this kind of love? Who, other than Taylor, shows this kind of love to me?