Backdrop of Hope
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
ME: What a beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky – just endless blue. Days like this make it easy to have hope.
JESUS: I am delighted when you take notice of My Creation.
ME: I try to do that all the time but sometimes I miss things.
JESUS: That is why I want you to learn to enjoy life more. Relax, remembering that I am God with you. I crafted you with enormous capacity to know Me and enjoy My Presence.
ME: I kind of miss the mark, don’t I?
JESUS: At times, yes. Dear child, when My people wear sour faces and walk through their lives with resigned stiffness, I am displeased.
ME: Well, I certainly don’t do that! I am pretty much a happy person.
JESUS: Agreed. When you walk through each day with childlike delight (your “happy”), savoring each blessing, you proclaim your trust in Me, your ever-present Shepherd.
ME: Wait…You mean that when I sit quietly and listen to the birds twitter and chirp, giggle at the neighbor’s chickens, hear the cicadas make their rattling noises…I am actually praising You.
JESUS: Yes, My precious one. When you quiet yourself, take time to see that pure blue sky, feel the breeze sweep over you, and truly enjoy My creation, you make a deeper connection to Me. My heart smiles with this.
ME: I guess I didn’t know it was this easy. But actually, it is not so easy in the world today. It takes conscious effort to step outside of routine and get quiet. But I do so enjoy that feeling when I make the time.
JESUS: This is your catch-22. The more you focus on My Presence with you, the more fully you can enjoy life. Glorify Me through your pleasure in Me.
ME: I need to think on that for a while.
JESUS: Take all the time you need.
ME: Please be patient while I figure this out.
JESUS: Stop analyzing. Just keep enjoying what I have created for you. You are proclaiming My Presence to a watching world.
Mo Haner with Sarah Young
Photo: Michael Johnston