So, on
this 4th day of adventure, I’m reflecting on this day of rest…this
day the LORD has made and REJOICING in it!
Normally we would have worshipped together with our hometown congregation
of Jesus followers. Today, we woke up to our phone alarms set to witness
an amazing sight – God’s unique design for today’s sunrise over the Atlantic
Ocean. This was our place of worship
today.
A very small congregation,
including several dogs, assembled to watch expectantly the vibrant colors of pink and then orange bubble up from under the
ocean surface and into the awaiting sky.
And today’s sunrise was the most beautiful to date, causing me to sing, “How
Great is Our God!”
Yes, today is the day the LORD has made…we
will be glad and rejoice in it!
I’ve
been pondering our different kind of Sunday - now that we’re all packed cozy in our
truck and headed back north toward home.
The Holy Spirit is comparing and contrasting in my mind the Sunday
morning meeting; the one to which we’re accustomed and the one we experienced
today at the beach. I recognize from deep within, He is highlighting
for me the awkward and overwhelming designation of being a “newbie” in an established social order.
You
see, this was our first time bringing our dogs to Sunday sunrise. Last night before we went to sleep, we verified the expected time of sunrise with Siri. We both set an alarm, and got right up, as the pups
were ready for a new day...of adventure!
Of course, first thing, they needed to get outside to take care of
business. Since this wasn't our backyard at home, we had to get dressed, run a brush through our hairs, swipe some
deodorant and swish some toothpaste around our teeth for a moment. We were going out in public after all...
We
were out of our normal morning routine for sure, and at the last moment, STFM became unavoidably detained. Needless to say, by the time I got the pups outside,
day was dawning. Just as I had done with my own young sons on many Sunday mornings, I hurried the pups along trying to get to the
glorious main event before missing it completely…hopefully with some semblance of
a thankful, joyous countenance upon arrival.
Well, a bit frazzled, we arrived on the serene scene just barely in time. We made a stir as we tried to find a good
vantage point from which to participate in the rest of the celebration. Hurriedly, I tried to secure the pups leashes
under my feet and set my phone for a couple of snapshots of the gorgeous painting in the new day sky.
The
pups didn’t care about the beauty of the sunrise. They were excited to meet and bark with all
the other dogs who had gathered with their people. Yes, the other dogs (their people too) noticed; how could
they not? I realized immediately we were
the obvious "newbies" and we were doing it all wrong!
People and dogs were turning to stare at us; some with disdain and others with pity.
I tried often to apologize and let everyone know, “It’s our first time”
and “We’re working on our discipline.
They’re pups yet, you know!” Most
everyone walked on by with their well-behaved canines, encouraging them not to
get distracted by such bad behavior.
And
then one dear woman, holding only a camera, quietly moved toward us with a
smile. She looked into my eyes and spoke
words of encouragement. Her kind words
regarding the beauty and energy of our young pups helped me to relax a bit.
She
mentioned she has a terrier, similar in breed, a rescue also, but older. “They do mature and settle down with age”,
she tenderly encouraged. She drew her
very expensive camera up to her eye and took a few snapshots of our “adorable
pups”. Before she left us, she
complimented my bravery to try a new thing.
The
kind woman (God’s gift of grace in the moment) ignored my obvious weaknesses,
and encouraged us to persevere. She understood
the truth of our situation; without her pointing it out we were already glaringly aware of our shortcomings with regard to acceptable
dog behavior within this small congregation. I wonder, perhaps she had worn my flip flops on a previous day!
So,
on this fourth day of adventure, my prayer is one of thanksgiving. Yes, my gratitude is lifted to Father for the
adventure, which has been declared "mostly successful" by STFM. More so, I am grateful for the life lesson I
carry home with all my shells, pictures and memories. With an expectant heart I ask the Lord for encounters with "newbies".
Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.
Oh dear Father,
thank You for every adventure becoming a teachable moment because You love me
so, and You are fulfilling Your promise to purify and craft me more and more
into the Holy image of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus thank You
for every "newbie" You will allow to cross my path from now on. I ask You to daily remind me and empower me
through Your Holy Spirit to encourage, love and accept "newbies" as You have
loved me and showed me great GRACE! In
Your Holy and Righteous name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I trust and have my being. Amen!
Blessings of GREATEST JOY on our amazing adventure journey with Jesus!
Lisa
Psalm 118:24, James 2:8
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