All Things New

The hillside in my pasture is covered in yellow blooms. They don’t know they are a bit early. The warmth of the sun is calling them, drawing them from their earthen slumber. I hike out to where they are and fall into them, desiring their cheerful companionship.

This hasn’t been the beginning I had hoped for in the year 2012. My 365 project was a thrilling ride full of exciting days and new friends. So far, 2012 has not been that way. In November  I felt like I heard God speak something to me. I had been out shopping with my mom for my birthday and I came in the door with packages in both hands. ( My mom is so generous.) I was wondering where to put my new things when I heard a small voice inside saying, “It’s time to get your house in order.” I recognized the familiar voice of  my God. I just didn’t like what He was saying. It was time to deal with the old before I could embrace the new. This wasn’t just  about the new shoes she bought me, either. It was about everything. Everything. Resistance came quickly to the surface. How could I do that?

I have been doing my best to follow through  on that prompt since the beginning of the year. I know it is important to follow through on the last thing He told me before I can ask Him for more instruction. There are some great books out there that pertain to this topic. I now have three on my beside table. I carry them with me everywhere. My favorite is probably Organized Simplicity by  Tsh Oxenreider. But, the bottom line is I still have to roll up my sleeves and partner with God in the work He wants to do in my life.

Now most days you can find me in the middle of  a dust cloud as I sort through the details of my life. It is good, and God is teaching me much. Humility seems to come with handling and sorting through the filth and clutter of my life. I am seeing where I have been, and where I don’t want to be. This helps me to develop a vision for where I want to go. It is amazing how physical things represent spiritual realities. Every time I make room in another space in my house, my spirit breathes a little more deeply. I don’t like doing it, but I am trusting God has a plan, and I can already feel the benefits of my continued obedience.

I still need to get out in the sunshine every now and then and see the glory through my lens. I find God there. He is with me in the mess and the beauty.

As I sit amidst the jonquils, I count my blessings. I am grateful for the simplicity life is taking on these days. Although I miss the excitement of the last year, I am thankful to be in the center of the will of my Father. Peace is far more valuable than popularity. I study the delicate yellow blossoms and I am drawn to those that are still emerging. They are a picture of both the pain of transformation and the beauty of redemption. Elegant petals strain to be free of their outer skin, and slowly open to the sun that draws them forth.

I want to be like the jonquils. I want to come forth and shine too.

Psalm 16: 5,6  “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”