Knowing that we have enough takes us out of the never-ending tension created by greed, out of the constant envy of others that causes us to overlook our own riches, and out of the turmoil of unmet desires.
Traveling back one afternoon to the seminary where I taught two decades ago, I found a seat on the upper deck of a red London bus. Smoking was permitted 'upstairs,' so I usually chose seats below, but on this day they were all full. Maybe God wanted me 'upstairs' that day, for as we journeyed south along the Old Kent Road, a sign painted high on a building caught my eye: CLUTCH CLINIC.
It took a few moments for me to realize that the advertisement referred to an automobile service center specializing in the repair of defective clutches, for I heard the advertisement that day as God's invitation.
"Supposing you spent time in my clutch clinic," God seemed to say. "What are some of the things you need to relinquish so that your hands can be open, ready to receive the grace I wait to give?"
This morning, this speaks to relinquishing my ever-filled calendar. There is wisdom in spaces between activities.
I also love this example of hearing God's voiceamid everyday events.
Wow, what a whirl wind the holidays were this/last year. Our celebrating in the family starts with Thanksgiving and ends what my house mate's birthday in February. Now it's time to settle in and spend some time in introspection, during the Lenten season.
We forget how much God wants to give. We forget to stand before him, arms outstretched, face turned to Heaven, hearts open, our bodies and spirits total exposed, totally vulnerable. We tend to be myopic and hold our arms in tight, and cup our hands before him, asking him to fill them and us with a bit, a few ounces, a handful. We forget he longs to open the floodgates of heaven for us, for us, and pour out his mercy, his love, his heart, his light in ways that will amaze and overwhelm us.
Knowing that we have enough is so freeing. All of the striving is over. Thank you for your insightful thoughts.
I've been surrendering family, friends and work for years and trusting more in Divine design,w/ more serenity and fulfilment I grow in faith and the peace of Spirit enfolds me , thanks and praise and honor for all who are the presence and power of God @ work in my life.
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