A Goldilocks Life

Spice of Life

Just looking out the window can take your breath away. Everywhere, signs of God’s creative power and genius shine out, if we notice the variety. The tall and stately trees with whitish bark stand next to others full and green all year. There are families, teenagers, children, and elderly folks of every size, shape, and race. Life is never boring, if we’re observant and take our eyes off our devices. Jesus reminds us in John 10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Don’t miss out on the abundant life.

The same is true about how we spend time. Some days seem to run together, especially if we work in a job that doesn’t offer much variation in tasks. Shift the routine for a change. The Bible says, “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.” We may be in a rut spending time home alone. God has a cure for that—companionship. “…two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” (Eccl. 4:12) Spice up your life by discovering variety each day.

Workin’ it Out

A friend made plans to move to a new place, and her house sold in record time. The date was set for her to move in, and she spent all her free time packing and downsizing. We all rejoiced as we watched things seemingly fall into place. She texted that the new place didn’t work out. Our hearts were heavy, and we all prayed asking the Lord to open the door that seemed shut. We just couldn’t understand why and wondered where she would live.

A week or so went by, and suddenly the phone blew up with text notifications. My friend shared that a wonderful place opened up nearer to her family. They gave her a firm move-in date, and she and her dog would even have a patio along with many other amenities. We all rejoiced in this surprising answer to our prayers.

Have you ever felt like God doesn’t hear your prayers? Or maybe you have waited for the answer that still hasn’t come and feel like giving up. Don’t lose heart, because God promises that He listens when you call. Psalm 145 says, “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes to all who call on him in truth.” He reminds us to “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed…” Psalm 105. As you await His answer, listen to what He says in Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” God is workin’ it out in His time.

What’s Around the Bend?

Besides chirping birds, the only sound I heard was the crackle of gravel under my bike tires. I sensed the Lord leading me eastward rather than north on the circular trail, and I felt inspired by a different perspective. Praises flowed from my mouth as I passed the old oak to my left and admired the clouds overhead.

As I wondered what would be around the bend, I watched a deer and its fawn leap into the tall brush when they spotted me. Around another turn I scared off three bunnies. I only had to call out “Good morning, I’m passing” once as I started off a bit earlier than usual and beat the crowd. As I took the last turn toward home, I sang a little made-up tune, “It’s a beautiful day.”

We literally don’t know what’s around the bend on any given day, though we usually have plans. One day we felt great, the next we woke up with a weak leg and ended up in the emergency room like my husband did last week. It wasn’t serious, but physical therapy is scheduled. We may let the unexpected twists and turns stress us out, or we may choose to say it’s a beautiful day.

Jeremiah 10:23 “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”