While conversing about our true purpose...

Just after a conversation about...

While visiting with friends in the mountains, an afternoon squall came up and drove everybody indoors for a siesta, while we waited for the storm to pass.  Conversations deepened. Discussions about life purpose, true callings, gifts, burdens and responsibilities filled the kitchen.  Big picture conversations about getting the most out of life, living life to the fullest and doing our personal very best!

We pondered options and variables and asked the questions, "What if?" "How can anyone know?" "What does it take?" "Do we sacrifice the great and only do the good?" "What if we are supposed to be doing something else?" 

We were stuck on the concrete, even though we live in the abstract.

Then we turned around and saw this rainbow, literally right at the close of that conversation.

This rainbow reminded us of God's presence.  His guidance and provision support us and sustaining.

The rainbow wasn't the answer.  The rainbow wasn't the direction or even a clue to the answer but a reminder of Him.  The answer we were looking for was in response to career questions.  It seemed like our answer wasn't the answer but He was the answer.  He is the answer to our questions.  He will provide.

We often fret and worry about details when He repeatedly reminds us not to worry. 

Maybe the answer is in the process of asking the question, articulating our perceived issues, then trusting him for the answer, in his time.

Not every opportunity is one of simple yes or no.  Frost reminds us to consider the path less traveled. The Word discusses a narrow road and a wide road.  Interstates and jeep trails and forks in every path clarify our focus and priority!

Genesis has a story (Chapter 22) where Abraham is willing to sacrifice his good for something even greater.  This happened when Abraham held onto his son with an open hand, willing to allow God to provide!  How tight do we hold on?  ...  

This different view of the same valley shows a new perspective. We did get to see the big picture!  From the neighboring mountains this desert valley is still gorgeous!

How tight do we hold on to what we have? Who we are? What we think? Believe? or Know?

Just after a conversation about...

Stay or Go?

"Stay or go?"

 Sitting on top of Frenchman's Bluff in Cuiver River State Park.  (What a great smile!  Hers, not mine!)
 

Consider Hedges:
Last week, our our pastor mentioned hedges and their purpose, characteristics and make-up.  Protection is their purpose.  Time is necessary to get them established and people are needed to create and assemble the hedge.  The metaphor here is both the physical assembly of a border of plants, taking time to grow and develop into a worthy boundary, as well as investing in relationships of sufficient quality. 

The people are the real keys.  We need other people in our lives to form that hedge.  We are to groom them, nourish them and weed them, supplying the attention and cultivation necessary for any successful growing project.

Now think about planting gardens:
Jump ahead a week, while the hedge metaphor is still developing all the various life applications, and consider thoughts from this reading in Jeremiah.   The People have been moved hundreds of miles from their former homelands.  The teacher has written them a letter.  In it he suggests they settle down, plant gardens, have children marry and make grandchildren.  He mentions supporting and building infrastructure and securing an environment for the growth and prosperity of everyone.  He tells them prosperity is at hand and there are blessing in store!

The author wants to encourage these transients to stay, plant gardens, invest in the local community and flourish, without second guessing or wishing about being anywhere else, even if it was called the "promised land."

Necessary to their success?  Time!
Blend both these lessons together, one of a hedge built of people and another of settling down, planting roots and growing a future and it sounds like the message we should hear.  Stay here in Troy.     Know God wants to bless us.  Develop gardens of people, nourishing relationships and connections, as well as fruit trees and vegetables.

We need to be in community.  Relationships are where others can hold us accountable.  Planning a hedge demonstrates the investment and intention to stay.  A willingness to invest, wait for the return and then reinvest again shows trust, vulnerability and speaks to a better future.

Maybe that is the reason we are in Troy?!  Maybe we are not really in exile at all but right where we need to be!

Jeremiah 29:5-7 Build homes, and plan to stay.  Plant gardens and eat the food they produce... Work for peace...  It's welfare will determine your welfare.

 

Should we stay or should we go?  These thoughts point to the direction of staying!