5 Minutes or Less

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. (Psalms 37:7 )

As I was waiting for my turn at radiation this morning, I spotted a magazine on the table. The cover article read "How to have the perfect body in 5 minutes a day." It struck me funny that a body that has been used and abused for many years, could become "perfect" in 5 minutes.

With the computer scan check-in system, I was in and out of radiation in "no time at all." No time wasted here.

I stopped by the grocery store for a drink and spotted the line for "10 items or less, no waiting." Ironically, it was the line with the most people in it. But since I had one item, I chose that line. No time to speak with the cashier or anyone else for that matter. No time wasted here.

I stopped by the pharmacy drive- thru to pick up medications. Two minutes and I was done. No time wasted here.

People beep at the person in front of them at the traffic light, lest they would spend another 10 seconds of idle time.

We go out to lunch and the menu reads "10 lunches served in 10 minutes or less". Guaranteed." No time wasted on enjoying the company of the one you are eating with.

A one year bible reading plan. A one minute daily devotional. No time wasted on getting to know the Saviour more.

Why is it that we spend so much time and energy on how to add the number of days to our lives, but want to experience life in 5 minutes or less?

God is a God of forever. A life in Him means a life that will last forever. "The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever." (Psalms 37:29).

LIFE FOREVER. Is it really so important that we rush through?

The Garden

I walked outside this morning to talk to Carl as he was working in the garden. It is a good thing that the plants and flowers are tended to by Carl, because if it was left to me the would all be dead. He was busy pruning back the some of the overgrown plants and trees. I used to think he just went out there with a pair of clippers and started chopping away, but over the years I have learned that there is so much more to it than that. He knows exactly when each type of plant needs to be cut back in order for it to put out new growth. He knows how far back to cut the limbs and branches. He knows to cut out some of the overgrown branches from the bottom, that are stealing vital nutrients from the rest of the tree. He knows there may be bare spots for awhile, but in time they will fill in, full and green.

As I watched him working, it seemed like the garden was a mirror of my life for the last 10 months. My branches were overgrown with many things. A paralyzing fear of cancer, busyness, taking for granted the little things in life, the need to be in control. And all of these overgrown branches were stealing vital nutrients from my spiritual life.

And so the Lord began to prune my branches. But he didn't just start cutting away haphazardly. One by one, in His time, He would cut a branch that was keeping me from growing. Confronting this disease head on helped to minimize my fear and keep it from having a crippling effect on my life. Facing the possibility of a life cut short early, showed me that each and every day is a gift not to be taken for granted. Going through surgery, chemo and radiation has forced me to slow down. And in that slowing down, He has shown me that busyness is not always productive, when it takes away from the important things in life.

I think the biggest area of pruning in my life, has been the need to be in control. He has had to cut many branches from this vine. As a parent, I used to say "there can only be one boss and I'm it." On this journey, the Lord has taught me that only one person can be in control and it must be Him. I have no control over the number of days in my life. I have no control over the rocks or valleys along the journey. It cannot be "all about my will". He has shown me time and again that when I surrender my control and my will, the journey becomes so much easier to travel.

God is still working in the garden of my life. There are bare spots that have been pruned, but in His time, there will be new growth. Because I so often fail Him, there will continue to be branches that will need to be cut back. But with each cut He is pruning out the old to make room for the new. And one day, when I meet Him face to face, the garden will be in full bloom and never fade away.

Count Your Blessings

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

It is the close of another day. Sunday. The Sabbath. A day of worship and rest. And I pause to think about a few of the things that made this day special.

Taking part in communion.
Watching the expressions of the children during the children's sermon.
Little Ashlee running up to me before church to give me a hug.
Little Skylar showing off her dress that "matched Nana's".
Sitting beside Carl as we worshipped together.
A thank you card from a good friend.
A long afternoon nap.
A phone call from Brent.
Watching Hallmark movies all afternoon.
Listening to the gentle steady early evening rain. No lightning, no thunder. Just soft gentle rain.
A beautiful rainbow stretching from one end of the sky to the other.
Raindrops on the newly planted roses.
A piece of Carl's homemade strawberry pie after dinner.

As I was "thinking about these things" tonight, I remembered and old song called that my mother used to sing called "Count Your Blessings."

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Far too often, at the end of the day, I fall asleep thanking Him for His blessings, but never taking the time to think about each of them. But tonight, I will take the time to count them. To name them one by one. And give thanks and praise for every good and perfect gift He gives.