Blessings from My Father

Holy Experience has challenged me in ways I cannot explain. As I read Ann's words I come to my knees. I feel she is speaking into life My HEART. On Wednesday she wrote this telling piece:

Sometimes we may have nothing to show for our work but much to show to our God.

Too often, sadly, I want product, others to see product, so they can see: I have worth. Stinking idols.

This, I think this is why I struggle to stop to pray at fixed times throughout the run of a day. This is why I struggle to play and love and make kids memories and laughter the priority. If I stop doing, will I have merit? Will I still exist if I stop the producing?

How do I forget that I actually exist more, fully, wholly, when I do that which I was made for?The things done in love, this the only work in our lives that will last forever.

So Abba Paul knew. The product is secondary…. Perhaps even pointless. It’s the prayers, the relationship, the love while doing the work, that hold the meaning, the merit. I have time to read another chapter, tell another story, make another batch of cookies because the process of prayer and love in our work is our only real product.

That process may not be seen when walking in the back door. Worship. Communion. Love. Prayer, hidden and intangible, it is the day’s true product, it’s ultimate purpose.

Today, a thousand times again today, I will preach the truth to this soul prone to wander. I will seek the affirming smile of Father, of these kids.

I'll whisper the mantra that orders all priorities:

“Unseen. Things Unseen. Invest in Things Unseen.”

Could her words express my heart any clearer? Could she find the words to say any clearer that I am only at a loss for? And, why do I seem to fail in my own eyes each day to do what my Heart Aches for so much?

My children are small but ripe and ready to infected with Christ's love, patience, graciousness, and mercy. I am challenged to make each day ripe and full with Him; His word, His love, His desire. I sometimes let the days go idle by because I find the challenge too rich. I allow the quiet voice of God to disappear as I shout to myself.

Have I always been a quitter? Where did my determination, energy, and loving care go? We only get one time around with our children, one day at a time and that time passes by. If I could only hold tightly to each moment and find something to inspire, teach, and breathe into their lives.

Reflecting upon God's blessings allows for a softness in my heart to recognize that I may fall short but God's holding me up, pressing me forward, urging my progress, and allowing things to develop, unseen (both in me and my children).

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

~ 2 Cor. 4:18

Blessings of the Unseen

106. Forgiveness

107. Unfailing Love

108. Tender Hearts

109. Hope Filled Eyes

110. Hearts of Laughter

111. Joyful Spirits

112. Security and Safety

113. Trusting

114. Listening Ears