Invitation to the Thirsty

I am reading through the Bible this year.

It's not something I have ever endeavored to do before.

I'm such a slow reader.  So far, so good, but it's way too soon to tell.

I decided not to sweat it if I don't take in every detail.  

To not be frustrated if I don't make sense of every little thing.  

To let some of the questions hang, unanswered. (Gasp.)

Once upon a time I might have tried to connect dots that didn't go together.

I'm learning to get over that.

I have seen people take this photo before,

and have always thought I would like to give it a try.

As I am reading the Bible from a bird's eye view this year,

one thing I am enjoying is the way God's love for his people.

quite apart from their performance,

leaps off of the pages.

May you know today that the God of heaven and earth

is issuing an invitation to the thirsty

to drink deeply from his well

and be satisfied.

A psalm for winter

Ah Lord, you are the Artist.

It's never more obvious than in winter

when your attention to the most intricate of details is plain for all to see.

If, indeed, we will see.

Or can see.

But why must you test our resolve so with your sensory deprivation?

Where is your light, your warmth, your aroma?

You test not only our resolve, but our character and good sense as well.

And so often find us lacking.

Woe to us.

And also, you test our wakefulness

and watchfulness.

We are working so hard to keep our eyes open, Lord.
But it's not that easy.
There are things we would rather not see.
We are weary.

Even so, you reward our feeblest efforts to stay present

with glimpses of life

and light.

Reminding us that this is but one season.

We will put our best face on as we are able.

Sometimes we will convince ourselves and forget that we were faking it.

Then, Lord, let the joy spill over onto others.

And sometimes we won't even bother to fake it.

But our hearts will find abiding hope in knowing that underneath it all,

you are at work in us.

You are, after all, The Artist.

And we are your art.

Selah.