Around this time of year as the days get longer, the nights shorten, the birds begin becoming more active, and the first blooms of Spring break through the surface of the earth, my mind wanders to the teachings in the Bible that speak to all things relating to gardening, sowing, and harvesting. This year the passage that stands out to me the most is Luke 12:22 - 31.
In this passage Jesus shares encouragement for all those who have ears to hear to do the following:
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
-Luke 12:22 - 31 NIV via Biblegateway
I find this encouragement quite applicable for daily living and concerns as a mother.
The world as we know it has been in transition and in flux for what seems like years now, more uncertainty rising with each passing day. For some of you, this might resonnate as there are uncertainties with the changes impacting federal jobs. For others of you, this might resonnate as you've been navigating uncertainty for years, maybe even decades of your life. Wherever you are, rest knowing that this beautiful promise was delivered by Jesus over 2000 years ago and still applies to us today. How beautiful it is to know that there is nothing new under the sun and that God, the Creator of the Universe, is waiting for us to put our trust in Him.
Just as my little sweet Hope Jolie doesn't have to worry or have anxiety about where her next meal is coming from or when her diaper will be changed next, God wants us to trust Him in the same way.
Matthew 11:28-30 says,
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In our daily practice of mindfulness, gratitude is the fastest and most effective way to shed the weight of our burdens. Pausing daily to thank God for the blessings we do have opens our eyes to see more of what is available to us versus focusing on what is lacking.
This can come in so many forms. Perhaps today you can focus on all the things you have related to your good health. Tomorrow, perhaps you can focus on the healthy relationships in your life. If you've been taking short walks these recent warm days, perhaps your gratitude is a gentle prayer of thanks for the small flowers and birds you've seening along the trail - pausing to reflect on the miracle of life that is all around us, giving thanks to our Great Creator for all He has made.
It is my hope for you, Dear Friend, that you will find a lightness in your spirit after recevieving this message. A humble "knowing" that all will be ok.
If you'd like to receive more support like this as we navigate the months and year ahead, consider signing up for my email newsletter or joining me for a pop up yoga class. If you have found yourself in difficult times financially and would like to join me for a class but have not had the means to, please message me personally as I would like to extend a gifted ticket to someone who needs it.
It is an honor walking this path with you.
In Christ's Love & Service,
Rhonda
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