In these troubled times it is easy to look at all that is going on in the world and worry about the out come of our lives. The actions of others range from the self sacrificing to the the self indulging, from the generous to the hoarder, from the thoughtful to the profiteer. I see this current time as a test of who we are as individuals. The way we travel in this life is fraught with pitfalls and snares. When we fall we get back up, dust ourselves off and continue on. At times it takes multiple falls before a lesson is learned. It is all good!
Hope is not always free. It is often kept alive by a fall. Without the fall the direction we travel may not be visible or may be clouded with life's busy clutter. It is crucial to realize that when we ask the Lord to take our hand and guide us we are expected to do our part as well. He is always there to show the way we are to travel. (Psalm 32:8) He is always there to pick us up when we fall. (Matthew 11:28) Our hearts and souls are never in jeopardy when His hand is in ours to lead the way. It is all good!
Sometimes the world faces crises that are ominous and foreboding. For those of us who are believers it is a time of trial, a time of reflection, a time of testing our beliefs. Are we really safe? Should I worry or be concerned. (Isaiah 43:2 & 1 Peter 5:7) There is much in this world that tries to tear down our strength and erode our hope. Keep moving forward. Do what needs to be done to defeat the the things that come against us. Joy in our God will give us strength and renew hope to our lives. (Isaiah 40:31).
Here is an image from Technique Junkie that I colored some time ago. I have no particulars for colors used but I thought you might enjoy it.
Remember to always Love The Details.
When my wife and I first moved into this neighborhood few of the people talked or shared time with one another. We were viewed as outsiders. Some of the neighbors were friendly and others were downright hostile. As the years pasted and new people came and went things began to change. We gradually became the oldest family in a two block area. Some of those that were on our street were older and a few were middle aged but there were few younger people as time went on. We got to know many of those that were neighbors and gradually became friends with several. The trend toward younger couples in the past year or two has increased and they are less friendly but that is the way of the world. Even with this trend things are still friendly.
There are several elderly people on our block that stick together and help one another whenever possible. When heavy snows come many of us get together and shovel sidewalks of those who are unable to do their own. We even mow their lawns when possible and clear the leaves in the fall, get groceries and even make a meal for them. One neighbor in particular is quick to tell you they don't believe in God but will just as quickly join in when we help others. When I was unable to shovel snow several years ago I came down to find them doing my sidewalk before going to work. When asked what I could do for them they just said "You are good people and I want nothing. Your thanks means a lot to me." I realized then that the fact that I was always the first to be out doing things for others was being noticed by others. In talking to this person I was told they had been treated badly by "Christians" to the point they didn't think Christians were real and for that reason God didn't exist. I know how that feels because I have been there too.
Judgement by others can be hurtful. Christ didn't come to save the those who not sinners but the sinners of the world. This person is course in many ways but if time is taken to see the inner person that is not easily seen there is a kind and needing soul there. I took the time to go up and talk for a bit when I noticed them out front, keeping my distance because of the COVID-19. They were about stir crazy because of the current virus situation. We talked for about an hour and they came down to visit with the wife and I on the front steps.
There are no art pieces to share today just a reflection of what the calling that we have received. To be examples of our God is the reason we were created. Sometime we are so taken up in our beliefs we forget that Jesus was our example of the life we should be living on earth. We may not be able to do all of the miracles He did but that does not mean we cannot be gracious, understanding or giving. This is the time of year, and in this pandemic, that it is important to be aware of the plight of life on this planet. Be safe, be giving and may the Lord Bless and keep us all.
Remember to ALWAYS Love The Details.
