Hope

My job was coming to an end, and I had hope as I continued to seek until I was led to a new path.

The economy collapsed, and I had hope as I purchased carefully selected stocks as others were in panic.

My relationships were shaky, but I lost hope.  I had hope in my job skills, I had hope in the U.S. economy, but I lost hope that God would guide me in relationships.

Today, I have received the gift of hope, trusting that the God of my career and the God of the economy is also the God of my relationships.

Beautiful Day, Washing My Car

Ever since I was 16, one of my favorite pastimes on a spring day has been detailing my car.  Today, I washed my car as my son washed his truck.  The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and the day was beautiful.  My car and his truck were spotless!

Within minutes, the spring pollen of North Alabama covered our vehicles with a yellow dust.  The cleanliness only lasted for a moment, but what a moment that was!

My life is like that, beautiful for a moment.  Then, the winds blow, pollen settles, and I am dirty again.

“Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. "  Jesus in John 3:10 (NIV

Simplicity of prayer

I have tried prayer lists, but they seemed worthless in times of distress. I have tried concentrating on prayer, but that was impossible at the most difficult times of life.  I have tried conversations with God, but I am horrible at conversations, and my conversation with God seemed unidirectional.

I have found the simple prayer is best. For many months, the only prayer I could say was from Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Although not written as a prayer, it became my prayer as I admitted my own need for help in trusting God. Every moment of every day, this was the only prayer of my heart.