I can’t believe it snowed last week. It’s feeling more like December than November in the Atlantic community. But we’ve had some sunshine, and that’s a blessing. So is the extra daylight in the morning, even if the nights are longer now.
Life can sometimes be a tradeoff. The sun rises around 7 a.m. now instead of 8, and it’s dark by 5:15 p.m. instead of 6:15. Almost all the leaves in the Atlantic community fell, but now it’s easier to spot a cardinal or blue jay in a tree than it was last month. Blowing snow pelted me in the face and melted on my glasses as I walked last Thursday, but my nose wasn’t crisping in the sun. I’ll admit, I’d much rather see trees bud than leaves fall. But I can’t control it. I have to accept it and keep moving forward.
But isn’t it tempting to look back, to try and identify moments when we made choices that set our lives on certain paths? I’ve wished I had the chance to make different decisions so many times. I’m sure you have, too. But there’s usually nothing I can do to fix a mistake, and the farther in my past it was, the more difficult it is to do anything about it.
Again, I have to move forward. I have to make wise decisions that will affect my future in a positive way. This takes a lot of prayer.
I’m not one to jump into things. I’m anything but impulsive. And I want to make sure that when I make a big decision, one that will impact my life and the lives of my family members, I ask God for his wisdom first, then cautiously take steps toward making the changes I believe he’d have me make.
I’m not like Peter. I wouldn’t have jumped onto the water and walked to Jesus. I’d have stayed in the boat and watched in wonder. (Matthew 14:28-29)
But is caution really a bad thing? I mean, as a kid, Mom told me not to touch the hot stove. I believed her, and I didn’t get burned. I don’t walk on the grass if there’s a sidewalk. And I’m also the kind of person who listens for God’s voice before making choices. Otherwise I’d be in different circumstances, I’m sure.
So what decisions are you facing this week? Take it to God in prayer. He’s directing me. He’ll direct you, too. Remember this advice in the timeless hymn, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus:”
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Speaking of music, Fallowfield United Methodist will host its annual fellowship dinner on Sunday, November 24. It’s a way of thanking the volunteers for this year’s Crawford County Fair pie project.
The Carriers will perform afterward. The Carriers are a talented group of singers whose songs and message will lift your spirit out of the deepest funk.
That was my experience this past July when I saw them at Adamsville Presbyterian Church. It should be a fantastic show, one that lifts praise to God.
Blessings!