Welcome to the Spiritual Journey Thursday group. I'm hosting this month and I've chosen the theme of "Finding Direction" for this month's sharing. That said, writers in this group are welcome to post on any matter of spiritual life. I look forward to reading them.
I recently saw a lovely hour-long Nature program about weasels. Someone in Great Britain has made his property into a weasel haven, complete with hidden tunnels, cameras, and various nooks and crannies for weasels to hide or raise a family. This Brit is fascinated with weasels! One of the enduring images from the program was of an orphaned least weasel. This creature's eyes were still closed, and it was indeed tiny in the hands of the Brit. The baby weasel was constantly wiggling, throwing it's head first this way and that, mouth open. The rooting behavior. Any nursing mother would recognize it instantly. The creature is hungry and is doing everything it can to find it.
Sometimes, in these last few months in particular, I have felt like that little weasel. Blind. Unsure where to go to get what I needed. Many of my usual places... church, library, etc., were not available. My usual activities were not considered safe. I was doing what I could, but at times it felt like I was throwing myself blindly one way and then another.
I wish I could offer easy answers, but I can't. My process for finding direction is messy and wastes energy. I admit that I often try to find my own way instead of asking God for direction. Many verses encourage us to turn to God, but the one I have in front of me, recently and beautifully colored by one of my granddaughters, is Exodus 14:14.
The Lord will fight for you,
you need only be still. - Exodus 14:14
Now... if I could just learn to be still... turned toward God... ears open.
My church had been approached by a developer regarding sale of some of our property. We deliberated and several church leaders encouraged us to take the deal, but the congregation expressed concerns. Instead, we put the idea on hold. Within months the local Habitat for Humanity organization approached us, offering to upgrade the house on our property and use it as their office. It was the best possible outcome. Had we not waited quietly, listening as best we could, we would have missed this opportunity. I believe God was fighting for us, leading us in the best direction.
My prayer today is that you and I and indeed the country and the whole world find a way to listen and be still...turned toward a way of peace and health, hope and love.
One day, when I least expected it, a little blessing came along to encourage me. I found these on my front step... I share them in the hope that you also will be blessed.
Please share your links in the comments below and I will round them up as best I can during the day.
My car self destructed a few weeks ago. My husband has been sharing his truck with me, and we have been hunting for a replacement. I should be picking up my new (slightly used) car just about the time you will be reading this. Hooray!
Stop by Linda Mitchell's today as she honors the last days of a loved one.
Find Ramona as she shines a light into her prayers and pathway.
Visit Margaret for a poem of alchemy and direction.
Ruth's post tells us about her (sometimes scary) journey.
Click this link to read Fran Haley's beautiful poem about an autumn journey.
Carol Varsalona posts here about a frustrating and overwhelming day.
Karen, Thank you for hosting! I need to come back to read your entire post. Today, I am contemplative as a dear one is nearing the end of their life and draws the sacred close. https://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-thursday.html
ReplyDeleteKaren, I have been struggling with finding direction and found your blog post to be a blessing. The scripture poster you shared is one that I found so helpful. It brought me to a place of peace. While this peace may be a temporary one, I will keep striving to wait and listen. Thank you for the hope-filled post and hosting SJT. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thanks for your post and especially for your honest words: "My process for finding direction is messy and wastes energy. I admit that I often try to find my own way instead of asking God for direction." I loved the story of your congregation waiting quietly, listening, and being led by God to the best possible outcome. And the scripture poster your granddaughter colored is perfect for our theme. Thanks for your encouraging words today. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHere's my link: https://pleasuresfromthepage.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-journey-thursday-finding.html
Here is my link: https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2020/09/10/spiritual-journey-thursday-finding-direction/
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Karen, I love the verse you selected and so beautifully colored by a grandchild. I'm afraid my boys don't color in the lines...yet. I have a hard time sitting still and listening. Thanks for the reminder. These are days when I need to take deep breaths and let God in. (I'm commenting at school, so it comes up as anonymous.) Margaret
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Karen! Here's my link: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-journey-thursday-direction.html
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ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite verses - so beautifully decorated by your artistic granddaughter! And those rocks -- yes, the messages come to us just when we need them most. Your analogy of the weasels was spot on - it strikes deep, those utterly helpless babies waiting on the mother, for they can do nothing for themselves. Saw a show recently about arctic wolves needing to find food - they have to hunt miles away, so parents hide the babies and come back to find them. One baby wandered away on its own, crying ... and remarkably, a parent found it. Waiting on God is one of the hardest things to do ... but that's the act of faith, knowing He's always active and will take care of His own. Powerful post.
ReplyDeleteWrote this spiritual journey post couple of days ago...based on a walk in the park that turned out to be harder than expected ...
https://litbitsandpieces.com/2020/09/07/lines-on-a-path-in-the-woods/
Finally at the end of a very long day, I had a chance to continue writing this post, Karen. Thanks again for the inspiration that helped me ccntinue writing the my blog post. You can find my post at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2020/09/finding-direction.html.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for hosting! I finally found time to read all the posts!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to your car troubles! It's never easy when your vehicle decides to call it quits. Kudos to your husband for being so supportive and sharing his truck with you during this time. If you ever find yourself in Brisbane and looking for a way to part with your old car, remember that Top Cash for Cars Brisbane (Scrap car removal) offers a great solution. They can turn your old car into cash, making the transition to your new ride even smoother.
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