Crashing waves

Courtesy of Pixabay

Today I sat in a wayside along Lake Michigan watching angry waves crash against boulders, spraying high into the air, across four lanes of traffic. Wind was strong, making being outside very challenging. Even though it wasn't particularly cold the wind made it feel much colder. This was a rare sight to see and experience.

I was safe in the car, my wipers kept the view clear. I even took a video of it all, knowing this opportunity and scene will not last forever. After a few minutes I meandered back onto the drive and headed home. 

Tonight at a meeting our discussion turned to God's grace. Theological discussions often don't do a whole lot for me; then I thought back on the day.  Yes, grace. I don't have a good definition of grace but I do know when, in the face of challenge, transition, frustration and "life" that I have felt guided, inspired, protected and loved. 

When our schedules are non-stop, in the fast lane, chasing from one time slot to the next, it often can feel as if we are on a merry-go-round. Sometimes situations occur that we have absolutely no control over.  We have all been there. Our day can actually feel like the raging weather outside. 

I believe today that God's grace inspired me to take a few minutes of pause to stop and watch the magnificence of this beautiful lake.  Sitting in the car, warm and protected, I felt the arms of God wrap around me as if cuddling me in a parent's lap. I had just shared with my husband how busy my schedule was.  These few minutes were what I needed. 

Has your life been like a raging storm? Have you ever been blessed with such a few minutes to realize that a power greater than you has wrapped you in arms of love and inspiration? Have you slowed down long enough to really experience it? Perhaps the next time the weather offers a challenging day, the beauty of a few minutes pause might touch your heart like it did mine today! Yes, amazing. Grace!

If you are inspired by any of my posts, feel free to comment in the space provided below or on Facebook.  Also, feel free to share any posts with those who might appreciate them!  Thank you!

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Change

Every year the word "resolution" comes into play with conversation asking what an individual plans to do for their new year resolution. The word implies change. This is not something I ever bought into very strongly but after church this am, and hearing a wonderful homily, I plan to look at this new year in a broader way. 

There is a phrase that I have often used which I plan to adopt for my new year resolution and that is, "do the next right thing." That trickles down to every single act that I can think of including taking my grocery cart to the cart stall instead of leaving it helter skelter in the parking lot.  Not everyone returns their cart and it's such a simple thing to do, in spite needing to take a few extra steps, especially in bad weather. 

A resolution of doing the next right thing comes into play with every word and act. Often, when I have paused just a second, it has helped me hold my words, especially if they might be harsh, critical or anything but loving. This is tough in so many situations. A pause can help.

Courtesy of Pixabay

So, what change will each of us make in this new year.  A week ago we celebrated the birth of that little baby, Jesus.  How has that birth, like so many births, changed us? Or has it. That really is what Christmas is all about, allowing Jesus to come into our heart, to grow and change us and to be those qualities in the world that we are encouraged to be.