VIRB

It seems obvious, but movement never occurs if one stays in one place. Doing the safe, easy thing is terminally easy and rarely safe. If my desire is revolution of hearts, but insist that I not be swept up into the wonder of transformation, there is no traction. If I stubbornly carry on with old attitudes and lethargic ways, so will my influence be old and lethargic. A new creation basking in mercies new each morning simply cannot authentically double back into the other.

Having orchestrated this, the Maker gently adapts his creation. With lovingkindness, unused parts are warmed and loosened. Undiscovered depths are illuminated. Reserves of determination are called forth. Hindrances are purged and deceptions dispelled. What once sufficed no longer holds fast. We are being molded, challenged, stretched - disciplined.

After recently changing careers, I find myself expressing new avenues of his handiwork. Each unfamiliar challenge incites fresh perspective and response. The newest of my newfound perspectives is that my desire is not to pour, but to retain. How simple it would be if the possession were tangible treasure. It turns that initiative is the thing reserved. Moving ahead for not only my own benefit, but that of those I am called to love. Does fear hold back? Deception? Small imagination? Perhaps these together and more.

One thing is clear: this anxiety has a shelf life. Its purpose is not to punish but to enable. In capable hands, gentle stretching provides capacity. Capacity to move in newer more sophisticated ways. To remove self and hear truth. To quiet needs and enact compassion.

The old is going and the new is breaking through. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Especially the ones that do not appear as blessing at current.