I had the pleasure of sharing lunch and fellowship with some wonderful ladies this past weekend. We met (some of us for the first time) at a local park. I almost didn't go because it is the end of semester for me, and I am busy completing final assignments and the weather forecast was cool with rain in the afternoon. Sounded like a better day to stay home and clean house and work on school assignments. As luck would have it, I had invited someone to go with me, and she called Friday evening to take me up on the offer. I had to go now.
Saturday morning came and, as predicted, it was cool and overcast. The sun wasn't shining, but the Son sure did! One of the first persons that I saw as I got out of the car was a dear friend and mentor that I don't get to spend time with these days. She has been so instrumental in my growth as a Christian that my spirit was lifted as soon as I saw her face. In fact, I didn't truly realize how weary I was until I saw her. The difficult times of the past couple of years have taken a toll on my physical body and my spiritual one as well. Don't get me wrong. I have clung tightly to my faith in Christ, and He is the reason that I have made it through these times with a song in my heart and a hope for the future.
Spending time with Linda reminded me that I am happiest when I am growing in Christ. I was so hungry for knowledge and growth when she came into my life 10 years ago. Somewhere in my struggles, my hunger was lost. I have been surviving; I need to be thriving. Just like the flowers in my garden, I can survive with the bare minimum, but I need fertilizer and weed control to flourish. Attending church on Sunday and reading the occasional devotion provide me with the minimum. Reading my Bible on a daily basis, spending time alone with Jesus and worshiping Him daily give me the weed control and fertilizer that I so need. I didn't know that Linda would be there Saturday, but God certainly did. I am so thankful that He knows what I need and the right time to provide it for me. Sometimes the rest and refreshment that we need is not found at home on the couch or in our easy chair. It is found in the face of a friend and mentor. It is found in sharing laughter and tears with others on this journey that God has placed in our paths.
In closing today, I encourage you to take a look at your walk with Christ. Are you surviving or thriving? Are you weary no matter how much you rest? Ask God to reveal the truth in you life. If you are surviving, pray for God to show you how to thrive. If you are thriving, pray for God to reveal ways for you to encourage and uplift others. If you are weary, pray that God will refresh you with His word and with time spent with awesome women of God.
Praying that you will find all that you need and even the things that you didn't know you needed as you spend time with God this week!
