Life Goes On

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”–Romans 12:9-13

In the wake of a very eventful week both as a nation and globally, all I can say is: “I need a vacation.” As people far and wide were glued to their screens for the Comey testimony, Britain’s election, and a host of other news picks this week, a full-course buffet of emotions have been dished up around the world as we seek to hear and understand, process and reflect, and ultimately, move forward.

It is easy to to get mired down in the current events of the nation and world. As I reflected in prayer today, I realized that I had to move my focus to other things. God reminded me of ways I had seen Him moving in my life this week—deep conversations with friends where we talked about faith and life issues, time to explore God’s creation, blessings from family and friends, an artist giving glory to God on Facebook for winning a prize at an international show, and answered prayers. So much good is happening to us each day. So many ways God is present if we just look around.

I listened to young moms share the travails of kindergarten drop-off/pick up yesterday. I prepared a painting for a show tomorrow. My car needs a wash. My kids start summer vacation tomorrow. The cardinals are singing in my yard. I feel like God is telling me today: “Life Goes On.” Paul’s words to the church in Rome (above), are like a compass, a magnet pulling me back on the right path. Focus on love, not evil. “Cling” to what is good. Sometimes that is all we can do—-just cling. I like that imagery—hanging on by our nails, not letting go. Honor one another, serve the Lord with fervor. Share. Be joyful. Life goes on. These are all things I want to focus on today.

As your life goes on, how will you live it today? Make it a beautiful day!

Prayer—“Lord God, sometimes things in life mire us down, but there is so much to live out in this world. Help us cling to you and your promises and focus on the things of God. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”