Spiritual Watering

Much of Texas is experiencing a rare summer phenomenon—excessive rain. The average rainfall for Austin in June is 3.81 inches. This year we are way above average. Nearby Marble Falls flooded with more than eighteen inches of rain in twelve hours. (To see pictures, visit Allan Stanglin’s blog: The Kingdom, the Kids and the Cowboys.) Here it is the end of June and we have not turned on our sprinkler system; yet the lawn is as lush and green as if we had a $200 water bill. The plants on the deck have benefited from the abundance of rain and I have enjoyed a reprieve from dragging the hose around from pot to pot. However, I was shocked this morning to look out the kitchen window and see the zinnias drooping as if we were in the midst of a drought. Yesterday we escaped the daily downpour; it was the first day without rain since Bill and I returned from England. What a difference that day made for two pitiful looking zinnias. Of course, I rushed out to water. As I stood there with hose in hand, I was amazed at how quickly these plants had suffered. Only one day without rain and they were wilted. The leaves were curled and the vivid flowers hung limp from the stem because in the midst of abundant rain, I had failed to establish a regular watering schedule. It is the same with all God’s creatures—plants, animals and humans. We all need regular water to enable our physical survival. As God’s children we also need spiritual water for our spiritual survival. Spiritual water revives and refreshes us; it strengthens us to endure harsh days in the wilderness. In the midst of abundant blessing, it is easy to forget that we need to establish a regular watering schedule for our hearts and our souls. Refreshing spiritual water is found in time with God—time spent in his word, time spent in prayer, time spent in silence and solitude. I pray that each of us will find time for regular spiritual watering this summer.

Birthday Thoughts

It’s a funny thing about birthdays. When you are a child, it is an eternity between birthdays. They seem to arrive once a decade, but with increasing age, the “birthday clock” over compensates for its slowness. Before his death, at age 92, Dad said that his birthday seemed to roll around about once a month. Yet, he celebrated each one because it took him a year closer to his goal—the big 100! He missed the goal but we will celebrate for him in 2010. I had a birthday this week. It did not drag its feet in getting here, nor was it precipitous in its arrival. June 27th was just right – the perfect day to be a year older. After a fun birthday celebration at the Hammocks we ferried kids to Family Bible Adventure. Amazingly, I was able to find a quiet corner amid the joyous chaos and reflect for a few moments on the way God has blessed me in the last year. I have included a few of my thoughts here. These blessings are not prioritized, just appreciated. I am so grateful… For my relationship with the Father made possible by the sacrifice of the Son.

For another year with my wonderful husband Bill. This past year he graciously cooked meals and washed dishes while I studied for exams, practiced sermons and wrote papers. As I write this post, he is assembling two more bookcases and another file cabinet to house books and papers accumulated in two years of graduate studies. He is the best!!!

For time spent with my sons. I am so proud of Ryan and Brandon. They are hardworking men of integrity and I cherish the time God gives us to be together in spite of busy schedules and long distances.

For the ministry opportunities I had this past year. God blessed me with new friendships and new experiences as I served here at home and around the world.

For Karen, Jeanene, Mariana, Suzy, and Heather. Time spent with them in ministry always changes me for the better.

For our group that meets each Sunday night. Our times of Bible study and fellowship have transformed us into an extended family.

For Scott and Heather who welcome us into their family and allow us be “grandparents” to Nancy, Dade and Peyton. We are blessed!!!

For another year of worship, fellowship, and ministry with the body at Westover Hills.

For the professors, staff and fellow students at Austin Graduate School of Theology. They encourage me to think theologically, to look at the big picture.

For the daily challenges that lead me to a stronger faith. I pray that I may always recognize an opportunity in adversity.

This list could go on and on and perhaps it will be continued another day. For now, I simply declare with a grateful heart that I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you, Almighty Lord.

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. Psalm 92:1-4