One of my first stops in the morning is to the kitchen sink to wash out Rabbit's food and water bowls before replenishing them both, and that's when perspective kicks in. I see beautiful things out of my kitchen window while I'm washing her bowls. Do I love making mortgage payments? Nah. Being house poor isn't fun. We're not building equity anywhere near fast enough for my taste . . . but life is about more than money. Washing the dishes in front of this beautiful view reminds me about what's important. One of the best times to listen to God's voice is when you're doing mindless things like washing dishes.
You can't see it so well from the picture, but outside the window is our deck.
But the deck is SO old, and the paint is peeling, and it's not the best deck at all!
So? It's your old, flaky deck. When you lived in New York, and up until October, 2005, you didn't have a deck.
But that old, busted grill is out there, too!
Yeah, and it was a gift. You didn't have to pay for that grill, and when you're ready, you'll throw that one away, and get a new one. Be thankful for the time you were able to use it. Remember when you lost power for several days and had to grill your food? You appreciated it then, right?
True . . . but Rabbit broke my bench, and it's just sitting out there.
Well, I know that wasn't your favorite thing that happened, but it was old, and when it's time, you'll get a new bench, and it'll be great.
Hmm . . . those bluejays are pretty cool. We've been seeing so many birds at the bird feeder lately. I like that.
Me too! And did you see those cardinals?
Yes! What a beautiful shade of red! And now that you mention it, those squirrels look like they're having so much fun.
Yep. They're not worried about a thing. Just running and jumping from branch to branch.
And I'm noticing that there are lots of different types of trees outside. What types of trees are there?
Pine, birch and sassafras.
Sassafras is fun to say.
It sure is! You see those tree trunks?
Yep.
You're strong like that. I made you strong like that. I'm thinking of something I said before that one of the disciples wrote down. You know what I'm talking about?
Matthew 6:25-24
What does it say?
Let me see . . . it says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [Y]our heavenly Father knows that you need [these things]. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
You okay now?
I'm good.
Enjoy your walk with Rabbit, and when you think of it, write down what I said so other people can read it and be encouraged.
Will do. Thank You, Holy Spirit.
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