Where Would I Be?

It's a hot end-of-summer September day and I have an empty schedule. I did do an early-morning airport run and made several ministry-related phone calls. I also attempted to set up several appointments with no success.

And, even if I could set them up, I am somewhat land-locked because the city is resurfacing the roads around my house.

In the past, I would have fretted because I am wired to always be completing some task. Way too often my self-worth has been validated by how hard I worked and how much I accomplished each and every day. Too much of my affirmation has come from others who would say (in an attempt to meet with me); "I know that you are busy".

But instead I have come to learn that just because I’m not doing anything, doesn't mean that I'm "not doing anything".

So I grabbed my backpack with my iPad and headed out the door...I dropped off a zip drive at the computer store in my neighborhood and made my way to a local coffee shop. Along the way I met several business owners and took time to dialog with them and to introduce myself.

As I walked, I thought about how much I love to spend time with my own children. Even though there were days when goals 'had' to be achieved, I have always enjoyed spending time with them.

Now that they are adults, I often think that things can get blurred as the grandchildren seem to be the reason that we visit our children or have them over to our house. But it really isn't. I really have no hidden agenda, but just to spend time with them.

And then I 'heard' the Father speak to my soul communicating how much He loves to spend time with me; with no agenda, no real goals other than spending time with me. And as a father, I get it as my heart once again is filled with love for each of my children.

 

I arrived at the coffee shop, placed my order, and set my backpack on a table to claim it as my own; even if for a short part of my day...

And now, as I sit here drinking coffee and observing my environment, I realize that this respite is a good thing for me to have because the rest of the week is full and includes a 3-day trip to babysit some of our grandchildren and their farm, a wedding to officiate (along with rehearsal, etc.,) a family birthday party, babysitting another grandchild, and a church picnic when I return.

And that's just this week. Next week is even fuller.

Today, instead of breaking glass ceilings and building Rome, this is a day to ponder who God is and reflect on how good He is. It is a day to receive validation and affirmation as a son from my Heavenly Father. It is a day to spend time with Him and see where He takes me along the way.

I think of Henry Blackaby who suggested that we "watch to see where God is working and join Him".

Jesus said:

"...My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."..."Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you,  the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel." (John 5:17,19-20 NJKV)

I realize that it is His great mercy that has provided this day of rest and refreshing for my soul. And I let Him know that I am grateful.

Where would I be without Your great, great mercy

Where would I be without Your deep, deep love

Where would I go without Your light to lead me

Oh my Lord, oh my Lord

My Lord and my God

What would I do without Your great, great mercy

Where would I go without Your deep, deep love

Where would I live outside Your forgiveness

Without the risen Son

Where would I be?