I moved my office to my back deck on Friday. The sky was gorgeous, and the breeze was perfect for keeping the sun from being overbearing. Clouds floated by blocking any harsh rays so that my laptop screen could glow, and enough of the deck was shaded that my glasses weren’t too dark to read. Even the birds weren’t bothered by me sitting so closely to the feeders.
As it turns out, I’m beginning to enjoy working from home. I struggled at first because I felt so isolated from the world. Now, I’m realizing that the world is just outside my back door. I love the stained glass windows in my church office, but they don’t allow me to see outside. On this day, my carpet was freshly mowed grass, my walls were a backdrop of trees, and my office décor was made up of hostas and blooming roses. My background noises were rustling leaves, singing birds, tinkling windchimes and chattering squirrels. I’m blessed to capacity, and I found myself relaxing in my work rather than being driven by deadlines. Life is enjoyable… how can I show God the depth of my thankfulness?
The psalmist asks a similar question and follows it with a plan of action. “What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation – a toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people.” (Psalm 116, The Message) Yes! Pray to God. Complete promises. Engage with people. That’s a plan I can embrace!
I’m not limited in my work. I’m not discouraged or disappointed by staying home for a time. I’ve been looking at this all wrong! I think God is offering me a reset, a new start, a do-over. Maybe I’m not trained for a time such as this, but neither is anyone else. I’ve been fighting a feeling of melancholy this week, but each day offers the gift of newness that is so fresh I’m encouraged to move mountains! Well, maybe not move mountains, but I bet I'll be a bit more productive. I also bet I ride my bike more and the TV is on less.
Thank you, God, for the gift of this day. May I use it to honor you in my efforts, and may you be glorified by every step I make! Amen.
Energized,
Pastor Beth
As it turns out, I’m beginning to enjoy working from home. I struggled at first because I felt so isolated from the world. Now, I’m realizing that the world is just outside my back door. I love the stained glass windows in my church office, but they don’t allow me to see outside. On this day, my carpet was freshly mowed grass, my walls were a backdrop of trees, and my office décor was made up of hostas and blooming roses. My background noises were rustling leaves, singing birds, tinkling windchimes and chattering squirrels. I’m blessed to capacity, and I found myself relaxing in my work rather than being driven by deadlines. Life is enjoyable… how can I show God the depth of my thankfulness?
The psalmist asks a similar question and follows it with a plan of action. “What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation – a toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people.” (Psalm 116, The Message) Yes! Pray to God. Complete promises. Engage with people. That’s a plan I can embrace!
I’m not limited in my work. I’m not discouraged or disappointed by staying home for a time. I’ve been looking at this all wrong! I think God is offering me a reset, a new start, a do-over. Maybe I’m not trained for a time such as this, but neither is anyone else. I’ve been fighting a feeling of melancholy this week, but each day offers the gift of newness that is so fresh I’m encouraged to move mountains! Well, maybe not move mountains, but I bet I'll be a bit more productive. I also bet I ride my bike more and the TV is on less.
Thank you, God, for the gift of this day. May I use it to honor you in my efforts, and may you be glorified by every step I make! Amen.
Energized,
Pastor Beth