My Jesus Tree

Oh my.  It's been a while, dear friend.  Please forgive my absence.  Life is that way, isn't it?  We get busy with the busyness of everyday life - and before you know it.. a month has slipped by.  I've found that a 'dry spell' with God (for me) is a direct result of letting my life spin like a washing machine.  "But, Look God.. how busy I am running around doing good things!" - I say.  "Yes, I can see, dear one.. but spending time with Me is what I desire most, my beloved." - He responds. "ouch" (Note to self: Relationship with my Creator is what He wants from me.. n-o-t-h-i-n-g does He require.)

I want to share something that Jesus showed me here in Hong Kong. (First, a picture so you can get a visual)

This happened during a walk in the park across the busy street from our flat. (so many times I sense the Holy Spirit in that park)
It was, once again, on a day that I was feeling very far away from God - forgotten.  After dropping Brady off at school, I slowly walked back toward our building.  I decided to stop in the park on a bench and linger for a little while.. listening with my headphones to an artist - who always brings Jesus close to my heart.  While hearing her tender words, I glanced to a tree that is stationed right in the middle of the walking path.  It was that tree that was transformed into the likeness of a hand.  It was a picture of this hand, Jesus' hand stretched over, gently curved.  I'd walked under the branches of that hand - just seconds before sitting down.  Jesus was showing me that he is that close.  His hand covers me as I walk - protecting me from harm that I don't even know exists. What a beautiful picture of His love at the perfect time for my heart to see it.  Maybe He's trying to show it to you today, too.  Can you see?

* Take a look at the picture, again.  See the trunk as his left arm.. there's his thumb.. and the curved fingers outstretched toward the right.. the long, flowing fingers.  Call me crazy, but I'm crazy for Him.  And my heart needs to remember days like these when life gets too busy to ponder.

Maybe He's trying to show you His love somewhere out there in His creation we call nature.  Slow down long enough to ponder & look.  I think He's just waiting to amaze you... like He did me that day.. in the park.  I believe He wants to remind us that we are truly His beloved ~ and beautiful.

Link to the beautiful song I was listening to:
Beloved
Kari Jobe

Discarded & unwanted

White leather sofas out my window. Left there as part of the discarded. The unwanted.
I'm beginning to get the hang of what happens to furniture once someone moves from flat to flat - which are what apartments are called here in Hong Kong.

I sat intrigued one morning - watching the story of the 'unwanted' unfold before me. I even grabbed my camera to watch..and wait. At first glance, I saw people passing by on their morning commute. I'd see a few of these people glance over their shoulders looking at the abandoned items. Yet no one stopping to take notice of this furniture in perfect condition - just waiting there for a new home. Here was this furniture that had provided for needs of families or singles. It had served its purpose - and yet even in great condition it was discarded - thrown out - literally on the streets.
Next came the little Asian men with their carts. They'd come and take off the screws, bolts, nuts - anything that was hardware - leaving the wood in pieces. As I sat there, I began to wonder if Jesus ever felt that way?
Was there ever anyone that would take from Jesus giving nothing in return? There are some from the bible stories I've read about during his lifetime that did. Oh, yes - there were those that would come and take from him - miracles, healings - and leave him there. I was reminded of the ten lepers...
The Korean youth at our church are in charge of the first service on Sundays. They lead the worship, prayers & scripture readings and the youth pastor gives the message. Two weeks ago the message was about those ten lepers.
Pastor Shem told the youth of the ten lepers on the street - a far distance from others - crying out "Unclean!" so all would know they had leprosy, which was the law. They were there, like the furniture, discarded - abandandoned - unwanted. As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem, they cried out to him - "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they were going - the miraculous happened - they were healed! Only one turned back - fell to Jesus' feet and thanked him. Only one. 1 out of 10. Sad, don't you think? Where would I fall in that equation? Where would you?
For me it's convicting.
I know I have taken from him - giving nothing back. Where does this lead me?

It leads me to his feet..for confession & tears.

When will I realize part of the mystery of a true relationship with the Resurrected Christ is one that gives back? I should strive to become one that 'pays it forward' - love others the way he loves me..by giving of myself with a thankful heart.

I think the story of the ten lepers is about gratitude. The one that turned back had a heart full of thanksgiving for what Jesus had done.

At this time of year I am thankful for my Savior, who will never abandon me. He will always take me in. And one day I will have a place in his kingdom - like the little 'discarded' shelf that adorns my home with love.