
- A River in Romania
The Psalmist speaks metaphorically of the “BLESSED” person being ”like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3) Since I am an avid lover of the outdoors this image brings a sense of heavenly bliss to my heart and soul. There is nothing more therapeutic for me than the sound of white water pouring over the river’s rocks. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose and let it out as slow as you can through your mouth, and imagine yourself sitting by this gentle river surrounded by the soft breeze of fresh air. It is amazing how God wires us with the ability to travel to the most serene places without ever leaving our homes, jobs, schools, etc.
This image came to me as I emerged from sleep to consciousness this morning. I hovered between these two states in absolute wonder at how God has blessed my life. When I was in Romania I was staying in one of my Pastor friend’s homes. He has 3 precious daughters who are very attentive to their guests. They gave me a coffee cup that had a phrase written on it in Romanian. I asked what the phrase meant and one of the girls told me: “Too Blessed to be Stressed.” I then asked the oldest daughter if she knew what stress was. It was enlightening to see how she described the “Stress” she sees in her parents as they strive to manage all of their life commitments. This started me thinking how my family “Interprets” my countenance, attitudes, etc. in striving to handle all of the things that I am responsible for. I have to tell you, I do a terrible job handling all these things without the influential presence of STRESS.
Today I choose to “Live the Moment” that God has given me. I will never get everything done and it will definitely never turn out exactly like I plan. I spoke at a funeral service yesterday and heard myself telling a family in grief to make the most of every moment and don’t wait until someone dies to be together as a family. I thought, “Why don’t you take that advice?”
This is a “Season” of Thanksgiving. In our Home Groups we are talking about how to be “Missional.” This basically means “Being the Church” not just going to church. We discussed several practical ways we could show our love for God by helping others in need. (And this is certainly a time when many are in need!) If we are living in the reality of God’s blessings on our lives then we can become a blessing for others. But, if we try to add another thing to our calendar we may do a good deed but it will seem more like obligation than ministry.
God’s Blessings are something to be thankful for. They are also supposed to flow through us to other people. Would you take the time today to “Count your many blessings?” (Make a list) Then, open your eyes and see the people in your sphere of influence through the eyes of Christ. Let His blessings FLOW through you to touch someone else. Channeled blessings multiply joy while hoarded blessings enhance stress. The greatest way for us to prove to God how Thankful we are is to give something away that we actually WANT and/or NEED! The ministry of Thanksgiving is waiting to bless us like nothing else can. “LET THE RIVER FLOW!”










