Morning Reflection

I awoke early today - with the sun.  It was still below the horizon.

I walked the beach, the only one out there.

It was glorious!

As I walked and listened to the waves lapping on the shore and I dug through the oodles & oodles of shells my heart began to hear in this song.

"In the morning when I rise,

In the morning when I rise,

In the morning when I rise,

Give me Jesus"

I continued to walk and this song continued to well up in my heart. 

The sun continued to climb in the morning sky.

As I picked through shells, I would look at the broken ones & toss them back in the pile.  Continuing this practice a sermon from a long time ago came back to me.  I began to reflect on those words - does God toss away the broken ones?

Does He look at them and think, "oh, you're not whole.  Look at your flaws.  Are those sins you've committed?  Are they chipping away at your life & leaving you less than perfect?"

 No - He doesn't!  I am so thankful for that.  Instead, God takes us by the hand & holds us tightly when we are broken & hurting.  He offers us wholeness again.

When I came back from my walk I sat down & began reading Matthew 11.  I also began writing down the thoughts that I am sharing with you now.  As I continued to write and read some more I came to the end of the chapter, verses 28 & 29.  I was reading from The Message & this is what it says.

"Are you tired? Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me & you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me & work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me & you'll learn to live freely & lightly."  

The song, "Give Me Jesus" continues on in my heart this morning.

As I enter this season of lent - I want to reflect more each day on those promises  He's made.  The promise of His love & His strength & life everlasting.  Because of His tears & blood, I am whole again.