New beginnings start with an invitation…

I haven’t written much yet this year. I think my heart has been in a perpetual state of percolation. Did you know the Latin word percolare is where we get the word percolate? It means “to strain through.” I read that, laughed, and thought to myself, “How appropriate.”

I will be honest, last year was a year of straining through. It was really hard, but as this new year has begun there is an inkling that hope has arrived anew and has something to say. Thank goodness!

Normally at the beginning of a new year, I am often found reflecting and planning, wondering how I can launch into a brand new year with new tools, renewed energy and vision, the strength to accomplish, reach goals, and finally attain what I may have been striving toward for years. But, I am too tired for all that. Just writing that sentence felt exhausting.

Last year, the final straw broke my proverbial camel and sent me flying into the sand face first. I threw up my hands in despair and cried out to God. “Is this what life is about?! Where are you?!” In a moment of gentleness within the chaos, I heard his voice. “Come and see.” So, I did.

I left all that I knew and went into hibernation and have been percolating ever since. I’ve spent a lot of time with my husband and my dog. I’ve concentrated on being present with those special to me. Mostly, I have just been quiet.

Instead of trying to “do” for Jesus, I have concentrated on what it means to just spend time with Jesus, taking everything I experience and letting him be the filter through which it all strains through. An important aspect of this hibernation and quiet has been being in the Bible.

So, today I want to share a simple picture with you about that.

In the early years of our marriage, Chris and I spent 5 months in Uganda. Each morning, we would leave our small hut and go to a building where we would eat breakfast before we started the day. It was the place to be nourished, have fellowship, and pray before we got busy with daily activities.

I think God brought this memory up to remind me of the invitation we all have to share a meal with him in the morning.

For so many of us, sadly, reading our Bible has become a box to check so we can feel like we are succeeding at our spiritual walk. I have been guilty of this, and I dare say some of you reading this are as well. The good news is that it is intended to be so much more.

As I was thinking about all of this, I pictured myself peacefully walking to the center building to meet with Jesus. Sitting at the table with him. Looking at his face smiling back at me. Enjoying His presence as I eat my daily bread.

I want to encourage you today. Reading our bibles daily is an open invitation for us to have Christ be the first one we set our eyes upon. The first voice we hear. Jesus sets his table in a way that promises provision but most importantly his presence. I have cried a lot at his table in the past year and I know every tear has been touched by his hand. He has a chair waiting there for you too.

In the next month, I hope to share more about the Bible in relation to how to use it, helpful resources, and why it is such an important part of our faith. I hope you will join me.

Until then, may you enjoy this truth.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4 (ESV)