Our Lenten Journey... Your presence renews my soul

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"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God." ~ Hebrews 6: 7 

I love it when it rains, especially when the season is changing from winter to spring.  As a youth growing up in an area where we accumulated snow during the winter, when the rain finally began falling, rather than snow, it was a sign that the soon spring would be arriving.

It was the reminder that God is renewing the land and helping to prepare it for spring blooms and the renewal of life. 

The seasons of our life are necessary. We have experiences that help us rebuild after difficult experiences. For many of us, we can point to times in our life when our spirit seemed to be needing God's replenishment.  During those times in my life, I always seem to withdraw. God's care for us in all seasons of our life makes each of us a rich blessing to one another. 

I used to marvel at how resilient some people I have known are. I think of the generation that survived the great depression.  Many migrated to different parts of the country.  Breadlines were replaced by work crews that built roads and dams that still serve as American marvels. 

Each of us encounter God in our own unique and beautiful way. Our ability to drink in God's blessings is important. 

As we seek to live a more spiritual life, one filled with many seasons, our ability to remain open to God is like the grounds ability to absorb the rain as it comes, so that then we may grow and become the harvest God seeks. 

It's not easy. Sometimes we become like concrete that prevents the moisture to enter, and instead runs off. Like the parable of the seeds, we must make sure that our lives remain as fertile soil so that we are also ready to receive the moisture. 

I'm grateful today for both the seasons of my life, and for God's blessings that rain down upon each of us, allowing us to be renewed and to grow.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear God, when I find that I my soul seems to be dry, may Your presence renew and nurture my soul.  For even in times when I sense that I am dry, I am learning more about myself, and how I need You in my life.  
​Thank you for Your renewing presence.  Amen.

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