Today’s scripture: Proverbs 13:17-25 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Isn’t it fulfilling to join in on the age-old pursuit of wisdom that the Book of Proverbs is a part of? Whenever I hear a group of people having an earnest, thoughtful discussion about what’s really important in life, I want to join in, so I can be a part of their search for meaning, and perhaps see a truth in a new way.
Some of my favorite memories of being able to participate in such discussions are with my grandmother. Visiting Namaw usually meant sitting by her bay window and having a wonderful, spontaneous conversation. Often the beauty of her back yard would spark a conversation about the Creator of it all, and how miraculous and loving that Creator is. That would often lead us into talking about what’s truly important versus what only appears important. A humble yet powerful spirit of awe would flood the room like the sunlight of dawn, and we would find ourselves on our own wondrous, peace-filled spiritual island! I believe God and Jesus were right there with us as we let everything else go and pursued truth! Nam would often say something like, “Well, someday Stevie, we’re going to be in heaven with Jesus. Oh, sometimes I don’t know if I believe it or not, but, you know, I really do believe! It’s going to be a whole new world isn’t it? Too wonderful for us to comprehend!”
The communion Nam and I had with God and each other reminds me that “a desire realized is sweet to the soul.”
One of my biggest desires has always been to connect with people. But I just didn’t feel free to do that after I became a teenager in the late sixties, because my sexuality was different and that put a painful barrier between me and my peers. I could be myself with my family, but only with a few special friends my own age. It was painful and I thought it was my fault! But since then God has led me on an amazing 40-plus-year journey of deliverance, so that now I enjoy rich relationships with my spouse, my family, and a good number of friends. There’s still a lot I need to learn, and I still often have to break through fear in order to reach out and show my love to others, but whenever I do, it’s sweet to my soul!
Do you sense the need to push through the natural inclination toward isolation and make some new, meaningful friendships? I felt exactly that way recently, so my spouse and I volunteered to host an Oasis at our home. It’s raised the level of my spiritual life up to a whole new level. God calls us to community! Do you feel the “call to commune” with other people? If so, then why not try an Oasis if there’s one near you? (I swear Pastor Jeff didn’t pay me to write this!)
Thought for the day: Thank God for friendships — especially those that are deep, rich, and meaningful! What can I do to enrich the friendships I already have, and make new ones?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.