The Second Gaze - Faithful

First gaze yesterday? A longing to fulfill a bucket list item and visit Yellowstone and Old Faithful in Winter. Obviously not possible right now.

Second gaze? The daily rhythms of life. A sun that always rises. Breaths taken. My wife and best friend who offers unconditional love and acceptance. Children with their unique personalities. A dog that always is grateful to see her people. A desire to be out in nature. The beauty of poetry. The sounds of life. The wisdom of Scripture. Cards to be written. Calls to make. Exercise to do. Meals to share. Water to drink. The changing of the light as the day progresses. A sun that always

sets. Darkness that falls. Temperatures that cool at night. Sounds that shift as the day and night progress.  Good nights offered. A kiss goodnight. The final conscious breaths of drifting to sleep. The ever-present love and grace of the Holy Spirit.

When I reflect on Faithful, I keep coming back to what is that which just happens and is a part of the flow of life.  When I think of faithful people, I don’t go to people who do the spectacular but instead the people who just keep doing what they are supposed to do.  Nothing spectacular - just staying faithful and consistent.  That’s what I strive for in my faith - it may not be spectacular or earth shattering every day - just day in and day out trying to journey the way of Jesus.  

In Eugene Peterson’s Message translation of Matthew 11:28-30 (the “take my yoke upon you” passage as other translations put it, he writes...

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and 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 and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)

The unforced rhythms of grace...that’s a great definition of faithful...