Oasis…
I posted a while back about winter… in retrospect, I’m wondering if desert wouldn’t have been the better analogy, especially considering the different nature of this ‘winter’. SO, we’ll call it a desert.
As I said, this time has been difficult as such times usually are but growth continues which is an unexpected joy. It has been a time of understanding why God exhorted us in the Sacred Scriptures to not become weary of doing good. It has been a time of understanding that there are times when a stubborn nature is a virtue because it enables you to set your teeth and plow on. I had done, and was still doing, that when the time came to leave for the trip to Minnesota. At the rate things were going, I was torn. I wanted to meet these friends, and see the old ones, but I could just see it going badly. (Desert remember?) I stifled that doubting Thomas voice and stepped out in faith. So it was quite the surprise when God just blessed my socks clean off, even though it shouldn’t have been.
Wrapped in the paper and ribbons of friends, visiting, playing, etc were understanding, spiritual blessings, affirmations, encouragement, challenges… food for the journey, water for my well… and I came home renewed and ready to tackle with enthusiasm all those issues which I was just plowing through with my head down and my teeth clenched. God delights in giving us grace and blessing, often when we least expect it, and delights in using OTHERS to show us glimpses of Himself and His love for us, while simultaneously showing us His delight and joy in those whom He is using. He rejoices in His servants! What JOY there is when faith empties itself in works, as surely as God pours Himself out for us and nurtures us through His creation. What LOVE when those who seek Him first fellowship together. What SWEETNESS when one puts their head down to shield their face from the blowing sands in order to better plow ahead in the path of the Savior, only to have Him turn after a time to lift the chin and show them the waters of the Oasis and remind them to laugh for the simple joy that the water of life brings.
I am learning to love the desert. Learning that the Oasis is sweeter when it is surrounded by the heat and sand. Learning that following the Lord is precious even in the midst of pain, frustration, and despair and that He is worth it all. I praise Him for this Oasis… but I also praise Him for the desert which made it all the more refreshing.
