Lollipop & Pearls

This morning I sat on the balcony of my condo in Destin, FL., before the rest of the area woke up (well, at least the area in MY condo…aka teenage boys and my sister!) The hypnotic effect of the tumultuous waves sent me into an almost subliminal state of thought;analogies of the ebb and flow of the waves of life invaded my thoughts. As I gazed at the horizon, the waves seemed fairly gentle and calm. The future for me, as I know it, seems much the same~nothing much to contemplate, let alone be anxious about. Closer into the shoreline the waves contained a bit more activity and strength. It appeared as though the wind strength determined the ferocity of the waves. Yet I realize this was but an illusion, as the wind strength was constant. In the Word “wind” is associated with the Holy Spirit. No matter who I am or what I do; no matter where I am or when changes occur in my life; and no matter why life comes against me and how that is manifested, the Holy Spirit is the only person in my life that always remains constant! The wind over the ocean is constantly changing. As the water below the surface swiftly churns, the waves mount, eventually reaching a peak, then toppling over, losing form and strength as they flatten, become foamy and disappear into the sand of the shoreline. Eventually the turbulent circumstances in my life will lose their shape and disappear into the fabric of my life, as well. As I am walking through those times, however, I want the Master Weaver to weave beauty from the disorderly into the tapestry of my life!



In the midst of this methodical thinking, I also saw the red flagof “warning”~danger, water is not safe! No swimming or surfing! Enter at your own risk!” Within moments, as if no forewarning had been given, there were swimmers heading straight for the water~not unlike us, when we ignore the warnings of the Holy Spirit and continue down a precarious path of life. We may know the warning, understand the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13), and still be determined to enter those raging waters anyway!



As the day wore on the temperature continued to rise, the wind calmed a bit, and the rough waters receded if for a while. Eventually the horizon was concealed by threatening thunder clouds, and the forecast rapidly changed. The remainder of this week calls for “isolated thunderstorms” certain days; others may bring severe storms, and the prediction may be accompanied by a ‘watch’ or ‘warning’. Again the similarities of the forecast and life are amazing. I will continue with this theme throughout the week.



Just below our condo stands a flagpole with an American flag blowing in the wind. Late this afternoon it was framed against a backdrop of the bright, beautiful sun. I am again reminded of the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy in this country. And, again, as the wind gently blew that flag I am reminded of the words of THE SON: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” ~ Heb. 13:5b. Even in the midst of and in spite of the storms of life Jesus will be with us always (Matt. 28:20) Our God is an awesome God indeed!