Ah, rats! I had just come out on the back deck to take a break and eat my lunch outside. The neighbor was doing really loud yard work and there was a wasp flying around. It seems there is always something to disturb my attempts to find a few minutes of peace and quiet. I stepped inside to get wasp spray and took in my food to keep the bugs from getting it. These are tiny, little problems in a world where there is a global pandemic and some people don’t have food or shelter. I tried to spray to wasp who just flew away. The yard work eventually stopped. I decided not to focus on distractions such as the lawn needing mowing and the deck needing to be replaced. I heard a bird chirping and children laughing. I felt the breeze and took a deep breath. I focused on tasting my food. I enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine. I returned to the scripture I had intended to read:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17 ESV
This is a broken and stressful world. God allows plagues, suffering and continual obstacles to overcome which are far greater than my minor inconveniences. God also came to earth in the form of His Son, Jesus, to offer us salvation. “He is before all things and by Him all things hold together.” When I feel like I am falling apart and struggling to find a moment to regain my strength, Jesus meets me where I am if I slow down to rest in Him and the promises in His word. I am thankful He also created those laughing children, the sun, the wind, the singing birds and yes, even the wasp who flew away.
REALationships 