Day 29

CONNECTING WITH GOD- I connect with God most easily in nature. After last weeks cold I couldn't wait to spend a few hours outside this week. I took a look at my hobby garden and felt disappointed. Once again my earnestness to keep after the weeds in early Summer gave way to busyness with Camp Discovery and preparation for the Fall Ministry Season and now the evidence of neglect was way too apparent. Overwhelming the corn stalks, strawberry plants and the few small blueberry bushes were weeds, weeds, weeds...everywhere. My thoughts turned to Adam & Eve...thanks for the weeds folks. Then I had the clear impression that these weeds, whose origin was hatched by sin, represented what sin does in our lives. These choking weeks were probably the reason for the very poor corn production this year. I was determined to restore my garden to health. After a few hours of pulling up the dead corn stalks, pulling out the biggest weeds by hand, cutting the smaller ones close to the ground, raking off the carnage and roto-tilling the soil, my garden was restored to Spring like condition. I saw a picture of spiritual life restored by repentance. The following day I had very itchy marks on my wrist. Acquired from hand pulling the weeds, I'm not sure if they were a reaction to a plant or perhaps spider bites from disturbing their homes, but again the impression presented itself that even though the sin is no longer a current issue in my garden, their often remains a consequence.
CONFLICT-Motivated by the 60/60 experiment a church family member came to me to communicate a conflict they had with me. When I study these best practices my thoughts only turn to how I will implement them. I never saw it coming that others would approach ME, trying to clear the air. Now two weeks in a row! I can't wait until we start talking about BLESSINGS! Do we talk about blessings?
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY- Today is the 32 wedding anniversary for me and my wonderful wife Connie! I would like to say something "Profound" about her and the incredibly positive impact she has on my life, but my proficiency with words couldn't possibly do justice to what is going on in my heart. The best compliment that comes to my mind is that I think "Our Marriage" is what God had in HIS mind when he invented the institution. Connie, you know what you mean to me!
peter
P.S.- I do not believe that there is currently anybody in my dog house, God won't let me. If you find yourself there, it is a self imposed sentence. Walk out. The door is not locked.