Sanctified Saturdays: A Place in the World

Psalm 16:5-6

THE PASSION TRANSLATION

Yahweh, you alone

are my inheritance.

You are my prize,

my pleasure, and

my portion.

You hold my destiny

and its timing in your hands.

Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places.

I’m overwhelmed

by the privileges

that come

with following you!

A PLACE IN THE WORLD

When I was younger, I knew I belonged to my family.

Or did I?

My older siblings teased me about being found under a cabbage leaf—as though I arrived any differently from them.

Mom told the story of how she was so certain I was a boy, that when I arrived, she insisted they had mixed up babies in the hospital. Once she saw me she knew right away I was hers. It was reassuring. Mostly.

Throughout my school years, I had varying success at fitting in. Eventually, in high school, I became a part of several groups, flitting from one to the next, like a butterfly sampling each one.

My college dorm was a place I tried to fit in, but my floor was filled with athletes training for the Olympics. Not me. I was the one who seriously bruised her kneecap while typing a term paper. Try explaining that one!

I wanted to be a missionary nurse, but then I met my husband at college and plans pivoted. I understood my place as a wife, and later as a mom. Mostly. I struggled to meet the needs of my family, bosses, and church, often burying my own. It was a demanding life that many times took more than I had to give. Sometimes I fantasized about running away to some tropical island where someone would take care of me for a change.

Jobs came and went, the children grew up and moved out, grandkids came. Retirement assured me I could finally focus on caring for myself. Which was fine. At first. It got boring.

Then a switch flipped when I discovered what the prophetic was about; hearing God's voice on a daily basis. It stirred such a hunger in me to go deeper in God, something I had given lip service to, but never seemed to achieve. Or fully surrendered to. I’d known that He would speak from time to time. I had gotten messages from Him; gentle nudges, ideas that wouldn't go away, scripture that seemed to come alive. But it was random, not often and somewhat mysterious.

Then I learned that He was speaking all the time. I could hear what He had to say any time I stopped to listen. This shifted things for me. Now I was motivated me to tune in. And get closer to this loving God, who was so much better than the one I had grown up knowing about. I wanted to know Holy Spirit, not just about Him. I didn’t want to grieve Him and shut down this new-found connection. I wanted to understand His distinct personality, this third person of the God-Head. And how they all worked together in harmony and unity.

This is where I truly found my place. Not only as part of a group, a family, or a job. But in God's lap, with Jesus and Holy Spirit. A place of intimacy with my Creator. He knew me best, and loved me most. From that happy place of union with Him, I found fulfillment and purpose.

Filled with His love and strength, I stepped into the place created for me. A place of influence and service. My place in the world.

Have you found your true home?

Writer's Corner: Bobby's Big Break

A picture writing prompt combined with a random comment brought this little story to life through my fingers. It never ceases to amaze me what a mere fifteen or twenty minutes in the morning with other creatives can spark in me. Sometimes something profound, a poem or inspirational piece. Sometimes a lively and fun story for kids or adults.

And now, on to the story: Bobby's Big Break

Clinging precariously to the iron fence, Bobby eyed the patch of grass that stretched toward the Bookstore. 

Could he make it before that big Doberman came hurtling around the corner? He sniffed the air. No scent of dog wafted toward him. 

 

He leaped as far as he could, landing at a dead run, scampered across the grass, and up onto the porch. Barely pausing to catch his breath, he clambered up the ivy near the door to position himself for the next dare-devil maneuver.

 

Up the walkway skipped a little girl with her Mom in tow. 

 

“I know you’re eager to see the new book, but slow down a bit! I can hardly keep up with you.”

 

“C’mon, Mom! I want to make sure they’re not all gone,” said the little girl. Her blonde curls bouncing, she tugged at her Mom’s hand, urging her to go faster.

 

Bobbie clung to the ivy, ready to pounce the moment they opened the door. Just as they entered, he timed it perfectly before the door swung shut. He jumped, swishing his tail aside quickly before the door caught it and scampered under a table. 

 

He spun around, peeping out carefully, eyeing the bookstore to make sure nobody had seen him.

Uh, oh! The little had girl caught the movement and turned to look right into his beady little eyes. Busted! 

 

But then, a grin spread across her face and she winked at him trying to suppress a grin. She turned and tugged her Mom to a nearby table, picking up a book with beautiful illustrations.

 

“This is it, Mom!” she said, holding the book to her chest with a huge grin. “ 'THE ACORN AND THE OAK’! They have it, we got here in time.” She jumped up and down with glee, her Mom chuckling at her enthusiasm.

 

“All right, calm down, we’ll get it. But I want to look for a book for myself. Just give me a minute,” said Mom.

 

When she turned away, the little girl peeked back over at Bobby. He slowly moved closer to the table that held the books, his gaze going between the book she held and the table holding only two more books. 

 

Tipping her head sideways, she whispered “Do you want one of these books, too?” 

 

He stopped, stood on his hind legs, and nodded vigorously. With a stifled giggle, she slid her prized book across the floor to him. He hopped quickly forward, grabbed the book, and tugged it under a table.

 

Reverently he opened the cover and began to read. The little girl watched for a moment, joy lighting her face. Finally, she stood up and reached for another copy of the book.

 

Where were they? NO! They couldn’t be gone already, could they? Frantically she pushed books around the table, searching. Tears gathered in her eyes as she saw two kids her age clutching copies of the book and standing in line at the checkout. 

 

She sank to the floor, chin quivering, unable to stop the wet flow down her cheeks. She tried to keep her sobs silent, but someone heard her, anyway. Looking up through a haze of tears she saw Bobby. He pulled the book to her lap and hopped onto her shoulder. 

 

Sniffing, she offered a watery smile. Then she opened the book and began to read. Together. With her new friend.

 

                          *     *     *     *     *     *

 

The book referred to is a children's book just published by a mother-daughter team who are part of The Writing Room family. Rhonda Accardo, author, and Jessica Waterstradt, illustrator. Gorgeous illustrations frame this story of an old oak tree, giving a gentle lesson in dealing with loss. Although the target audience is four to six year olds, this book is sure to become a family favorite. This timeless story gives hope in a time of grieving and points to the good things we can hold on to when faced with loss of any kind. A message for any age. The illustrations have delightful detail that children will enjoy pouring over, plus additional pages at the end to encourage exploration of the world around them outside.

 

To get your own copy of "The Acorn & the Oak", click here: PaintedThistlePress.com/shop