Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

Well Father, I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier weekend.  Coming off of a tiring and complicated week, Shannon, the boys and I were all well-worn by the time Friday evening rolled around.  With that being the case, we made the decision to spend a good bit of our “down time” as the description implies… down.  Friday evening we curled up on the couch together and watch movies until bedtime.  Saturday morning we lounged around the house in the morning, and then headed outside to do our “Fall clean up” of the planting beds along the house.  The rest of the day was split between miscellaneous housework, and more movie-time with the kids.  Sunday morning began with an uplifting service at church, then back to the house for a tasty, fun breakfast of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (Thanks for pointing me to the recipe Alida :-)).  Jonathan, Aidan and I then gave Mommy some quiet time and headed out to Blackbird State Forest for a long walk in the beauty and abundance of Your Creation.  The rest of the day was spent finishing up some odds-and-ends around the house, and then yet another quiet evening on the couch with the boys.  This was the first weekend in quite some time where we didn’t have a packed schedule of activities, and it was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.  Thank You so much for that much-needed respite Lord!

This week’s Meditations Monday Scripture is actually inspired by something John Waller talked about at the worship concert we attended last Thursday.  One of the songs he played discussed his desire to be used to bring Your light into other people’s lives.  The song is appropriately titled “Somebody Else’s Story”:

Out of all the wonderful music he shared with us that night Lord, this is the one that really hit home with me.  As a Christian, I can think of no greater joy than bringing Your message to the hearts of those around me; to show them the true wonder of Your love for us, and to share the gifts You’ve Blessed me with in Your service.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” – Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

I take that Commission very seriously Father, and when I get the opportunity to be a part of someone else’s “Story”, It’s a Blessing beyond words for me.  Mr. Waller’s song captures that desire beautifully, and I thank You for placing it in his heart to share with us.

Heavenly Father,

As we begin the week Lord, please help guide our choices and actions to best reflect Your desire for our lives.  Inspire us to reach out and share Your message of love and redemption with those we encounter each day, and to faithfully serve Your will.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil