Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!

You know Father, I’ve very much come to enjoy our morning discussions as I make my way into the office each day.  That period of quiet communion, when I’m able to open my thoughts and heart to You have provided a great many insights on Your perspective and will for my life…

And this morning was no exception.

My head was a noisy place today Lord, with threads of thought shooting off in a seemingly endless variety of directions…

Most of them not happy ones.

As we’ve discussed many times in recent months Father, my struggles and trials have been quite formidable this past year.  And although Your hand has guided me surely through each of those challenges, new and more daunting issues seem to always swoop in to take their place.  It’s been a time of great frustration for me Lord, as You well know.

And on today’s commute, my mind was engaged full-tilt in dealing with it all;

The constant barrage of struggles I face in keeping my business alive during a bad economy…

Seeing a good many friends and family members dealing with painful, hurtful and difficult situations…

Straining each month to make ends meet, only to have additional unexpected expenses show up…

And each day running into more and more people who choose to unleash their anger, fear and frustrations on those around them…

“Just love them…” You whispered softly.

My mind went quiet for a moment as Your words lingered on my heart, but my ire still wasn’t ready to let go just yet:

“But Father, I’ve got enough problems of my own… Really?”

“Phil, Just show them My love.”

And then the light bulb went off.

I wasn’t facing my struggles alone, and they didn’t have to either.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

The anger, the fear and the frustration I’ve been feeling and seeing manifested in others all stems from a basic disconnect; the parting of our hearts from Yours.  We’ve allowed the world to set our boundaries, not remembering that in Your divine company, no such impediments exist.

I get it Father.  I shouldn’t be allowing the stress of this world’s burdens to overwhelm me…  They aren’t mine to shoulder.  The more I release my angst and place my faith and trust in You, the more of my efforts and energies can be directed to bringing that compassion and caring to others;

The less of me I cling to Lord, the more of You I share.

Such a simple, fundamental truth Father, yet one with powerful roots to grow from.

Help me Lord;

To place aside my doubts and fears and truly embrace Your presence in my life…

To remember that as I carry my worldly cross, You carry me…

And to channel the care and compassion You so freely offer to those in need…

And “Just love them…”

All these I pray in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~Phather Phil