A Few of My Favorite Things

My husband               My son                   My parents                  My siblings

My church family     My friends                  the ocean               the lake

rushing rivers        waterfalls  the first rainfall of the season    the grand oak trees

butterflies                Canada     books        reading         the book of Daniel

Mary and Hannah in the Bible    God’s word hidden deep within my heart

music               Diet Dr. Pepper         my dog

sleep                         writing                               health                teaching

These are a few of my favorite things…as the song goes…

I love pondering, remembering, reminiscing, enjoying these things.  I love…in different ways…all of these things and people…but…there’s always a “but” now isn’t there….

These are a few of the wonderful blessings with which God has blessed my life.  I really wanted to list all of the people with whom God has blessed my life over the years.  But, there would not be enough room.

These blessed things and the blessings of people are a treasure but I can easily make any of these things an idol…that thing or person that becomes more important to me, of a stronger influence in my heart, that which takes more time…than God.

I’m thankful that lately I’ve been challenged to take a serious look at where I spend my energy, attention, time, dedication, etc.  I’m thankful that once again, God has been reminding me that He wants to be first…above all.

The things that can steal my attention, worship, loyalty, reverence can easily be the things I think I’m doing “for” Him.  The things that can rob His praise and awe can be stress and worry and heartache.  The evil one has such a deceitful, cunning way of trying to dislodge my focus from where and on Whom it needs to be.  There are some areas I am generally aware and know the warning signs…but, it’s when I get blindsided…

But, that’s when I am reminded again by His sweet, quiet whispers that He is there to help me and strengthen me and get my mind and heart and eyes back on Him.  He reminds me of Who is most important.  He sings over me (Zephaniah 3:17) and brings back to me the memories of the times past when He has seen me through, pulled me through, walked me through, carried me through.

Those “favorite things” can’t do that for me.  Oh, my family, loved ones, friends can help remind me.  His creation can point my attention to Him.  But, HE is the One Who raises me up to walk with Him, to worship Him anew, to hope in Him, to trust Him, to lodge my faith in Him, to love Him because He first loved me.

“Lord, today…one day at a time, moment by moment may I be directed toYou.  May I worship only You.  May my heart always draw nearer to You.  Nothing but You.  No one but You.  For You are…You will always be…I love You, Lord.”