Muggy and Foggy

"Let us say it again:  The universal Presence is a fact.  God is here.  The whole universe is alive with His life.  And He is no strange or foreign God, but the familiar Father of our Lord Jesus Christ whose love has for these thousands of years enfolded the sinful race of men.  And always He is trying to get our attention, to reveal Himself to us, to communicate with us.  We have within us the ability to know Him if we will but respond to His overtures. (And this we call pursuing God!)  We will know Him in increasing degree as our receptivity becomes more perfect by faith and love and practice."  A.W. Tozer

I love this excerpt.  It reminds me that though I don't feel or see or hear God sometimes, it doesn't mean he's not here with me.  His heart breaks for us and with us just as an earthly father's heart does.  

I can't help but think of my dad today.  I know his heart breaks for Andy.  When he sees him, it's hard to hold it together.  It's draining, exhausting, hard.  To witness your own son lose all hope and try to take his own life--As a father, I can't imagine anything being more painful.  I wonder if that's how God feels when we take matters into our own hands?  When we think we know what's best for ourselves, is God upset, feeling helpless until we decide to surrender--decide to choose life?   And when we make that decision, he helps us along the road... It's a flawed analogy I know.  Earthly fathers aren't God.  Sometimes it's just so hard, because our feeble minds can't understand the mysteries of the Gospel.  Nor can we understand the ways of our heavenly father.  It can be frustrating.

On another note... life goes on.  This morning it's hot and cloudy, hence the post title.  I'm already feeling hot and bothered in my stagnant apartment.  Today I have big plans.  I want to cross a lot of things off of my list.  It's time to whittle things down as the first day back draws near.  

I pray that the Lord would give me clarity of mind that I can focus on the tasks I have at hand.  I pray that I wouldn't be distracted, and that I would seek to honor him even in my busyness.  I pray for my husband who is training others at work today.  My hope is that he would stay positive and encouraging, not succumbing to the pressure of talking like everyone else.  I pray for my mom and my dad and they trudge though another day of what must feel like "getting by."  I pray for my sister as she endures this emotional pain, but now this physical ailment as well.  Keep her strong and courageous and positive.  Guide the surgeon's hand whenever the procedure takes place.  Most importantly, keep your children constantly aware of your presence.  Remind us hourly to honor you with all we are until you return.