Dear one,
Several weeks ago I shared with you thoughts regarding “January doldrums,” and soon thereafter “rest.” Given how way leads unto way, given how thought is tied to thought, this morning I return to these previous concerns, recognizing that an underlying thread is becoming fabric for my entrée into 2019. That is, two days ago I sensed that it would be well for me to ponder afresh “timing”: God’s timing and my own priorities—what I deem important and the sequence by which these priorities are to be realized. Thus, I found my heart and mind turning to those ancient but fully relevant words of Isaiah:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
When I did so, however, Isaiah 55 became a clear reminder that my priorities and the sequence of their occurrence might not align with Heavenly realities. In fact, with humility I again perceived that my priorities and their importance might possibly be alien to those of God.
And so, with Isaiah 55 in mind, and certain that I needed to consider “timing,” I next heard the echo of Jesus’ words within me: He once told His disciples, “Let your word be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). However we understand "the evil one," at a minimum evil is counter to if not fully destructive of what is good and right—and tends to muddle a forthright "yes" or "no."
Often, when I think of timing and the ordering of my priorities, it might not be that my priorities are horribly misguided; rather, it might be that I have fallen prey to that American penchant to over-commit and/or to over-schedule, failing to recognize and honor limitations and boundaries. When those limits are not heeded, great physical, financial, and/or interpersonal suffering might occur. Too much is often a recipe for great undoing—and often a failure to say "no."
Rather than focusing upon my priorities and the timing of these, at moments I will do well to say, “No, not now. For the present, that must be a lesser priority; or, that is not for me to bear, but for another.”
“Doldrums,” “rest,” “timing”—somewhere within these “no” must sound.
Thoughtfully,
Stan
Ps. I am presently budgeting for a return to Malawi, July 25 – August 10: next week I’ll share with you regarding those needs.
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