Before You Ask

This morning, I read in Matthew 6:8 where Jesus insists that "your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." A chapter later, Jesus talks about the things we worry over, and he claims, "your heavenly Father knows that you need them."

He already knows. He knows before we know.

I consider the simple truth that God already knows what I need before I ask. It occurs to me that--instead of spouting off my list of what I think I need today--I might instead seek God's foreknowledge. I might ask the Holy Spirit to fill that list. I might ask what God thinks I need first.

I realize that I actually don't often know what I need. I think I do, but I don't.

Like the child screaming in the high chair who tosses her head about and bangs her fists in frustration, I don't know what I need. I can't even articulate it if I did know. The loving parent swoops in, discerns the real need, and responds.

What do I need? I ask before I cry out.

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Isn't it such a comfort to know that God already knows?

I'll Just Stand Here

I'm talking with my friend, and she reminds me of what it means to just stand by your friends. You quietly, faithfully, and prayerfully carry her burdens. You can't solve anything or say the right thing.

So you just stand there with her. Sometimes, you hug her.

As I'm talking, my dramatic kitty rolls over and covers her face with one paw. Woe is me! I cannot face the world!

As if on cue, Jack arrives and stands by her. Every once in a while, he offers a little nudge.

It's a perfect reminder. The One-Eyed Cat stands by the Despairing Cat. He can't offer much, but he can stand by her.

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Is there a friend who just needs you to stand with her or him?

It's Happening If You Look Closely

Despite all evidence to the contrary (snow, bitter cold mornings, and gloomy skies), a new season is arriving.

It is.

I can tell. I see the green buds among the tangled vines that border the forest.

I find a robin, and I even spy a new nest forming deep in the bushes.

That's the whole project, really. It's looking closely enough to discern that things are happening when it looks like nothing is happening. Spiritually, emotionally, physically, and even relationally, we do, in fact, grow.

Nearly imperceptibly and ever-so-slowly, we transform into the people we're becoming and were always meant to be. We catch up to the dream being dreamed for us.

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I cannot wait for the Northern Cardinals to build their nest in the Winterberry bush!