Summer in the Springtime

     I have been a little frustrated with the weather this year.  Well I shouldn't say frustrated...more like annoyed! The winter seemed extra long this year.  Then without warning it was summer!  Hot, so very hot!  There was no middle ground.  No getting used to it.  I missed the grace period for the change. 
   
      God has been using this as a teaching tool in my spiritual life.  I often find myself trying to jump from winter directly into summer.  Wanting to bypass spring.  Feeling as thought I see all that summer has to offer and feeling like I just need to jump on in and get moving. 
   
     God is calling me to a slower more graceful approach.   Colleen. Stop.  Listen. Wait. 

     How much do I miss when I just power on through.  How much do I miss when I think I hear a word from Him and then run off on my own to try and make sure it happens.  Often I don't even realize that I am doing it. 

     That is when you hear that small, still voice calling you to come back. 

     Picture a parent and child on a pathway.  The child sees a huge field of flowers up ahead and takes off down the path.  The parent is left walking slowly behind.  The child sees the obvious beauty and runs toward it.  The parents takes in each piece of beauty as they meander down the path.  The parents sees something, a hidden treasure of sorts and calls the child back.  Maybe it takes some coaxing or convincing.  The child returns to see all they have missed. 

      How often have I been this child.  The blessing and mission on my life are not just one and done.  They are abundant and sometimes hidden in the stillness. 

      I feel that God has shown me some of the bigger callings he has on my life.  Today I am reminded to take time to hang out in the springtime with my heavenly father.  To enjoy finding hidden treasures.  Each time transforming me.  Teaching me.  Changing my mind and heart.  Learning to love and be loved.  Compassion, grace, patience and mercy. 

     This can be a hard season.  I am just a tad mission oriented (ok I can be VERY mission oriented) .  Set the goal, attain the goal, set a new goal and so on.  How do I do when the goal is to just be.  Come and rest.  Guess we will just have to see......