What do the mountains teach?
Today, as I walked the country roads of this little Czech village with my roommate, we both marveled at the ways God takes care of us. He's the one who brought us to this very place -- a place that is not only a safe home, but also a place of beauty that awakens worship in our hearts.
My roommate and I have lots of burdens on our hearts these days, things we carry with us, which don't go away with a magic wand or a brisk walk through the countryside. Yet, our conversation quieted at the point when we began realizing how much God keeps under his control. He knows what our hearts need too.
What do kids teach?
Anna and I painted cats today after she finished with school, because they're Anna's favorite animal (side note: my favorite animal is a black bear, in case you were ever curious). There's also a verse written on our cat pictures, because of the conversation we had together. The story unfolded in this way...
"Anna, do you have a favorite Bible verse?"
"No, not really."
"Well, what's something you really like about God? Why are you glad to know God?"
"Because he's nice."
"You're right. He is nice, he really is kind. You're so right."
"Nice" may not be a word I often think of using to describe God. I usually think of words like powerful, merciful, faithful, when describing God in my prayers or in conversation. But I think Anna is right. The Lord truly is "nice", among all his other attributes.
When I think of someone who is nice, I picture someone I'm drawn to, someone who is consistently self-giving and generous. Is not God this way too? It may be a simple word, but it's personal. I need more of those words that remind me that God is not only lofty and mighty, but near and real.
After this, I remembered a snippet of a verse about God's lovingkindness, so I googled it, and that's the one we chose to put on our paintings.
"But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:4-5
Whew, I sure needed to hear that truth again this week.
The mountains taught me of God's care, and Anna taught me of his kindness, which brought us both right back to the Gospel.
Titus 3 continues this way...
Take comfort in those words of Good News today. They still count. God still pursues his people in his lovingkindness, and he still cares.
Anna's smile is the best! 😄 And that's a really dear post...thank you for sharing your heart!
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