Friday, November 16, 2012

Return to Me...Return to Me...Return to Me

"Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)

I woke to the roar of leaf blowers.

Several men labored intently to beautify our neighborhood. In a matter of minutes sidewalks, lawns, and streets were cleared of fallen leaves as they gathered them into crunchy piles which were sucked up by a giant yellow vacuumy tube. Ah. All clear.

For maybe an hour.

Soon strong gusts of wind plucked hundreds more from their limbs, tossing them into the air, and leaving them strewn all over the ground like fallish confetti.

I couldn't help but wonder if those men felt defeat next time they passed that way.

Yet, they just return and do it all over again. And again. And again.

And I wonder how often that happens to us.

You know, when you achieve victory in cleaning up some area of your sin life...like unforgiveness...or gossip...or a critical spirit...and then Boom! you do it again.

Or when you've welcomed and accepted the peace that only Jesus can give over a situation and then Whack! worry slams you and sucks you into its grasp.

Or you've taken a step of obedience to God and then Whoosh! fear rushes over you like Niagara Falls.

And then there's embracing of acceptance and fulfillment in the realization that you are chosen, loved, a child of the King, and that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it and Crash! you fall into a pit of insecurity, doubt, and feelings of unworthiness.

When that happens, you've got to take action. Get out your own blowing machine and blast those thoughts and the actions they prompt to smithereens!

Return to Him. He loves you and has redeemed you. Get in His Word and hear His encouragement to you.

Return. Again. And again. And again.                                                         

6 comments:

Meredith said...

Great writing, girl! Thanks for that pick-me-up! Love the leaf blower analogy.

Kristi Butler said...

Meredith, you're so sweet!! Miss you!

Vonda Skelton said...

What a great reminder this Lord's Day morning, Kristi. Thank you for a vivid picture of His faithfulness and grace.

Hester's Heart said...

Kristi,

These are really great thoughts! I really like your analogy with the leaf blower. ;) . . .point well made. ;)
Love, Hester ;)

Kristi Butler said...

Thank you, Vonda & Hester! Praying sweet blessings for you both!

Susan said...

I'm laughing because I just saw "Tardy on Tuesday" which I am! I'm so far behind on my blog reading, but I wanted to comment on this because I loved it so much. I love working in the yard, and now I'll associate my leaf blower with GRACE :)

Love you!