God is sovereign.

the little things.

This week,
while getting stuck in my evening commute from work (as per usual), I noticed a flock of black birds flying wildly, left & right, up & down (the ones that you've probably seen on Instagram). It's not everyday I get to see them whoosh through the air like that, flying in unison to a tune only they could hear. Thanking traffic (for a change), I caught myself staring and smiling at the sight...right as traffic picked up and the hum and cough of engines woke me from my small reverie.

Today,
stopped on a light on the same ol' street jammed with cars, I saw the same (or different?) birds dance their wild flight to a song silent to human ears. It was at the same location and time-frame as before, as if the birds had decided to busk on this unclaimed (/unclaimable) territory on some unknown schedule. My gaze was interrupted by a pedestrian crossing the street. A beanie wrapped itself snugly around her head, her short curls peeking out; layers of (somewhat thin) clothes and a jacket protected her from the cold; and brown boots reached for her knees. Even as she walked, her attention was held by the curious, erratic birds, a small smile playing across her face. It was nice to see someone appreciate the sight...not caught up in life's routine. And not having to stop to take a picture. It was her moment. But then again, it was a shared moment. A shared wonder. The same wonder that we all have when we appreciate the small things in life, even when we are by ourselves.

I don't know you, I don't know your name...but thank you.

out of love for God,

doing the things that no one else gives a second thought of doing
reaching out to those most avoid or are indifferent to
trusting God even when you can't hear His voice and all hope seems lost
praising God even when everything is going right and life is comfortable

---
we remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 thessalonians 1:3
---
brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. but God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. therefore, as it is written: "let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
1 corinthians 1:26-31
---
...rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. in your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...
philippians 2
---

*am i living entitled and not thinking more highly of others?
*remember where you once were
*remember God's unchanging love and grace and mercy

Jesus,

Your humility paved the way for our salvation.

felt like playing with words.

He strolls through his garden, taking care to gaze at each and every fruit, tree, and plant. The morning dew hangs in the air, giving off a kind of suspension in time, a mysterious feeling that something else hangs in its mist. Gently, carefully even, down a worn but kempt path he walks, each step accompanied by a small marvel and intrigue over a tiny, budding flower, or a bite of a ripe and juicy fruit. "Mmm," he nods, as the taste of a peach draws a crooked smile on his face.

He veers off path onto a damp meadow. By now, the dew has settled on the surface of the grass. Still surveying his surroundings in admiration, he slowly strolls towards a patch of land patterned with dirt, which rolls on the land in waves, each depression holding life. Inquisitively, he lowers himself to scoop out a small, bright-red tomato nestled in its vine. Dusting and cleaning it off with his hands, he brings it to his mouth. His brows furrow at first, and quickly jump in curiosity at the sudden burst of flavor, a mix of sweet and sour. He smiles and nods, but concludes that it will take some getting used to before he likes this one.

The day continues and his exploration takes a pause. He sits down on the roots of a tall, sturdy tree standing on land's edge. He inspects it, his eyes traveling through its ridges and his hands contemplating its pulse. Its branches spread out, stretching towards the heavens, and its roots consume water from the river and nutrients from the soil. Thankful for its shade, he leans against its smooth trunk. After a brief moment, he takes a cue from the tree, bending towards the river to drink some of its water. He nods again, and stands.

A little more trekking and exploring, and the light begins to fade as he decides his day's excursion has come to an end. He takes one last look and beholds the scenery before him. He remembers the sights, the tastes, the scents of the day and, his heart full, nods one last time.

He decides that it is good, and wraps up the third day, the earth's last without the sun.

there is more.

Our God is a God who does not stick to just one method in carrying out His plans. He shows His infinite wisdom and love for us in so many different ways! He is so beyond our own thinking and reasoning; we can not figure Him out and contain Him in a small box of our experiences. Yes, experience with God is so important, so necessary. But we mustn't base Him just off of those experiences. He works in so many diverse and unthinkable ways, sometimes it is humorous.

I don't think this undoes/disproves itself. It doesn't 'contain' Him within these words and thoughts. Instead, it all the more promotes His infiniteness -- His omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence.

The more I know, the more there is to know & learn.

oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!
who has known the mind of the Lord?
or who has been His counselor?
who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
to Him be the glory forever! Amen.

romans 11 . 33-36

john newton -

"Assurance grows by repeated conflict, by our repeated experimental proof of the Lord’s power and goodness to save; when we have been brought very low and helped, sorely wounded and healed, cast down and raised again, have given up all hope, and been suddenly snatched from danger, and placed in safety; and when these things have been repeated to us and in us a thousand times over, we begin to learn to trust simply to the word and power of God, beyond and against appearances: and this trust, when habitual and strong, bears the name of assurance; for even assurance has degrees."