Volume 79: Rest in Stones

 

This week, we finished the book of Deuteronomy, and as I was reflecting on the book as a whole, I kept thinking of the theme of reminders. Moses was constantly saying to the Israelites, "Remember..." or "Follow these commands..." He was repeating himself over and over, to which it became almost exhausting to read...

And yet, if you were an outsider, reading a book of all my thoughts and experiences (scary huh!), you would see the same theme... continually operating in cycles, always in need of reminders. 

I often my find myself enamored by the smallest of truths. I can read or hear something so simple, and in the moment it feels life altering! But at the end of the day, I already knew it to be true, but I get distracted and forget. I lose focus. 

I lose focus and need reminders of the why in my work. This week, a friend from college sent me a voice memo, encouraging me for the summer, stating "You're not going to sell them on duty and obligation. If you sell them on how worthy Christ is and how worthy of our time He is... that is the key more than anything motivationally we could say or give." And as I listened to this, a lightbulb went off in my head! Duh! It's about JESUS!! And pointing all of our staff towards him. It is not about my words or approach to conversations. A truth I know, yet don't always follow.

I lose focus and need reminders of how impactful working at a summer camp can be for college kids. On Tuesday night, after Bible study, McKinley was reminiscing on her summer as a counselor at Ozark over 10 years ago... and stated it as a "pivotal moment" in her life! Such a simple statement, yet encouraging to hear and remember that they really do have a great experience! A truth I know, yet don't always follow.

I lose focus and need reminders to slow down. I had the privilege of watching puppy Bruce for a day, and attempted to take him for a walk... Key word is "attempted"... His attention was grabbed by every patch of grass... every flower growing... every bird chirping... every object on the ground. At first, I found myself pulling at the leash. Until I had the realization that Bruce was up to something! A beautiful reminder to slow down and take in all of the beauty that surrounds you! A truth I know, yet don't always follow.

I lose focus and need reminders to call on the Holy Spirit. Debbie, in a very matter of the fact manner, asked "do you access the Holy Spirit?" Yet, I have not stopped thinking about this since. I have known the trinity and the differences between God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. But as someone who struggles to understand conceptual things, the Holy Spirit has always been more challenging for me, so I needed the reminder that we are to rely on the Spirit in order to live out the fruits of the spirit. A truth I know, yet don't always follow.

Depending on the time, environment, season of life, etc, different statements of truth affect me in lasting ways. One day, I could probably literally just hear "Jesus died on the cross for you." And it would be as if I had never heard it before... I guess that is the Spirit at work! 

We need repetition. We need reminders. We need to return to moments of childlike faith!

It's when I allow myself to come back to the basic truths of the gospel that I feel most encouraged. When I FOCUS on what matters and not allow the distractions to win. 

I processed all of this on March 21st and then unbeknown to me, the next day of Bible reading, we started the book of Joshua and read chapter 4: 

“Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord."

Adeline so beautifully commented, "I love how many times in the Bible people make a physical reminder of something God did for them like the stones from the Jordan today. Makes me think about the times in my life that stick out to me as clear moments of God's faithfulness and intervention that I can look back on as big markers of His guidance. Of course, He is always with us in the small and everyday things too, but there's something special about the big memories we will pass down."

I find it very comforting that God knows our heart and cares about the physical reminders. He knew the Israelites would need the stones to remember His faithfulness. 

Just like I need a voice memo from a college friend. 

Just like I need an old counselor sharing her experience. 

Just like I need an 8 week old puppy on a walk. 

Just like I need a direct question from Debbie. 

We have reminders of God's faithfulness all around us. The pictures on my bulletin board that I look at every day. Book shelves full of books and journals. Coffee mugs from different places. Boxes full of old notes and invitations. 

In every season, we can ask ourselves, "what will I take with me out of this?"

More reliance on God. Defenses against the enemy's lies. Stories of God's provision and love. 

There's not a weekend where you can gather as many "stones" as a wedding weekend! So thankful for Alex and John and their marriage!!!! Many many stones of joy and laughter and fun with these two!