What a way to start the day---with a “cuppa” and one of Tootsie’s macaroons--a cool morning, and my heritage snowball bush in full bloom. (The original rooting came from my grandmother’s childhood home in Hampton Station, KY, to my mother's childhood home on South Second in Clarksville, TN, to my childhood home in Hopkinsville, KY, and now back to TN, ready to pass on to each of my children.) Add to that a red Adirondack chair with a pot of bright red double begonias (gift from HHS Student Impact and Andi Darlington) on the table right beside me---a table that is also stacked with my Bible, Jesus Calling, and my "MAC Journey" journal.
I wanted to start my day the way Linda Dickens would have started hers---like a blank sheet given to the Lord, eagerly anticipating what the Lord would write on it. She sought His agenda, His plan.
Mary Flo does much the same---she calls it being spontaneous. I see it as her way of allowing God to be in control and rejoicing over whatever or whomever God brings across her path that day. Not that she doesn’t plan---she does. She has a calendar on her computer that is synced with her palm pilot but that’s just her framework---the parameters of an organized life---not set in stone. (like agendas of type A folks) it's one that is joyfully expectant of additions or deletions from the Lord. She practices Proverbs 16:9. “The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.”
Jesus Calling, as always, seemed to echo my thoughts. “Come to me with empty hands.” “Let me fill……” So I went to my next standard devotional, My Utmost for His Highest journal. It is chocked full of stickie notes, a picture or two, pithy grabbers and song lyrics. Some are wedged in better than others. This morning when I picked it up, the lyrics of the hymn, “Lord of the Ages” fell out---such a God-thing---just succinct verses to express my rambling thoughts.
God of the morning, gladly your children (child)
worship(s) before you...
I am your(s) now and forever kept by your hand.
(May I) Crown You each moment, “Lord of Today!”
(my paraphrase)
worship(s) before you...
I am your(s) now and forever kept by your hand.
(May I) Crown You each moment, “Lord of Today!”
(my paraphrase)
Linda and Mary Flo have done that in their lives---crowning Him each morning, “Lord of the Day.” That’s’ why both of these women’s lives are worth emulating---God directed/directs their steps. Like the apostle Paul, they could say, “do as I do.” “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17) Wow, what a testimony that would be---to live my life in such a way that others would see Christ in me, the hope of glory.
