BLUE SKIES



There is nothing quite like the joy of standing under a perfectly blue sky.  It seems  the sky is the bluest in the deep of winter here in the South.  Today as I stood under the bluest of skies, I was cut to the bone by the frigid Polar blast.  Walking across the school campus, I pulled my coat tightly around me, protecting every inch of skin from the icy fingers seeking to send me running back inside.  Had I turned around and headed back inside when the first blast hit me upon opening the door, I would have missed the blessing of a day under the bluest of skies and with those I hold dear.

So it has been with relationships and community in my life.  I cherish and relish the joy of the warm sunny days of fellowship.  My heart sings with praise as I draw near to those I love.  I treasure the times of sweet communion and the joy of drawing together with common cause.  God never intended us to be alone, and He has lavished us with dear ones to fulfill our deepest need for companionship.  How would I survive without a hand to hold, an ear to hear, an arm to grab, a neck to hug?  Even in the quiet stillness of silence with others, there is much to be said for relationships and community.

There are days, even under the blue skies, these relationships run cold--there is a frigid air of indifference--the thunderclouds of disagreement darken the horizon--and the blue of the sky is hidden behind the fog of discontent.  Inclement conditions cause my radar to go off and my need to take cover and hide from the pending storms.  It would be safer to hunker down in the shelter of my cave and avoid any potential danger from stormy days.  If I gave in to my panic and alarm, I would protect myself from the dark foreboding danger lurking all around.

By allowing myself to be exposed to the good and bad under the blue skies, I am blessed to enjoy all those beautiful --perfect blue bird days.  There is rain--there are storms--there is always danger--but the perfection of the blue skies is seen clearer after the storm.  Had I not walked through the storm-I would never fully appreciate the serenity of the calm.

So it is with "The Church", or for that matter any relationship.  God has created us to live in relationships and communities--for a very good reason.  The sweet tapestry of God honoring relationships serves to nourish our hearts and souls.  There are problems---we are fallen--so problems will come.  I stand upon the sure and certain knowledge that each and every relationship and community God has placed me in has all been for a purpose--His Good Purpose.  My heart soars when I stand and look back and realize the blessing of relationship and community.  

The Church--is not necessarily a group with like theology-joined for the common purpose of worshiping our God.  The Church in my heart are all of the Fellow Believers God has drawn me into relationship with.  I have prayed with, spoken with, sung with, studied with, and sought Him with SO MANY more than those that claim kindred membership in a group of believers.  My church is all of you--who have drawn by my side--with the common purpose of seeking and drawing closer to Him.

My final word on the subject of "The Church".  I need it--I am seeking His plan for where I should be--and until it is revealed---I cherish each of you who is a vital part of "The Church" for me day by day--as we walk toward the completion of our time here on this earth.  Thank You and Bless You for being a part of "The Church."

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
I Corinthians 12:27



12 comments

  1. Beautiful post! I just used the tapestry metaphor in a comment on 'I'mSoVintage' blog this morning. :-) Many blessings in the new year.

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    1. Thank you, Judy! Ran over and looked at your barn photos---LOVE LOVE LOVE!
      Blessed New Year To You!

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    1. Yes, Indeed, Victor!

      God's Blessings Upon You!

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  3. Blue skies smilin' at me
    Nothin' but blue skies do I see
    Bluebirds singin' a song
    Nothin' but bluebirds all day long
    Never saw the sun shinin' so bright
    Never saw things goin' so right
    Noticing the days hurrying by
    When you're in love, my how they fly
    Blue days, all of them gone
    Nothin' but blue skies from now on
    (Blue skies smilin' at me
    Nothin' but blue skies do I see)
    Never saw the sun shinin' so bright
    Never saw things goin' so right
    Noticing the days hurrying by
    When you're in love, my how they fly
    Blue days, all of them gone
    Nothin' but blue skies from now on
    Nothin' but blue skies from now on

    That's what we feel when we are in the loving arms of our heavenly father.

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    1. I was actually singing this tune when I began this post!

      GREAT MINDS!

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  4. GREAT post! It's the same here: blue skies, biting cold wind and thoughts of staying in the emotional cave. Well, I must be stupid or a glutten for punishment but I'm thinking about finally trying another church again. I'll never go every weekend again but it would be nice to get out once a month or something. This being a small town, at least I already know most everybody. All I care about is, "Where's the bathroom ...?" (World's Smallest Bladder here -- giggle) Pray for me? And keep writing! You're an inspiration to be sure. God bless. ~:)

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    1. I am giggling, Sparky. ALWAYS important to have the lay of the land! I am searching--seeking--asking Him to show me. I accept that I have community, but love wonderful teaching and soul stirring worship--so I like you will continue to search--knowing there is no perfection this side of Heaven! Thank you for your encouragement!

      Blessings on You!

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  5. Well..it was -35 this morning here...not complaining...clear blue skies this afternoon--although still very cold...anyways--I really enjoyed your posts about the church...keeping you in prayer...thanks for the tip, wink, btw...Blessings

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    1. OH GOODNESS--makes the current 41 look balmy! Praying you have good news.

      Bless You, Friend!

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  6. Gorgeous photo, real truth, important conclusion.

    As long as we are in the church, it will be marred and imperfect. For we are only sinner, saved by grace. Lots of it.

    Blessings ...

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    1. Our humanness will follow us where ever we go!

      Blessings to you, Linda!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!