Sometimes subtle, sometimes vivid, often undeniable – messages are always before us. They are rapid – no real processing is required. Today it is foggy, which means the sun is out there somewhere but not evident just yet. A sign tells us that we need to lose this or buy this or stop here. We are reminded of our insecurities or our best features. Flowers can smile at us when people don’t. Clouds can fascinate us when we have lost our own sense of adventure. Trees tell us a story of endurance and strength. My dog Leo reminds me I am loved even when I don’t feel (or act) so lovable. God tells me I am his beloved even when I feel so unworthy. Messages are all around us.
What messages are you sending? What messages are you receiving? What are you living? Yes, our messages change moment by moment and day by day. Some days, I am sure my message is exhaustion. Some days, elation. What we believe about the world, about ourselves, about life and about God come through in our messages. There is a show that Wendy and I enjoy watching. It is a renovation show and the main person always wears a shirt that has some message about kindness. This person is kind, at least on the show. But for her, it is important to spread that message of kindness a little further – and I love it. I’ve noticed our social media accounts send a message about us too. Some speak anger and judgement. You can feel it seething from each post. Some accounts speak messages of hope – and are a nice reprieve from all the anger. We may send kindness or love or positive thoughts. What messages are we living and sending?
Today, may we send and receive messages of love, of kindness, of hope, of peace, of forgiveness, of joy. What a gift it might be to simply live these messages. What will you send today?
Focus Scripture:
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 