SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Category: Devotion

  • The Uninvited Visitor – Devotion 210

    Perfectly laid plans do not always come to life as we would hope.  That became quite tangible last night.  I went to bed as usual, but something wasn’t quite right.  Leo seemed to be disturbed by something.  As it turns out, we had an unwanted visitor.  Yesterday, I had to make several trips from the garage to the house.  So I made it easy on myself and left the door open to the garage.  Since I was moving most of it myself, this kept me from trying to open and close doors constantly with arms that were occupied with stuff.  That part went fine.  The part I wasn’t counting on was that this would open the doors to visitors I had not invited.  In this case, it was a mouse.  

    Most, if not all, of us have dealt with having a mouse in the house.  What we haven’t dealt with before is having Leo in the house with a mouse.  That is a combination which was new and it wasn’t good.  It turns out, Leo is afraid of mice.  Yes, a large dog is afraid of a tiny mouse.  You can see why this would not go well.  He goes around the house barking.  A single annoying bark endlessly repeated so that everyone (and I do mean everyone in the house) knows there is a mouse.  Then he crawls up as close to you as physically possible while you ‘get it’.  During the daytime, this might pose a cute picture.  At night, this is a frustrating array of chaos that takes away any rhythm of normal or rest.  Leo climbed all over my head and the nightstand.  He needed someone to get the mouse and he was not going to rest until someone did.  And since these things are not that easily resolved, it just continued on and on and on.  I dealt with it as long as I could.  So finally, I chose to go lay on the couch.  I don’t get a lot of rest, so sleep is valuable to me.

    While I opted for the couch, I just knew Leo would choose the bed where he could snuggle up next to Wendy.  Again, I miscalculated what would happen.  He decided the couch was the best – with me.  So here we were, wrapped up together on the couch, fighting his mouse fears and hoping for some sleep.  Leo was so close, his breath almost became one with mine.  I am not much for this close contact.  But if it meant rest, whatever.  And so we rested – too close for me to even move – but we still rested.  

    Things just don’t always turn out as we plan.  Unexpected visitors cause chaos (crazy family show up to holiday meals).  Sometimes the meal doesn’t turn out right.  Sometimes fear seems to take over it all and the best we can do is cling tight and hang on for the ride.  Whatever it may be, know that the morning comes.  It brings new perspectives and new mercies.  The sun will rise again and maybe it will all come together.  If not, we will just continue to stick together – the mouse will eventually leave, right?

    Focus Scripture:

    Leviticus 3:21-23

    21 But this I call to mind,
        and therefore I have hope:

    22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, 
        his mercies never come to an end;
    23 they are new every morning;
        great is your faithfulness.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • Watched – devotion 209

    You are being watched.  That sentence seems a bit creepy.  To know we are being watched makes us uncomfortable.  We don’t want to be watched.  But we are, whether we choose it or not.  And in this case, I don’t mean by drones or such.  When I am home, Leo is always watching.  He is anxiously awaiting my next move.  His hopes include a treat or a ride in the car.  If I touch the leash, he is all over himself.  If I move towards the treat container, he has already stuck his head in.  But we are watched even more intensely than Leo watches me – and that is intense.  We are watched by God.  And that is good.

    This morning, I was reading Psalm 47.  This Psalm begins with this, “Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.  For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.”  I hear the sounds of clapping and singing for joy.  It is the loud and heartfelt praise that fills a room so powerfully it feels as though the walls will burst open.  It is the praise that lifts your spirit higher than your situations.  It is a joyful shout that truly exclaims the goodness of God.

    But not every day is good and we don’t always feel like shouting.  Some days are rough and depressing and anxiety driven.  What about those days, God?  What do we do with those.  And then, I am reminded of these words – as if sung by God as a lesson.  The words of His Eye is on the Sparrow fill my heart, mind and being.  And I am reminded that I sing because God loves me.  God watches over me.  God is with me.  And I have nothing to fear, no reason to be discouraged, and certainly no reason to not sing.

    Today, let’s clap and sing – God is with us.  Shout of his goodness.  May his joy so fill our hearts that our anxieties have no room to occupy.  May we sing because we are happy and free.

    His Eye is on the Sparrow

    Civilla D Martin, 1905

    Why should I feel discouraged
    Why should the shadows come
    Why should my heart feel lonely
    And long for heaven and home
    When Jesus is my portion
    A constant friend is He
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches over me
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches me

    I sing because I’m happy
    I sing because I’m free
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches me (He watches me)
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches
    I know He watches
    I know He watches me

    I sing because I´m happy
    I sing because I´m free
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches me (He watches me)
    His eye is on the sparrow
    And I know He watches me (He watches me)
    He watches me
    I know
    He watches
    Me

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • Cindy Lou Who?- Devotion 208

    One of my favorite characters is in Dr Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.  What a beloved story for so many.  It is, of course, the Grinch that most captures my attention.  I have one in my yard thanks to a good friend.  I have one that rides in the car with me during the Christmas season.  He’s fun and he embodies my attitude sometimes.  It doesn’t take Christmas to have a “grinchy” attitude.  Some days are just like that.  Everything seems to take us down and we come back with an attitude which is anything but kind and loving.  

    We may miss the key character in this beloved story, though.  While the Grinch gets more airtime than most anyone else, he isn’t the key (at least not in my humble opinion).  He does represent the nastiness some of us feel.  But for me, the key to it all is found in the little girl, Cindy Lou Who.  She doesn’t notice what everyone else notices about the Grinch.  She doesn’t see the mean one.  She doesn’t seem to understand how everyone else is so afraid of him and despises him.  Cindy Lou has a childlike view of the Grinch.  She sees potential and possibilities.  She is the one that helps him see how life can be different.  Cindy Lou wasn’t willing to take the view others would have given her.  She sees something good.  Cindy Lou changes everything.

    We all need a Cindy Lou in our lives.  We need someone who sees the good in us and reminds us of it.  We need those faithful friends who love us despite ourselves.  Our Cindy Lou can come in many different shapes and sizes.   It could be our spouse, our family member, our best friend, a coworker, or even a faithful companion like Leo.  Remember the Grinch did have Max. 

    Whenever I am having a “grinchy” day with a “grinchy” attitude, I am grateful for Cindy Lou in my life (and I have more than one, thankfully).  I am grateful to be spurred on to goodness, to kindness and to love.  And I can only hope to be the Cindy Lou for someone else.  May we see the good in one another and inspire each other to love.  

    May you have a non-grinchy day.  And may your day be filled with a Cindy Lou Who.

    Focus Scripture:

    Hebrews 10:23-24

    23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • A New View – devotion 207

    Every single morning, I get the beauty of a new painting.  I haven’t done anything to deserve it.  There is nothing particularly special about me to have such a gift.  Sure, I live with an artist.  And while her paintings do adorn the walls of my bedroom, these aren’t the paintings I am describing.  This painting is a new view each and every day.  Nothing about me changes necessarily.  It is the Artist, starting a new day with a new painting. It is sometimes gentle and easy.  Sometimes the painting is more explosive and demanding.  But it is always new.  

    If you take the time to see the world around you with childlike vision, it is amazing what you will discover.  I walk/run the same route every single morning.  Nothing significant about my route changes.  Consistency is my jam.  But as I roll out of bed each morning, a beautiful painting begins to take shape – with or without me.  The sun begins to rise.  Yes, it happens every single day.  But each day seems to bring a unique look.  The vividness of the colors are different.  There is always something new to discover.  

    At first glance, it may appear the same.  We should never base anything on a first glance, though.  There is so much more.  There is enough that it takes my breath away nearly every time.  I am even surprised by the beauty.  

    This morning’s painting came with a bonus.  As I was traveling, I caught a glimpse of a falling star.  And just like that, I was amazed.  Do stars “fall” all the time?  Sure, they do.  But do they fall in front of me?  That doesn’t happen nearly as often.  And when it does, just wow.  Today’s painting was even more awe-inspiring than usual.  But I did have to get out of bed.  I did have to get moving to see it.  Most importantly, I had to be willing to pay attention and to see with a lens which wasn’t cynical or too grown up.  I had to be willing to see it all again…for the first time.  And because I was, the painting was more magnificent than I could have imagined.

    May your views become brand new.  May your eyes see the painting being composed right before you.  May you be amazed by the Artist.

    Focus Scripture:

    Job 38:34-38

    34 “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
        so that a flood of waters may cover you?
    35 Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go
        and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
    36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,

        or given understanding to the mind? 
    37 Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?
        Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,
    38 when the dust runs into a mass
        and the clods cling together?

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • The Extra Mile of Kindness – Devotion 206

    I’ve always heard the saying, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”.  If that is the case, then the road of the extra mile is paved with kindness.  I had an ‘extra mile’ experience recently.  I always run early in the morning – it is a better start to my day.  Running, coffee, Jesus, and family help to get each day kicked off the best (and of course Leo is included in the family).  I’d take Leo running with me but some of you all struggle with the whole driving thing and you scare me by myself – but I digress.  On a recent morning run, I was moving at my normal slow easy pace (read turtle pace) and a truck was coming.  The truck didn’t move over and even seemed to veer closer to me.  This is not uncommon.  So I do what I always do…move off the road.  It did seem the truck came a little closer than most so I gave it my – what is wrong with you – gesture.  I kept moving forward.  This is not unusual in the least.  This happens so often, I adjust and just keep moving.  I may mutter how I can’t believe people don’t pay attention, but it doesn’t really change anything.  But this time was different.  In my 12+ years of running on this same road, I have never had this happen – ever.  I was moving along and heard a truck behind me – no big deal.  The driver slowed down beside me as I ran and rolled down his window.  And then, words were spoken I have never heard on a run.  “I’m sorry – I didn’t see you”.  That’s right – he turned around and came back to apologize to me.  He took the time out of his morning to apologize for not seeing me.  He must have seen me in his rearview mirror after he passed.  I didn’t know what to say – no one has ever apologized.  So I just thanked him for not actually hitting me.  And I told him it was fine and I really appreciated him coming back.  The truth is – I was in shock.  I didn’t know what to say.  But he made my day.  He reminded me that the extra mile is paved with kindness.  

    Since then, I have been trying to consider ways to travel the extra mile.  I have been thinking of ways to spread kindness in unexpected and joyful ways.  Kindness is contagious like that.  Once we experience it, we want to share it.  Where have you experienced unexpected kindness?  And even more importantly, how can you share it with someone else today?  I don’t suggest scaring a runner and then apologizing.  But I do suggest look at your normal day – there are those who need kindness all around.  Today is the day to share it.

    Focus Scripture:

    Matthew 5:41

    41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • It is Monday – AGAIN – Devotion 205

    As a kid, I always dreaded Mondays.  I think I started dreading them on Saturday morning knowing they were on the way.  By Sunday afternoon, misery had set in.  There were a host of reasons for it – and some of them were valid, but regardless these were the facts for me.  Anxiety had a way of stealing the joy of the time I did have. 

    As an adult, it has gotten much better.  I try to enjoy each day as it comes.  But I must admit, that dreaded Monday morning anxiety still tends to creep in.  I love what I do.  I enjoy the people I work with.  I have an amazing family.  I have no real reason to have any worries.  But Sunday, I felt it.  That twinge of dread appeared like an unwelcome guest that has already spotted you are home.  I am determined not to let it win.

    So this morning, this beautiful Monday morning, I awake and arise.  I do more than roll out of bed, I arise to the newness of a day made by God.  On my morning journey, I notice the orange tones beginning to pop out of the horizon as God ushers in a new dawn.  I hear the babbling of a brook (ok, so it was a ditch of running water, but you get the point).  And there was much prayer involved.  I needed God to show me the good in this day.  I needed to know how to spread kindness.  I wanted the chaos of this world to calm.  

    As I prayed and looked for God to speak, the stars sparkled.  And for a moment, God seemed to say…this world is chaotic but you do not need to be.  I was reminded of a scripture my kids learned in Bible drill.  It is one I have said more times than I can count.  This has become a place to return when the anxiety seems to be greater than I can handle.  It is held in 2 Timothy 1, but God today opens it in my heart, “7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”  Power, love, and self-discipline – those are the things which I am given.  These are the things which you, too, are given.  

    May we live, not in fear or anxiousness, but in power, love and self-discipline.  And, indeed, may it begin with me.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • Grace and Beauty Observed – Devotion 203

    It was by accident that I saw it at all.  From the corner of my eye, I could see her moving.  It isn’t unusual to see animals in the fields first thing in the morning.  What was surprising was her grace, her speed, and her beauty.  I had to watch carefully to keep up with her.  I ordinarily would say that she was running across the field and over the road.  But in this case, running does not adequately describe her action.  I was running – slow and clumsy as though it may be.  She was not running.  She was gliding ever so gracefully in a sequence that captured my attention.  She isn’t the first deer I have ever watched, not by any means.  They are everywhere along my morning route.  But there was something special about her.  She seemed to leap without effort and she made no sounds at all.  If I had not been watching, I would have missed her altogether.  It has rained so much and the fields are so full of water, yet she never splashed.  She made no sound as she made her way across the road.  She floated with elegance.  I couldn’t help but think how amazing God’s creation really is – I’m transformed once again.  

    I am drawn to the scripture describing the feet of the deer.  I have a new image.  My understanding of this scripture is altered by the beauty of the feet of a particular deer this morning.  Her quiet grace awakens my senses to the beauty of the deer.  This particular scripture is written in the Psalms and in 2 Samuel. Apparently, this was on someone’s mind.  Today, it was on mine.  It reminds me as I travel this life, I am given strength, security and grace.  There will be challenges, but God has given me what is needed to thrive.  I am simply to keep moving and gliding.  

    God’s beautiful creation speaks to us every day, moment by moment.  But we must pay attention.  The deer could have passed me by, I’m sure like it has many times before.  The opportunity to experience God bring his Word to life is one you don’t want to miss.  Open your eyes, walk softly, and hear God speak.  It might change your day.  It might even change your life.

    Focus Scripture:

    Psalm 18:31-33

    For who is God except the Lord?
        And who is a rock besides our God?—
    32 the God who girded me with strength,
        and made my way safe.
    33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer,
        and set me secure on the heights.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • Bags (OVER) Packed – Devotion 202

    Is it always good to carry more than you need?  It is true that you never know what you will encounter.  You never know when there will be additional needs that arise.  Maybe you follow the Boy Scout motto of being prepared.  You want to always make sure you are ready.  But do you really need to carry more than you need?  Do we really need excess to carry along with us?

    Here’s a challenge for you – go to your bag you carry the most and pour everything out.  I know…heart palpitations already.  But pour it out anyway.  How much of what you see is extra – the ‘just in case’ gear?  My briefcase is full of unnecessary stuff.  I am still carrying around the draft of my doctoral thesis (I spent so many years with it, I feel like I will have separation anxiety without it).  There are all kinds of stuff I don’t need on a daily basis.  But here I am, carrying the extra load. 

    For me, my briefcase mirrors too much of my life.  I have the essentials and I will be okay.  I lack for nothing.  But I have this extra load I carry every day.  I am not required to, I just do.  There are things I need to let go of.  There are things I need to discard completely and forget.  There are items that need my attention I have buried in the bottom so I don’t have to think about them.  There are a few things that bring me joy, but not enough.  It looks like all business, really.  So my load is heavy with things I wasn’t meant to carry all the time.  There are things I should have taken care of a long time ago.  There are items that I can pick up later when needed but are just taking up space for now – valuable space I could use for the things which bring me joy. 

    So today, I begin a little clean up.  It is time for some simply ‘life keeping’.  I need to look at the things which I carry and clean out the unnecessary.  I need to get rid of the excess load so I can freely live and breathe and serve.  I need to fill my bag only with the absolutely necessary so I can welcome in the joys that come my way.  I need to have room in my bag – not so I have room for more stuff – but so I can move about freely and enjoy the journey. 

    Might you do the same today?  It may physically begin with your bag, but may it spill over and free up your life – to really live.

    Focus Scripture:

    Matthew 11:28-29

    28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • A Word of Thanks – Devotion 201

    Gratitude should become a way of life for us.  It should already be a part of the way we live, function, and communicate.  When we approach life with gratitude, our perspective changes.  We are seeking things for which we are most grateful.  We are purposely finding ways to express our thankfulness.  We are approaching Thanksgiving, so the month of November often evokes that image of gratitude.  We are given a platform to spring our thankfulness forward.  We have a reason to be grateful – it is a holiday that tells us to do it.  So we take the time to at least make some go at it.  

    But today also reminds us of gratitude.  It is Veterans Day – thanking those who have served our country to ensure the freedoms we basically take for granted every day.  We were able to participate in the democratic process of voting.  So much drama has surrounded the election, but the most amazing part is we have this opportunity to have our voice heard.  Many men and women have fought hard to give us this privilege.  We have the freedom of religion.  This is often misunderstood, in my opinion.  The beauty for me is this freedom allows us all the opportunity to worship as we feel led.  We have the opportunity to choose where to worship and how to worship without fear.  For someone who has grown up in church, this is something I don’t always consider.  But for those who are in this country and have not had this opportunity, I see this freedom in a whole new light.  No one is telling us how we must worship and where.  Regardless of beliefs, we have the freedom to worship.  There are so many more freedoms we experience each and every day.  Today, I am most grateful to have these freedoms. 

    This may just be the day to really focus on all the many things for which we are thankful.  Gratefulness can be extended to God for the air we breathe and the life we live.  It carries through to the women and men who have faithfully served our country.  It should become a part of our views as we meet people who help us throughout the day.  Rather than living as though we are privileged, today we should live grateful. 

    I will begin – THANK YOU!  Thank you to those who serve and have served our country so we can be free.  I am most grateful.

    Focus Scripture:

    Colossians 3:14-15

    14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

  • Time To Get Up – Devotion 200

    What woke you up this morning?  Was it the alarm clock that rang obnoxiously until you finally did get up?  Are you one of the people who wakes up naturally at the same time every day (that’s me!)?  Did you wake up because someone came in your room and got you going? Or did one of your children decide it was time to get up before you did?  

    When my kids were growing up, one of them was always a challenge to get up and going.  I could turn on the light, pull the covers, and yell until I was blue in the face.  Nothing seemed to motivate her to get going.  Wendy is one who likes to sleep until the last possible minute, so her alarm clock must go off 100 times before she stirs.  Our family now has a new type of alarm clock – only this one does not stay on any rhythm and isn’t according to the sun.  Leo decides he needs a treat early in the morning – or he needs his chewy picked up from under the bed – or he needs to go outside at some odd time.  And the thing about Leo – he is persistent.  You will not go back to sleep until he has what he feels he needs.  He’s an odd but cute alarm clock. 

    What if, this morning, you got up because God had a plan and purpose for you?  What if you rose out of bed to see what God had planned for you today?  What if we woke up knowing this day held treasures we couldn’t wait to open?  What if we woke up today like it was the best day ever?  Sounds a bit silly, doesn’t it?  Most people I know would just go back to bed – I mean, why rush it?!  The thing is…God does have an amazing purpose and plan for us.  He had this before we were created and he hasn’t stopped.  It is good.  It is loving.  It does have many amazing treasures.  I wonder what life might be like if we got excited about what God was up to today.  It might just change our perspective.  It might just change our lives.  Maybe it is time to get up – God awaits – and he is the most important part of our day (God and coffee).

    Focus Scripture:

    Psalm 139:1-3

    1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
    2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
        you discern my thoughts from far away.
    3 You search out my path and my lying down,
        and are acquainted with all my ways.

    Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery