Welcome to “The Wild Goose Chase!” The Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” because it was untamed and smarter than any other bird.
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
I stood on the edge of a field out to the Northwest of Rosston, OK and watched the birds fly by as the darkness fell. Then off a little ways to my Southwest a coyote started in with a couple of yips and then a short howl. I know that coyotes are dangerous to livestock and pets, but somehow, with the orange glow of sunset on the horizon and the birds dropping onto trees to roost for the night, the light breeze and cooling temperatures, it just felt peaceful and special somehow.
We move too fast these days. I am guilty of it, we just let ourselves get too busy and do not leave time to enjoy God’s creation like we did in times gone by. As a result, we get locked into a cultural norm that says we should have our fast food 5 minutes before we order it, and that everything and everyone owes us something quickly, quickly.
I still remember what it was like to wait while mom fixed supper and to wait for daddy to get home so I could play catch with him; and I remember what it was like to eagerly await the arrival of my cousins for a visit or Christmas morning. These days, I am not sure we remember how to wait, how to let time pass as God moves the world around us.
What would this world be like if we took time? What would it look like to take time to appreciate the picture our 3 year old drew especially for us; time to let the aroma of that home cooked meal draw us to the table to eat as a family? What about taking time to … well, time to spend with each other rather than rushing to one event or another or getting locked into some video game or mindless show on TV? What would it be like to find time for husbands and wives to lead their families in an evening devotional or go on a date together?
God encourages us to take time … maybe life would be more fulfilling if we simply remembered the words of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. … 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Please remember, God loves you and so do I, and all you can do about it is love back.
Still In One Peace,
Stephen
