Jesus Grew in Wisdom

Luke 2:51-52
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

I love to watch things grow. As a mother and grandmother, I’ve enjoyed watching my children and grandchildren mature and change. When I planted flower seeds in my garden, I enjoyed seeing them go from sprouts to blooms. Tater came into our lives as a sweet little puppy. Believe me when all ninety pounds of him jumps in my lap, he’s not a puppy any more.

To know that Jesus grew in wisdom and in favor with God gives me hope and joy. As I observe the maturity process in myself and the people God surrounds me with, I am blessed by those who grow in Christ. Like a farmer who plants the seed and fertilizes, God’s word is a seed for my heart. Once that grain is planted in me, he cultivates through life experience. The older I get the more I rely on God for wisdom. Through his word, I find the tools I need to grown on this journey.

Rest for the Weary

Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.

Last week I cleaned out my small flower bed. The zinnias that bloomed glorious colors from June through October drooped toward the ground. The peony’s leaves turned brown, and the euonymus bush needed a facelift. I cut away the dead foliage and tossed the frost bitten leaves into a box for disposal. When I finished, the bed looked empty and kind of sad.

In God’s wisdom, the change of seasons allows the soil to rest through the winter. But, he didn’t just consider the flowers and soil when he created a quiet time to slow down. After he brought the world into being, painted the sky, petted the animals and breathed life into man, he rested. The seventh day, he put down his tool box and took a break. When I am weary and need a respite, I fall into his loving arms, seeking calm and peace. Praise God for taking my burdens and offering me rest.

Red or Yellow

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

I love to hear children, with their natural instincts, support the word of God. After a meal at Frisch’s, my son-in-law asked his son and niece what color suckers they’d like. He brought back a red one for Eli and a yellow one for Dylan. As children do, they got into a fun conversational battle of which was best, red or yellow. As they laughed at themselves, Eli put on his serious face and looked at his cousin. “I know, you will like yellow and I will like red.”

I may not like the same color car as the person waiting to pull into traffic, but I need to show kindness and let him out. The mom with noisy children in the grocery store might get on my nerves, but I should ask if I could help in any way. I may not agree with the political views of the person who sits beside me, but I respect the person. God created all of these people. As a Christian I want to show them kindness and compassion. Agree or not, God wants me to love others as he does. 

My Rock

Isaiah 26: 3-4
You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

On my drive to work, I enjoy the season’s transformation to fall. Green leaves turn golden, scarlet and orange. The sky’s brilliant blue with wisps of autumn clouds, create a beautiful background for the new color palette. Cooler temperatures bring relief from the heat of summer and the occasional rain sounds soothing as it beats on the roof. The changes of fall bring me joy.

As much as I love the variation of the seasons, I am not a fan of too much change. Quite often, I adjust my day to fit the need. Sometimes I don’t want change, but I know it’s necessary. Other days, I find myself frustrated by the adjustments I have to make. As much as change aggravates me, I know for sure that one person stays the same. God never varies. His word remains steadfast, full of truth. Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not waver. I trust God to always be my rock, the one I pray to, the one who has my back and holds my life in his hands. Life circumstances change, God never does.