I walked outside at 7:23 to report for duty on Inauguration Day. It was a dreary, damp morning, and there was a slight chill in the air. To my surprise, as I looked to the East, I saw this beautiful sunrise. The juxtaposition of these two contrasting views were a reminder of what this day might symbolize for many Americans — an impenetrable fog to some and a beacon of hope for others. The sunrise just emanated beauty and newness — a reminder that there’s beauty in each day that the Lord allows us to see. I didn’t think that my moment of reflection would serve as a theme for the day or the coming days.
As 2016 drew to a close, I began thinking about my new year and my growth — where I am and where I want to go. I try not to make any sudden moves, and I definitely try to stay out of God’s way. Intervening as a means of speeding up the process usually leaves me shaking my head, scratching my head, or banging my head against something softer than my head. These lessons draw me closer to God, and that is my primary goal. Everything else is a distant second. If I’m honest, no relationship is more important. If the love of God is in my heart, that love should naturally flow out to my family, friends, and all those I encounter.
For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. ~ Matthew 12:34
Scripture tells us that A good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. This verse from the Book of Luke has been on my mind all weekend as I listened to the vitriol on TV and online. It begs the question: What is in your heart?
Like you, I fall short each day and have spoken when I should have remained silent — gave a speech from my soapbox when a sentence via e-mail would’ve sufficed. For that reason, I’m working to fill my heart with good stuff and surround myself with others who are striving to be better than they were yesterday. Imagine a world where we all spent our lives storing good things in our hearts. Can you imagine the overflow?
This sunrise and these verses are a gift to all of us, and they shouldn’t go to waste. How might you steward these gifts? I plan to fill my heart with all that is beautiful: the word of God, powerful quotes, captivating views, and lots of love. I challenge you today to do the same, and when you speak, let it reflect the good that is in your heart. May blessings abound! <3
Note — Bible verses courtesy of YouVersion
I like this , thanks for sharing. It is true the month speaks that which is the heart
Yes it does, so we must be careful what we place in our hearts. <3
Such a timely word Michelle as the Lord knows I am dealing with some things in my heart concerning a particular relationship. I thank God for allowing Him to use you to speak to me this morning about the very things I have been praying about.
I’m glad he used me too, Charlene. This will be my memory verse and reflection verse, but also my anchor verse. We all need to be careful about what we fill our hearts with. Love you! <3
Indeed! Love you too
So powerful! I, too, have been reflecting on this very message and this has come at a perfect time. Thank you so much for sharing! Amazing reflection! God bless! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the significance of the sunrise to you. We should all find ways for the Lord to remind us of things or speak to us about things regarding us like He spoke to Moses through the use of a burning brush. A sunrise can be insignificant to someone, but it could be life-changing to others.
I’m so grateful for my divine connection. It’s stronger now that I know the Lord and continually seek him.
I will fill my heart with joy and extend it to all who I encounter. I will fill my heart with charity and extend it to all who I encounter. I will fill my heart with love and extend it to all who I encounter. I will fill my heart with gratitude and extend it to all who I encounter! Love this post Michelle… 🙂