Day 28 – Proceed With Caution

Today is a new day, and it’s ripe with opportunities to love and serve the Lord. I know it’s going to be a great day because I woke up before my alarm. That was the first miracle of the day. Then, as I headed downstairs, I could hear a sweet chorus of chirping coming from outside. Instead of listening to my worship playlist, I chose to sing along with the birds. Next, I did my usual — washed dishes from dinner, pressed start on the coffee pot, and filled my Yeti with water before heading to my worship space. This morning I’m keenly aware of my surroundings, and that includes the joyful noise of nature. I’m grateful to have this sweet chorus accompany my thoughts and prayers directly to God’s ears.

What is God telling you today? Has he shown you evidence of your growth during this challenge? I bet he has. What about your stuff? Has he shown you that you might still be dragging a few bags from your old life into this new one? Remember, there’s only room for two — not two bags — just you and the Lord. As I’m writing this, I’m reminded of a giggle moment from a decade ago.

I was singing with a group of incredibly gifted musicians at St. Stephen Catholic Community near Nashville, Tennessee. We were goofing around a little as our leader passed out the sheet music for the songs we’d be singing on Sunday. Our bass player was a young guy who worked as an engineer by day, and he didn’t talk much. Every time I’d see him, I’d try to make him laugh, and that was no easy task. On that particular night, I scored. I asked him about that little accessory hanging from his left pants leg. You see, his new bride had done his laundry right before practice. In his haste, he pulled his jeans from the dryer and didn’t notice the dryer sheet inside his left pants leg.  As he tried to shake it loose, I began singing the Hokey Pokey. And then it happened — a smile, and then a full-on laugh. Mission accomplished!

Sometimes God will remind you of the wash in subtle ways — like he did with our bass player. He’ll remind you of your state of cleanliness just before you fall into a mud puddle. Thank him for saving you yet again. Just before you press SEND on that scathing e-mail to a coworker, look down at your own pants leg to see if you, too, have an accessory from Father to remind you that you’re clean. Proceed with caution today and remember this: When you wrestle with pigs, you both get dirty, but the pig enjoys it. May blessings abound! <3

Click here to continue to Day 29 – Green Light.