An Endless Love

Luther Vandross made a single I still enjoy listening to entitled Endless Love. I don't think he was the first to sing it, and Mariah Carey joins him in the ballad. Those who know anything about Luther know he could deliver a mean performance, making lovers grow closer and anyone single want to be loved. Truly, he was a gifted artist who is still missed today.

I have spent a better part of a year's time embracing intervals, changing and growing through seasons, and transitioning-literally and figuratively...From the physical changes on my job to the on-and-off emotional stages.

On most days, I still find it hard to believe I am an adult who lives independently and is blessed immeasurably. On most days, I lift my head from my pillow, hold my head high and smile big to make the best of the day. On most days, while a small sadness may be within, I strive never to allow others to see or know the hurts, trials, or silent prayers prayed asking for confidence, patience, and love.

A few months ago, I was driving and came across a billboard for a popular cellular phone company that read: Signal is Strength. It got me to thinking and truly reflecting on how amazing the love of Christ is for all of us--an Endless Love. Better than any love I have ever experienced from a human, His love is so powerful and more tangible than skeptics question. Where I've been weak, He has brought me people who are strong. When I have questioned or doubted, He has restored loudly and clearly with answers and promotions. Through periods of sadness, He has brought me wonderful, beautiful friendships of those who may not have known or understood my full situation but would give obediently, selflessly, and in timely fashion.

I can sit here and type tonight that a connection to Him--a real relationship--is strength. It is manifested in the growth I have had through my church. I see it in the accountability offered via my best friend, who does not even realize how vital her presence in my life is. There is recognition in the way I feel...about myself and life. Like the little bars one sees on a cellular phone providing information about how strong the signal is, I realize mine is stronger than it has been in a long time...For a moment, I was going through the motions but had hit a real wilderness experience. However, His Endless Love kept strong. While my signal was low, the strenth of His love allowed me to stay within reach to be helped.

Tonight I realize I have an awesome service provider whose signal never fails! I recognize that I have the best life ever (words stolen from VLM). My life is not perfect, but it is special, purposeful, and full of potential. Excitedly, I am embracing the steps ahead because I know there is an endless love where the strength of it is so strong that even if I wander off the path, a signal will bring me back...He guides me.

Cross Eyed...for Jesus

As I continue to read a chapter out of Proverbs a day, I realize some subtle things which are likely the obvious but certainly okay to have manifest when reflecting on these daily readings. This is a journey in life where believers are encouraged to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is how we're to make decisions about the difficult situations and choices that face us daily. From jobs to relationships, walking in faith is how we make hard decisions about life.

It is easier to accept putting major decisions in God's hands, but there is the question of how to approach simple, daily choices/decisions. Are we still seeking God? And, is it more of a walking by sight than faith? In reading Proverbs, it can become a bit hazy given the instructions and simple statements on living. However, one of the MAJOR themes from the book of Proverbs goes back to Chapter 1, verse 7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

In satisfying the deepest desires of my heart, I'm working to better walk in faith. Today's message at church was a powerful depiction and analogy of our faith walk compared to Jesus'. We all have our tree, or cross, to bear; however, it is important to move from the tree into the cave--Christ was buried in a cave and we're to nestle in our caves, our secret places, to seek Him--in order to move beyond: Christ's resurrection/our triumphs...I'm giving the really QUICK bite to what was a deep and powerful message, but I'm hoping that I'm capturing some of the highlights, which will allow for further study and excitement in your own study time.

Currently, I am seeking faith in many--if not all--areas of my life. At the forefront, I am thinking of my "first" date from last evening. First dates have a tendency to be awkward and an annoyance, yet at the same time exciting and what could lead to major impacts for the future...It was a good first date. I'm walking in faith and keeping sight of the cross along the way.