Wednesday, September 10, 2008

WFW...persevere...persevere...








Why is it when I am so close to the end of even a simple project it seems harder to finish? Or am I one of the only ones who feels that way close to the end of a project? I've got another skein or so to go on my prayer shawl, and it will be completed.

Could my retisence to finish be my tiredness of what I'm doing, having grown bored with it in this "multi-tasking" lifestyle that whirls in my mind and in our society? My mind is already wanting to get going on the next project...

Why do I want to rush through my work...especially since this is a shawl that is being prayed over while I work...one day it will be wrapping someone's shoulders who may not be able to get out of bed...one day it may be wrapped around the dolly of a small child who is enduring cancer treatments at a local hospital...one day it may be comforting a grandmother who just lost her life-long partner. God has a plan for it, but at this point in time I do not know where or who it will be comforting.

Even though some days my crafty genes are healthier and eager to get about the business of crocheting there are days my hands are tired and hurt--and I want to be about other things. It is in those times I should place myself in the future of this shawl and pray for its new owner...for them to be able to persevere through whatever trial is meeting them during their days, their nights, their happy times and their sad times.

There are many scriptures giving guidance about perseverance and the fruits of the labor...especially in situations where we hear God's nudgings to our hearts or spirits about helping someone during difficulty. His Word guides us:

Hebrews 10:36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

James 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Revelation 2:3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Lord,
Let us drink in Your refreshing, living Word.
have it revive us to be about our commitments...
stir us with things You bring to our attention...
spontaneously, remind us to be diligent and bold for Your sake,
not for our glory or edification, or comfort
but to show love of neighbor, of friend, of needy.
Amen


For more WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY posts...