A season of steps...

It's been a very long time.  Until several weeks ago, years had passed since I had stepped onto a platform in a Church building.  I had almost forgotten how it felt. I had adjusted well to quiet entrance, endurance and exit. But there was absolute purpose in those years of rest, renewal and refocus.

Growing up in an active Church family, I spent many years on "a platform."  Those precious and patient people asked me to play piano for a Sunday morning service when I was nine years young.  (A definite emergency need, no doubt!)  At fifteen years, I played organ for a wedding.  During childhood, teen years, college years, located ministry and volunteer ministry, there were frequent opportunities to play, sing or direct.  It became familiar and enjoyable. 

A time of rest soon arrived unexpectedly, however.  God knew it was time to renew my spirit, restore my soul and refresh my focus.  Honestly, I embraced this time much more than I ever imagined possible.  I learned to lean on Him in new ways.  I learned to accept that it wasn't what I was doing...or being...or presenting...that made Him accept me.   He loved me...even when I was simply holding onto Him. 

Opportunities to become involved in Christmas events recently brought me out of this past season.  I had become comfortable listening, learning and leaning on Him.  It was time.  It was necessary.  It was wonderful. 

Stepping onto a platform recently...sometimes with a microphone in hand...has been tremendously humbling.  I am simple.  I am ordinary.  I am much less qualified than so many others.  But God has said..."Follow me."

Isn't life like that?  We step onto a "platform" each moment of life's journey.  We are handed a "microphone" as others watch and listen to us.  We may not feel qualified.  We may not be comfortable.  We may know others who could complete the task far better.  Yet God has asked us to follow Him.  How do we do that?  We love Him.  We listen to Him.  We trust Him.  We walk with Him, talk with Him and learn from Him.  We know that wherever He leads us,  He is with us.  May my steps...my voice...my focus...always remain...close to Him.♥~thl

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6: 8