taste and see

e·piph·a·ny [i-pif-uh-nee] - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

As my life progresses, I am more amazed. Amazed because with life experience, comes, by God's grace, a more full understanding of my God and His Word. More specifically, I speak of the illustrations that are used throughout Scripture. Intellectually, we are all capable of understanding that we the church are the bride of Christ, waiting His coming. We understand that we are the children of God, and we are sheep needing a shepherd. Experientially, I am only beginning to "taste and see" all He has for me to learn.

Today, as my little one squirmed and screamed in an attempt at freedom, I had another of these moments. I knew Aaron didn't really want what he thought he wanted - specifically, go flying off my lap, off the couch, and onto the concrete floor. As I held him closer and tried to get him to look me in the face, I said, "Aaron, you don't really want to go there. Trust me." As those last two words tumbled out of my mouth, I realized in stunning brilliance another reason I am referred to as a child of God.

My stubborn refusal to trust Him is childlike. I don't see the whole picture. I don't know what lies beyond the lap of His blessing. I think I want something SO badly, and I try with all my might to get there, all the while crying "IIIIEEEE'M SOOOOO MISERABLE!" when really, I am in exactly the right place for me. God loves me infinitely more than I am capable of understanding, and He gives what is best. Where else are all my needs met in such a loving way? Something tells me that I can sit happily and rest in Him, or I can squirm around and make myself miserable.

1 Jn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love."esv

excuse me, do I smell?

My good friend Debbie emailed these verses to me today:

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

These verses make me think of things I like to smell - freshly baked brownies, clean sheets, crispy fall air - all make me take deep, savor-the-moment breaths. But these smells are not the only ones in my house. There are a few places that occasionally cause me to step away with a "ptwhth!" face...Aaron's trash can, our fridge when we have forgotten about leftovers...

What a convicting thought - that I am the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ! What does that smell like? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control, for starters) Do I make those around me take a sniff and wonder, "Hmm, what is that delightful scent?" and cause them to want to know Christ more? Or do I leave a stinky diaper/old refridgerator smell in the noses of "...those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

Thanks, Deb, for directing me to God's Word, and making me think today!

Josh & Jason go "witnessing"