A while back I set a new goal to get out and walk everyday no matter the weather. That’s my physical goal. My spiritual goal is similar. I want to learn to be content in all circumstances. Really It’s the same as my physical goal: being content in all kinds of weather.
Nothing deflates us and stops us in our tracks more than looking at those grey skies so cynically. It’s easy to do.
To keep me motivated and ensure no excuses (for my physical goal) I bought myself a new umbrella and a pair of rain boots for the worst days. I can’t even remember ever owning rain boots as an adult. I don’t have a raincoat either, or anything rain repellent. This tells you how much time I’ve spent in the rain. I have avoided it. Not anymore! 😃 Now I can’t wait for it to rain so I can use my wonderful umbrella.
It’s supposedly windproof. However, it was windy the day I took this photo, and it tried to get away on me. I laughed. So it’s not 100% windproof. Apparently neither am I. Yes, laughing again.
Paul the Apostle wrote that he delighted in bad weather. That’s not a quote. This is definitely a paraphrase, but, really, bad weather is the metaphorical equivalent to delighting in weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that we suffer for Christ.
Paul delighted because Christ’s power is perfected in weakness. Bad weather forces us to depend on God for everything we need. This is also how we learn just how great that power is for us who believe. This was one of Paul’s prayers to the church at Ephesus, that they would be enlightened to that hope we have in Christ.
I don’t think Paul became a superhero of the faith overnight. I think he had to do a lot of walking with Jesus through all kinds of weather. He learned to be content. It takes prayer, some steps, trust, renewing our minds (studying scripture) and remaining in Christ Jesus, to actively grow.
So what should I do to keep me motivated for my spiritual goal? A new Bible? A devotional book? Any ideas?
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
Ephesians 5:8
And Jesus Said…
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
John 15:1-4
I so love your words, it does take time and patience. You might have heard this before… there is a lovely religious book shop in a beautiful town in Switzerland. I would walk past it everyday and stop. The next time I look in that shop window I would love to see a special book. That would make me smile. No waterproof coat, well that just won’t do if you ever came to Yorkshire. You might get a tad rusty….
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😀😀😀 Yes, I might have heard that before. I do need to get a rain coat. Just haven’t found the right one yet.
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Why can’t I get the image of Mary Poppins flying over the roofs with her umbrella, out of my mind.
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😀 I know, my umbrella has that effect doesn’t it?
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I had thought of Mary Poppins before seeing the comment above. You would make a wonderful Mary Poppins my daughter 🙂
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😊 Thanks dad. ❤
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You could make a video of yourself holding the umbrella singing Just A Spoonful of Sugar 🤗
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😀 I’m not sure I’m brave enough or have a good enough singing voice for that. You would be more likely to find me hiding under my umbrella or sitting on my steps enjoying the rain. Did that once. It was nice. Rain sounds so wonderful over an umbrella.
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Ah, I love both the umbrella, the analogy, and the Mary Poppins thoughts. As to your motivations, both are very worthy. I would say if you feel something new would encourage you, find that something that speaks to you. Perhaps a new journal to write your thoughts in as you study? ( And perhaps share with us as you feel inspired to. 😊)
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Thanks, Marisa. A new journal is a nice thought. Yes, I will continue to share my journey. 😊 Thanks for popping by and leaving kind words. ❤ Blessing to you.
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Thank you! You, too! ❤
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Tina, Loved the post and your cloud umbrella. I am a walker and walk in all kinds of weather – in the rain I walk a lot faster. I like the idea of a journal. I also sometimes just dwell on one word from scripture, and write or just “meditate” and see where the word leads me. Surprisingly it usually turns up to have meaning in my day. ☂
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Yes, I can understand why you might walk faster in the rain. 😆 That one word thing sounds like a nice idea. ☺
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I love the analogy Tina. I heard somewhere that there is no bad weather but just not the right clothes. So it is important we wear what we need to depending on the weather. So similarly you might need to change up what spurs you spiritually according to the “weather”. I like Marissa’s idea of a journal. Try a devotional or study that speaks into what you are feeling at a particular time.
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Thank you, Manu. Oh, yes, that reminds me of something my mentor once posted on Facebook after hearing a weather report. The weather man said, “Don’t dress for yesterday’s weather.” My mentor felt it made a great metaphor. I do too. Great suggestions. I shall pray and think.
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An Africans proverb roughly interpreted by me says that ” a man who waits for the perfect weather before doing something will get nothing done”. It’s rainy season in Nigeria too which means it rains almost everyday and I am always with an umbrella.
Like you, I made a decision this year not to be a fair weather believer. I want to be the babe who worships through the good and the bad ( I am usually the Sulker when things don’t go my way).
I enjoyed reading and your umbrella is beautiful.💕
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Awe, thank you Lade. Your comment made me smile. Proud of you. ❤
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