Discovery

Discovery

Grandlady Abi has always been scared of bugs. She would scream, cry and run away from the sight of a creepy crawly or a buzzing bomber. Lately, however, she has surprised us all with her fascination for all kinds of crawling bugs. Rolly pollys and centipedes are hunted down and collected by hand into containers. She watches them with a studious gaze and reports in great detail to any listening ear. Though Abi has always loved animals, this new discovery of the smallest of God’s creatures is amazing to watch. She is learning about herself and about the wonders of insect life.

Eugene Cernan was the astronaut chosen to leave the last footprint on the surface of the moon. I watched a documentary about him that unraveled the story of his journey through the space program and beyond, but it also told the personal side of life. The movie was informative and moving. He grew from a simple farm boy, to fighter pilot, to an astronaut, to only one of twelve men to walk on the moon.

The last trip to the moon was a mission to bring back moon rocks and explore as much of the landscape as possible via the Lunar Rover. The video from that day of discovery was so much fun to watch! “Gene” Cernan was having a great time on the moon. It seemed as if he frolicked and played while attending to his duties. He saw the handiwork of God and was amazed. I was having fun watching him. As he approached the LEM to leave the moon, he stopped to write his daughter’s initials in the moon dust. It would still be a long journey for him to learn about himself and the wonders of our world.

Exploration and discovery are the themes of these two stories. Each was learning and discovering things in a new way. In the same way, I was discovering something about God. I could sense His delight as He watched His children uncover the mysteries of the world He created just for us! He was watching Abi and “Gene” immersing themselves in the pleasure of the moment and I am sure He smiled!
I know that there is much more to discover. What can I uncover today about God? Myself? Creation? The list can go on for eternity! Yes, I think I will need a place where there is no end where my spirit, soul and body can experience the glory of the Lord!

Good Father, You are timeless and endless in discovery! I have too often remained in my shell where I feel safe. Forgive me for not looking far where I can be enticed to search for more of You! Thank You for making the world a place of amazing lessons. I want to be an explorer who reaches far beyond myself and touches you! Amen.

Proverbs Twenty

Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.


I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.

Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.

I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!

God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.

Discovery

Two nights ago I stayed up late to watch the shuttle go off into space. Nighttime launches are spectacular and this was no exception.

As the TV announcer spoke, I watched the clock tick down to the final seconds. At the 30 second mark I hurried outside just in time to see the eastern sky begin to light up. When the rockets are lit the sky brightens like the beginning of a sunrise. Suddenly a ball of fire lifts into the sky! It is thrilling to see it so clearly from my front yard! I watched until the boosters fell off, and the shuttle pushed its way into space looking like a new star in the night. Discovery was off! It was worth the loss of sleep. It provided a simple pleasure of human accomplishment.

I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for the safe lift off, and then added a petition for their safe return. My mind took flight in the wonder of our ability to make this happen! Just as quickly I was awed to hear God speak to my heart that He set in place every scientific, mathematic and physics principle that allowed us to reach for the stars! He designed our world and us for discovery!

God Almighty, Creator of all things, You are wonderful! You amaze me with how you really did make us in Your image! This is the day I am amazed that You are a God of discovery and You invite us into the far reaches of Your universe to know You better! Thank You for this wonderful gift. May I use it with wisdom and truth.