differing dynamics

 Friday, January 10, 2025 (5:02 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I didn’t think I was ready to be awake yet. Thank You for having me just put one foot in front of the other. That was all.

Go ahead and wander. Look around. Take my time. There’s no hurry. And here I sit. Mostly upright. A bit reclined. Coffee drink in hand. Wondering what happens next.

More thank Yous. A fairly easily identified song. Jeremy Camp’s ♪Getting Started♪ Jumbled thoughts. Each wanting centerstage in my mind.

Father God, I’m asking (Matthew 7:7a) You to lead and guide my thoughts, words, actions and all that makes me who I am. I want to serve and represent You well.

Differing dynamics

Deep breaths and baby steps

Contemplation - a loving and grateful gazing upon God and His mighty acts, reflecting the savoring and enjoyment of God, Knowing God cognitively in our heads and affectively in our hearts

Psalm 28:9, 34:8

Isaiah 49:16

(5:59 a.m.)

Again You amaze and delight me Lord. I truly thought I was coming to speak with You concerning the differing dynamics I experience regularly with family members. Instead You personalized my seeking and finding (Matthew 7:7b).

Reading a C.S. Lewis Institute e-article about the dynamics of Christian experience, I realize I am feeling excited and confused all at the same time. Using a fairly new to me phrase, there is so much to unpack here.

Just as a side joke between You and me… given the current state of the household, unpacking is both figurative and literal!

I'm reminded in this reading that I am not to focus solely on the amazing experiences I encounter with You. More importantly I am to seek to know and love You more fully.

(6:28 a.m.)

Thank You that in this realization I immediately starting singing ♪I’m fully KNOWN and loved by You♪ Thank You Father.

There are differing dynamics all around me. The most important is the one between You and me.

I want to glorify and enjoy You. Rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24b). Serve You with joy and gladness (Deuteronomy 28:47).

(8:17 a.m.)

And I’m back. With one more example of differing dynamics. A once soured relationship between two siblings completely overhauled by You. And Your Word of Truth and promises.

One sister believing she knew oh so much more than her older brother. Thank You Father for the intense blowup in our driveway that particular day. Shouted profanities. Two much loved children witness to it all. Each of them shocked and saddened by the immaturity taking place before them. A storming off. A slammed door. And ultimately the Truth of Your Word prompting a notecard seeking forgiveness.

It is YOUR presence in both of our lives that has led to our treasured relationship these two decades later. Thank You, thank You Lord.

The change in our differing dynamics first began all those years ago by the reading of the apostle Paul’s words to the believers in Philippi. Read then and now in The Message.

How profoundly I still remember the gut-punch I experienced by the convicting of Paul’s words. “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately…”

Talk about an “Aha!” moment! As VERY much as I loved my brother, I knew right then I did NOT love him well! 

Thank You for granting me the courage to admit my wrongs in our relationship and to actively seek his forgiveness. Thank You for his willingness to forgive. And the years we’ve spent practicing listening to and accepting one another. As we are.

It’s all You Father. Start to finish.

Be glorified. Use me as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(636 words ~8:39 a.m.)