Summer Time Closure

So as life goes, another season is coming to an end and another beginning is then just around the corner.
With the end of August comes my friend Tracy's birthday on the 30th. She used to brag for 30 days that she was 2 years older than myself when we were younger. Since we met when I was 19 and she was 20, two years older seemed like it should mean something important. Now however, I don't hear those tauntings for an entire month. So now I guess I can begin with the phrases about being almost 2 years younger than she is. She will reach 40 before I will. I will stay 35 for one more month. Why do we keep so close track of time and timing of things?
Cole on the other hand was asking if Spencer was 3 1/2 yet. No, Spencer just turned on July 30th. Cole on the other hand is almost 5 1/2, which in little people timing is very important.
So Cole is off to kindergarten and Spencer to preschool. School clothes are bought. Backpacks are ready.
Time. Time is defined in a lot of different ways but usually with I'm out of time, There is no time.
So I am trying to create time spaces to hold onto some of those precious moments with my husband, my boys, my family, my friends.
The weather is changing, the days and evenings are cooler. We are anticipating the changing of the colors of the leaves of the trees and the Saturday football games that we will gather around the tv to watch or trek over the mountain to watch at Autzen.
Fall is my favorite month. It is Cole's too. For different reasons. Mine is for memories from childhood of jumping in piles of huge oak leaves when I was 3. Waiting for the bus on cool crisp mornings. Spending time with my family on Sunday afternoons.
Cole is building his own favorite memories. Right now the Oregon Ducks and Autzen Stadium are favorite and important fall things.
So onward we go. And as Cole would say, "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall." That's what he thinks God says to the seasons when it's the next seasons turn.

Do You Recognize God through only a Few People?

I was told I needed to write again. So I was reading an article on "Is Your Christ Too Small?" It challenged me in a new way. A realization that I often have a limited view of God based on the aspect of humanity that I choose to see in people rather than the God that is being revealed to me through them. What is God trying to teach me about Him through those that come within my path in life. Often times I focus on the aspects of their human character, or the rough edges, that are still in the process of refinement and attempt in my own strength to not be offended, show great patience, or grit my teeth under my closed lips so that I do not say something that I will regret. Throughout this struggle, my eyes become clouded to that which God is trying to reveal to me about His character and instead become ultra-focused on that which has not been perfected. Which ironically illuminates those areas that are not yet refined in my own character.

If we are being transformed into the likeness Jesus then there are a few things we must keep in mind. One is to know Jesus as he walked and interacted as a human. The other is to know him through the leading and transforming process that is a result of yielding to His Spirit within. How do we do that? I do know that this will be an ever changing process for most. One way will be suffice for a while and just when we become comfortable with a static way of knowing God, He will change the way. One constant way is through the word and through taking the time to seek Him through some method of communication. Still your heart and seek God. Meditate on a promise of who God is or who God says we are and see what is revealed. Most people make this too hard, too formulaic. Most children I know have an easier time talking with God, experiencing Him tangibly. For one of my children, I believe his faith continues to grow because he doesn't expect God not to show up. He doesn't expect God to speak to him.
So as a reminder, expect God to show up if you truly seek Him and want truth in your life. Pray that God will reveal Himself in all those orchestrated on our path of life. Don't focus on the human flawed characteristics that will undoubtedly be found if we focus on them. Focus on recognizing God in everyone you come alongside throughout your days.