Simple Life Heartenings…the view from here!

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God, The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.” Psalm 19:1-4

The schedule of my life is often nothing short of chaotic. By being purposeful with my calendar, I am able to cherish carved moments in my quest for enjoying the simple things in my life. The limitations in the hours in a day at home are often complicated by the things that are equally as important.

Not unlike your lives, normalcy is found in juggling the balls related to our lives’ calling, our spouse. family, friendships, personal care, spiritual things, housework (ugh), meals, etc…..and the things that we love the most….gardening, a ride on the Harley, snuggle time on the couch and watching a movie together on a Saturday night, watching the sunset from our front porch….name yours….after all the lists are filled in, there is no energy left even IF we had the time.

And, when we finally get it right, you know, strike the balance, God cocoons you in the grandness of His love. And we are reminded of the simple daily moments that make our hearts complete.

The dates required by our ministry were filled in on the calendar in the Fall of 2011 as soon as our 2012 NASCAR schedule was set. Birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, other important dates, including the due date of March 2 for our first grandchild to arrive, etc…

Rejoicing, on February 28,2012 our grandson, Mason Blake Fannin was born. We missed our first Daytona 500 race in 11 years. In May, Monty’s mom, Bobbie would turn 80 years old. The party was beautiful, She was honored by sharing the night with 100 of her closest friends. On July 17, MRO and the women’s ministry would host 200 ladies at the annual Summer Caution, a pause with a cause event….a night to honor and donate supplies to Bright Blessings, a local non-profit that provides birthday gifts and parties for homeless children in the greater Charlotte, NC area.

And sandwiched between the next race and this event was the opportunity for Monty and I to slip away for a couple of days and have a little Christmas in July. I gave Monty the gift of a hot air balloon ride in Asheville, NC for the both of us. July 18, 2012, we were excited to run away for a few moments of alone time. While exhausted, we were fueled by the excitement of this Bucket List adventure.

It was everything that you might imagine and more. We were cleared to take off, and the excitement began. A scurry of men and women operated with such fervor that they looked like mice scurrying to beat out the others for a piece of cheese. With each movement, the majesty of the beautifully crafted basket and the magnitude of a 90 foot tall balloon was overwhelming.

Within moments of full inflation, we would board with the other 5 men and women and the pilot for an hour of sheer bliss. Not being a fan of heights, I wondered what I might feel. Would the basket hold, will I fall out, just how close are you to the flame required to fill such a large balloon, etc….Fill in your own questions.

As the balloon rose above the other balloon traveling that day as well, I was immediately transfixed by the beauty and majesty of Mount Pisgah. Interestingly, I have just been reading through Deuteronomy and thought back to Moses. Mount Pisgah (Mount Nebo) is the mountain in the Bible from which Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time. Mount Pisgah is where the LORD instructed Moses to go up into the top of Pisgah. Moses was to lift up his eyes westward, northward, southward, and eastward and look but Moses was not to go over Jordan. Mount Nebo (Mount Pisgah) is where Moses was given the view of the Promised Land, from the top of Mount Pisgah. After seeing the land promised by the LORD GOD, Moses died.

I thought of all the work that God did through the life of Moses. He stood on that mountain, saw the Promised Land and yet he would never enter. Deuteronomy 34 says that “No prophet has risen since in Israel like Moses.” And God buried him in the valley.

The pilot of our balloon was asked where will we go? End up? Land? Her reply. Wherever the wind takes us. And it would prove true.

There is no place that I have ever experienced such calm. Such peace. Such stillness. Such grandeur. Even in the winds that carried us.

So I say….from my view.

God is a mighty rushing wind. He leads. He wills. He is consistent and sure. He guides and directs us as we quiet our spirits in order to hear Him. As believers, we are dependent on the direction of the Holy Spirit.

He speaks quietly, reverently, boldly and with great majesty. As did our balloon respond to its complete direction.

Obstacles are allowed. We were on course with a seemingly sure landing site, only to have our basket drag across the treetops. Immediately changing our course. The balloon’s pilot maneuvering its controls to make the slightest changes necessary to regain perspective and control. Not unlike our lives when our course direction has been changed by circumstances beyond our control.Faltering at the controls can prove tragic.

Sometimes God allows us a place on higher ground to find perspective just like God gave to Moses. I am reminded to trust Him even more and be thankful because I do not always get to see a higher view when I find myself battling in the trenches. Tough stuff….want to know the will of God for your life? “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Landing is only one part in the journey of many. No two will be the same. We learn to navigate, defer to His power, and grow from the bumps along the way that lead to learning. With each adventure, our trust in Him grows. His purpose in our lives is His number one objective. Growing in Christ-likeness in order to bring honor and glory to His Name. We were created by Him, for Him.

Thanks for reminding us Lord that there are consequences when we fail to see YOUR perspective. Help us to I find our rest in Your faithfulness along the way. Whether a textbook landing or one that could have looked a little better, each moment teaches us to be more attentive to YOUR way.

Thankfully….You are still God…..despite my best and my worst.

We go through the process of faithfulness by studying His Word and using it in the hopes of being a vessel worthy of use by and for our maker. We operate time and time again and get better at this faith living life. We are allowed Mount Pisgah moments sometimes but not always. Yet, we trust Him when we cannot see the forest for the trees. And we practice, grow, are challenged, see victory, cry, try to sometimes fail.

And above all, we must declare His goodness through the generations and pass it on…..

Where are the winds of God blowing in your life friend? Will we be found faithful to the glory of God as was Moses? The answers do not lie in my perspective but in Him alone….

Finding joy in my simple life……Pray that you are too!!

You are loved!!

Melanie