A Whole, Whole, Whole Lot of Dust (02/25/2025)

Last night, after all my scripture study friends left, I was tidying up a bit. I straightened the table runner, readjusted the kitchen table chairs, and was heading to the sofa to fluff pillows when I walked past my hutch. And suddenly, my eyes caught just a glimpse of the glass shelves holding my favorite Lenox pieces. And I stopped in my tracks. The shelves were coated in a whole, whole, whole lot of dust. Was someone hauling in dust? When did that happen? How did that happen? How many people have noticed and not told me?

It's a minor thing in this modern world full of major problems. But it hit me hard. How could I be so oblivious to what was clearly visible in a space I occupy and pass by frequently? Am I blind? Am I not paying attention? I bet you can imagine what the LORD and I spoke about last night before bed.

The LORD writes straight with crooked lines. I did dust the shelves. But as I dusted them, I began my evening conversation with the LORD early. Life has been a bit hectic of late and I am afraid I have not been as “present” as I should be to what is happening around me. What other things, truly important things, have I missed because I was “thinking ahead” or “re-writing history.”

Our journey is built on trust in the One who created us and called us into being. Our journey is forward, one step at a time, ever drawing closer to our loving and present LORD. While we want to remember the past because it is a clear message for us of the LORD’s ongoing and perpetual power and presence at work in our world and in us, we want to be present, in the moment, engaging lovingly and caringly others in our midst. And while we want to never lose sight of the finish line in this spiritual race, we want to be present to the demands of the moment, the needs of the moment, our needs as well as the needs of those around us because we recognize that we are not to come home alone – we are called to bring others with us – others we encounter along the Way.

And so, last evening, as I sat and pondered the day, I gave thanks for what has been, I asked or help with handling what will be, and I asked for the Spirit’s help in fully occupying what is – in being present, in being aware of what is going on around me, with me, and in me. And then I thanked the LORD for the dust on my shelf. I had to smile. I heard the words of Ash Wednesday in my head: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It was fitting He would call me back to Him, to attentiveness to my journey, with a little dust.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.