My Coat Tree (04/25/2024)

It may say April 25th on my fridge calendar, but my coat tree is full of options because lately my morning porch time has been anywhere from the 20s to the 60s. A girl needs to be prepared for the elements. This morning, it was in the 20s when I unlocked the porch door and stepped out. This morning, I chose the heavy, faux fur lined suede coat that looks like it came from the Siberian collection. But I was cozy. In life, one needs to be prepared.

When I do sit down and open myself to the LORD’s presence and begin my conversation, my prayer, I don’t want to be distracted by how cold I feel. I don’t want the temperature to determine how long I will stay. And so, every morning, I pour my coffee, check my phone for the current temp, and select my coat of choice most appropriate for that day.

This early morning “adjustment” has taught me a great deal about how I am to handle my whole day. Be aware. Be present. Be willing to adapt to the needs of the moment. Be open to what the LORD brings even if it’s not what I ordered or desired. I’ve learned that my coat tree is symbolic. It reminds me of our human tendency to talk ourselves out of things we need to do, we should do, because of circumstances such as weather. There was a time in my life when a 20-degree temp might have given me pause or even completely deterred me from taking my prayer time. I must admit, the LORD was persistent and showed me over time that I had to be vigilant, I had to persevere even when it wasn’t totally convenient or comfortable.

I’ve learned a lot about my ability to rationalize not doing what I’m called to do. I wonder, at times, if others struggle as I do with staying on the path. I wonder if others find reasons for not doing their daily time in prayer. Or do others see needs around them and wish others would deal with it? Or are they struggling, as I am, with realizing the LORD lets us see this because the LORD’s given us the ability and gifts to respond?

There are so many reasons why we could opt out of living our discipleship. But then I remember the reason we must resist these urges. “Without me you can do nothing.” Jesus was pretty adamant about that.

The LORD created each of us and invested in us the gifts unique to us for the unique life we would live. Somehow, all we have been given will be called into use. But we must be there.  We must be present. We must be willing to adapt to the needs of the moment. We must be open to what the LORD brings to us even if it’s not what we ordered or desired. We must be able to discern the LORD’s will in the moment and act accordingly.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.