Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Friday, October 12, 2012

My Simple To-Do List.










"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” 

 My simple to-do list: 
  • Count my blessings.
    The blessings of my children, my wife and the beautiful life we share are more than enough.
  • Practice kindness.
    I will always give the best of me.
  • Let go of what I can’t control.
    It’s not me. I surrender. Take me as I am, wherever I am, and I will follow.
  • Share my heart.
    I will share my heart, and trust that others will respect it and cherish it as much as I do.
  • Be productive, yet calm.
    There is a reason, and a purpose, behind every setback and disappointment.
  • Just breathe.
    Every moment is precious. I want to cherish each one.
Sometimes the simple path to a simple to-do list begins with getting smacked with a dose of reality, and then rather than responding with anger, chose to make a new to-do list that is simpler and sounds more like you.

The smack was just what I needed. My new, simpler to-do list gives me the opportunity to check off the right items – the ones that sound like me:

Being Love – Check
Finding Hope – Check
Showing Kindness – Check
Remaining Faithful – Check
Letting Go – Check
Enjoying the Moment – Check

The list may be just words written on paper, but each word has the ability to end the drought and fill the well with happiness.
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