Colorado Rockies

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. I have been super busy over the last few days and I have been in an area where there wasn’t internet access.

So for today, you’ll be reading an older post. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Shorthand I

In high school, I majored in three areas. Business, home economics and music. I didn’t start taking music classes until my junior year, but took business courses and home economic courses throughout my four years.

Through the years I have used the skills I learned in those classes more than I could have imagined. From typing to child care (and everything in between) these were abilities that I would use day-to-day.

One of the elements I learned in my business courses was shorthand. We were dictated a letter and then we were to transcribe the letter by typing it. When complete, it was turned into the teacher and what was left of the period was free time.

I recall always being the first to be finished. I understood shorthand and rarely made mistakes while writing it down. I was a speedy typist. I could transcribe those letters very quickly. My grades reflected my skill. I received an A+ in Shorthand I (I know this because I have a copy of my high school transcripts in front of me).

Jump ahead 30+ years and I must admit my shorthand is a bit rusty. I haven’t used it in years. So imagine my surprise when I pulled out a steno pad and started writing. So much of what I learned came back to me. Oh I’m not nearly as fast as I once was…that will take practice…but the letters, the words, the motions seem natural to me.

There have been periods in my life when I’ve chosen to distance myself from God. Busyness, rebellion, even sin have helped with the process. For me, these times never lasted very long. I missed being within God’s protective arms too much to stay away.

Each time however, I recall a feeling of normalcy once I returned. The feeling of living within God’s will was very familiar and easy to embrace time after time. I may have been a bit rusty at first, but it wasn’t long before I was back into quiet time with God, Bible study and prayer.

When we look at the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) who left all the goodness of home to live in a foreign land. He experienced all the world had to offer and yet when he was at his lowest point, he realized what goodness he rejected.

Back in his father’s arms, he knew his mistakes were forgiven. His sense of normalcy had returned. He was once again living within the will of his father. I’m certain he felt unworthy and not-so-good at being a son again, but with the encouragement from his father, he was able to rejoin the family.

That is exactly how our heavenly Father reacts to repentance. Forgiveness, wrapped in loving arms, draws us closer to the Father. We rejoin our heavenly family through encouragement and it’s as if we’d never left.

I’m thankful for God’s grace. For His desire to have a relationship with me. For the love He abundantly lavishes upon me. For His ability to make me feel special and deserving when I know that I am not.

Perhaps you’ve taken a detour on your spiritual journey. If you have, remember the Father is waiting for your return. He is waiting with open arms to embrace and encourage you. He is so anxious to see you that He will meet you along the way. There’s no need to tarry. Simply return.

If you have no idea what it feels like to be in God’s arms, maybe it’s time you tried it. God’s grace is amazing. Talk to someone you know who is grace-filled. Let them lead you to the Father through Jesus. And if you have questions, I am eager to help.

Shorthand may or may not be part of my future. But what I do know is that I have a future with God. And He accepts me just as I am.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna