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<\/a>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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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).<\/p>\n
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Jump ahead 30+ years and I must admit my shorthand is a bit rusty. I haven\u2019t 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\u2019m not nearly as fast as I once was\u2026that will take practice\u2026but the letters, the words, the motions seem natural to me.<\/p>\n
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There have been periods in my life when I\u2019ve 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\u2019s protective arms too much to stay away.<\/p>\n
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Each time however, I recall a feeling of normalcy once I returned. The feeling of living within God\u2019s will was very familiar and easy to embrace time after time. I may have been a bit rusty at first, but it wasn\u2019t long before I was back into quiet time with God, Bible study and prayer.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Back in his father\u2019s 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\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s as if we\u2019d never left.<\/p>\n
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I\u2019m thankful for God\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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Perhaps you\u2019ve 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\u2019s no need to tarry. Simply return.<\/p>\n
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If you have no idea what it feels like to be in God\u2019s arms, maybe it\u2019s time you tried it. God\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
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Donna<\/p>\n
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