BOX OF ROCKS

**For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of Spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Benny and I got away for a few days to celebrate our anniversary and carve out some time for rest and renewal.   On these trips, we truly try (I’m not intending to lie here) to relax.  We don’t have an agenda and do our best to slow down, but the most important thing we accomplish is to “just be.”  We might take a walk or ride bikes, but that is pretty much the extent of our activity.  When we enter the camper, we know we can slow down and take it easy.  Our minds and bodies let down and our Spirits relax a little.  I sleep harder in the RV than anywhere because I have nothing to do and nowhere to go.    In fact, on the third day, I never got out of my pajamas.

Benny and I have a tradition of trying to find rocks in the shape of hearts for each other.  So, while walking the trail each morning, I kept my eyes on the ground, looking for that “special” heart-shaped gem.  

I had another reason for collecting them on this trip, so I gathered rocks daily.   Each day I found rocks on the trail that fit the description in my head I hadn’t noticed previously.  I could walk that path for a month and still have more rocks to collect.  In fact, I ended up filling a small box with these valuable treasures.

When I sent the picture of my collection to a friend who will be involved in my project, she sent back, “I see angels in this collection.”   We both had the exact same picture in front of us, but she saw different potential than I did.  I had several projects in mind, but none included angels.   She perceived a totally different use for the box of rocks than I did. 

Both of us saw the same rocks, these ordinary pieces of gravel sparked different ideas in each of our imaginations.

God’s Word is like my new-found collection. 

I walked the path multiple times and found rocks I’d not noticed before.  Many times, we can read the same Scriptures and think, “Wow, never saw that before.”  

Others may also read the exact same passage we do (even at the same time) and see or hear something totally different than we do.  I do a daily devo in a small group.  It is amazing each day how we read the same thing together, and we each highlight or share something unique to the situation we are facing.  That is God’s Word being alive and active.  It will speak to us if we pay attention.  Our takeaway will normally vary from what others take notice of because all our walks are not the same. 

How many times have you read a Scripture, heard a song, read a devo, seen a post, or gotten something from a friend that sent us EXACTLY what you needed in that moment?  It happens all the time because His Word is ALIVE AND ACTIVE.  It is not stagnant and old-school.  It is as useful today as it was when it was written. 

**“As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void.”  Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV

— The word void means “empty.” The remainder of verse 11 explains what it means to “not return void,” saying that God’s Word “will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  — gotquestions.org

God’s Word is alive and active, period.  It will not return to Him without accomplishing its purpose, whether that be through us or someone else.   His efforts are not in vain, and His instructions are not empty words on a page.  When we apply His Word in our lives, we are planting, watering, or gathering what is His idea to begin with. 

His Word not only reminds us we are loved, brings peace and comfort, convicts our hearts, restores our purpose, heals our wounds, and leads, guides, and directs our steps in situations we are dealing with at the moment.  These are only a few ways it actively ministers to us.    

I have an end goal in mind for the rocks I gathered, but I am always open to suggestions God or others may have.  Whether they end up being angels or other projects I have in my imagination (or someone else’s) in the future, they will be used, and my efforts will be rewarded.  

LORD God, I am so thankful You still speak today through Words written in the beginning.  I thank You for the men who took the time and effort to scribe what You impressed upon them so that my soul and mind can receive instructions when I am lacking wisdom.  Thank You for all the ways Your Word seeks me out.  Give me the desire to listen and follow where it leads, even when obeying is hard.  Help me collect and memorize Scripture as I so willingly gathered rocks.  Bring those verses to mind when I need them.  Thank You for all the “kisses from the King” You shower me with daily.  Allow me to see them for what they are and be grateful.  I also ask that You bless the efforts of my hands and mind as I move forward using these rocks.  May my end result glorify You and You alone.  Make my treasures into Your treasures.  Allow me to truly hear Your Word speak and obey. In Your holy and precious name, amen.

**I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.  Job 42:2

WORD OF GOD SPEAK

P.S.  If you look closer at the middle of the picture, there is a smaller heart-shaped rock (from the last trip) sitting on a larger heart-shaped rock (from this trip).  And the last morning, I was able to hunt angel wings.  :0)

P.S.S.  Benny asked me to add a tiny bit more.  When we were looking at getting a camper the first time, his mom recommended the movie “Long, Long, Trailer” with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.  It is about a couple buying a camper to pull and all their adventures.  She decided to collect rocks from her trips, too, but they were not little rocks like mine.  It is quite an ordeal.  So, Benny took to calling me “Lucy” on this trip.  :0)  LOL