Shaken.

Rebuilding always costs

As I was driving today, I began reflecting upon life, my own and of my nation, America, as well as the conditions of the world around me. This is a regular routine I have of practicing gratitude in my life; it comes from organic growth, out of my heart’s overflow. I could be grumpy, but I choose to be grateful.

Today was about the shaking: in my own life, as well as those impacted by my circumstances. There have been times of “shaking”, the feeling of being unsettled, uncomfortable, and wondering what the ‘unknown’ would bring, and how life would unfold. This can cause anxiety, worry, fear and downright feeling scared, depending on how secure my foundation feels and how attentive I have been to the building, or rebuilding process. Obviously, I can parallel life’s journey with that of real estate, property, and the building or renovation undertakings we embark upon.

I see in my life, as well as in America, much has been shaken, on many levels, in many realms of authority: we are living in a time when even “faith” is being shaken apart. I recognize this process because I have been under a “deconstruction” and reconstruction or rebuilding of my own structure-life. Countless times I have looked at my own condition and saw rubble and ruins. I wondered how I could be rebuilt; was there something worth salvaging? If so, who would see the value enough to journey with me, get his/her hands dirty in the messes of my life, and tell me I can do it; tell me not to give up.

For me, there have been very few that have been entrusted with this great gift. I decided that I need to get my hands dirty before I can expect others to come alongside to do the hard work. Rebuilding always costs me something – an investment and perspective. If I do not have it to give, I found the safe person who does. The Lord provides what I need, even if His time takes much longer than I prefer. I didn’t begin life being a “strong person”, but quite the opposite. Strength comes as I rebuild.

We need each other, particularly in times and seasons when there is much preparation to be done; find the visionary, the one who discerns correctly, find the wise person among your friend crowd, hear the dreamers. At a time when the walls seem to be crumbling, debris is scattered about, and our lives or the nations appear to be in ruin, look up and look out, and do not forget to look within.

“God is within her; she will not fall.” Psalm 46:5