Parable of a trail

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matt 13:32)

I am a warrior. 
Dancing in the rain of a sweeping storm. 
The weight, the soaking waters
strengthens my roots as they grow deeper in Him.
Its winds make my hips and arms sway back and forth,
around, up and down.
I lift up my voice,  HALLELUJAH
and dance on the feet of my Savior.  Father.  Friend.  Teacher.
With each gust pressing onto me, pushing me along in the way
You will have me to go.
I am learning I am who you say I am as my mustard seed continues to grow.

I created this drawing and poetry[1] back in February 2024 and found it so fitting to my current pressing and crushing situations where I have afforded another opportunity to practice meekness: submitting to God’s control over my life. Even though I have prayed and continue to pray, “Lord, help me to stay aligned with your plans for my life,” my compulsive behaviors often lead me on a path of discombobulation while pursuing the things I believe He wills me to do. I am most successful in achieving God’s order of things when I implement a sequence of three simple steps: 1) invite the Lord to co-create or labor with me; 2) listen and look for his responses; and 3) work while communing with Him.

Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth. (Matt 5:5 AMP)

I often find that when communication, systems, and processes become unnecessarily convoluted and awkward, and I’m struggling to “fix it,” that’s a red flag to help me realize that I’ve made my way onto another side-winding path—taking me off the course of God’s predestined designation. Thank the Lord, He is also my Shepherd.

Have you ever found yourself, during moments of introspection, shaking your head about the choices you’ve made while recounting the many times He has tried to prevent you from going down the wrong path? It is in those moments when I struggle to recall the details of why I feel so crumbled that my spirit reminds me of "that time." That time, I didn't forgive. That time, I spoke or thought ill words about someone. That time, I fed my pride. That time, I didn't listen. In other words, I gave Satan a foothold, and "that time" always jacks me up. Nevertheless, God is my comfort and my loving Father.

Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]. (Eph 4: 26-27 AMP)

Thank God for repentance: turning away [from the path of] sin and walking [on the path] of His mercy, grace, and love.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, and put devious lips far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage] and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity]. Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, and all your ways will be steadfast and sure. Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk]; turn your foot from [the path of] evil. (Pvb 4:23-27)

[1] Page 1 of the drawing is displayed. Page 2 of the drawing is that of a mountain with water gushing out the side, a valley with arrows pointing the way to go, and the lower trunk of the tree from page 1 exposed roots. Drawing created 2/10/24.