There is something so comforting about wading through a gentle carpet of leaves. Does that sound odd? Well, maybe so, but what can I say? I love God's carpet! That quiet rustling sound as you slide through...the softness on the foot...the perfume of fall's earthy scent. The leaves form a pathway for autumn's goodbye kiss.
I'm sure some folks see the leaves and think "Ugh--raking." That's what I should be envisioning, I'm sure...but I don't! Instead, I'm choosing to rejoice in God's blanketing of leaves on our driveway. Maybe tomorrow we can blow them or rake them...or maybe not. But for now, let's indulge in the last beautiful vestiges of one of God's finest seasons. Let's jut walk on those leaves and choose gratitude for their beauty rather than grumbling for their messiness.
And while we're on the subject of thanking versus complaining...I wanted to add the "why" Paul gives us behind God's admonition not to grumble and complain. If I don't remember today, I'll likely forget all about it, so here goes--
After telling us to "Do all things without grumbling or questioning"(Phil.2:14), Paul goes on in verses 15-16 to explain the reason--“that you may become blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of life...” What a promise! If believers would stop complaining, we’d start shining! The world is filled to overflowing with grumbling people who are never satisfied and are quick to complain, dispute, and fuss. If we would simply choose to cease griping, of course we’d stand out like sparkling stars in inky black sky! We don’t need more bumper stickers or buttons or banners proclaiming we are Christians. We need more believers who shine like stars in a dark world, because they’re living out the truth of what they believe by refusing to grumble and instead choosing to give thanks!
The world complains, but the Christian rejoices, because her joy is in Christ. Society is twisted and distorted, but the Christian stands straight because she measures her life by God’s Word. The world is dark, but the Christian shines, because she carries the Light of Christ within her. The world has nothing to offer, but the Christian, Paul tells us, holds forth the Word of Life!
O might we shine for Christ this day, because we refuse to go along with the culture's penchant for griping about everything and fussing about any perceived denial of our rights and preferences.
O Lord, keep us counting our blessings rather than calculating our burdens. One leads to piercing the darkness and the other simply adds to it. Help us to shine like stars for You, Father. For You are glorious. To God be the glory.
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