Solitude

Solitude... man was meant to experience solitude. Time when you get away from everything that brings noise and demands attention. Solitude allows us to see and hear more clearly what God is doing in our lives. Solitude allows us to sense His peace when chaos and confusion swarms around us. Solitude puts us in a place to be reminded of what life is really all about, what things matter most. Solitude can also be a scary thought bringing up emotions of isolation or abandonment; fears that can paralyze us. The irony is that solitude allows us the best opportunity to see and understand that the last thing that we are is alone or abandoned. Solitude creates the time and space where God Himself shows just how real He is. It is the place where He becomes bigger than life itself restoring to us a confidence and hope that is stronger and more powerful than the challenges we may be facing. Solitude is the place where the journey of real life, knowing Him, is established and embarked upon. Solitude is a doorway whereby we step into the realities of our day, God by our side, looking forward to the challenges and unexpected events knowing they are simply the moments where God will again show Himself to be real.

The Chase

We are all watching it unfold, down to the last race of the year in Homestead. It began with over 50 drivers pursuing their dream of a championship. Now it is down to two. A year of excitement for 12 who made the chase finals. A year of frustration for many others. One will stand on stage in NY and receive the prize. All others are looking towards the future. Every emotion imaginable has been felt and experienced by these drivers in the NASCAR racing community. Frustration, disappointment, fear, excitement, anticipation, joy. The spectrum has been covered. Through it all what can not be lost is hope. Hope for today as well as hope for tomorrow.

It is amazing thought to me that we are all a part of "The Chase" of life. You may be thinking "yea, we are all chasing our dreams", but that is not what I am referring too. The Chase I am referring to is The Chase (or the pursuit if you prefer) of each of us individually by a loving God. You see, long before the the pursuit for the Sprint Cup began, God has been pursuing a relationship with each of us. Through highs and lows He continues His pursuit of each of us, even when we feel like giving up, calling it a day. Through our bad decisions, and high moments of life He consistently pursues us, longing for us to really know He is real and His love for us, which is beyond our abilities to fully understand, is a gift He longs for each of us to enjoy. Here in lies a hope for today, and tomorrow, which anchors my soul. it is nice to be pursued... I think I will do the same for Him.