This Is My Father's World

December 31, 2023
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius 
As I look out the window, there is a tall stalk of switchgrass I’ve been watching.  Anchored to the ground, it bends and moves with the direction of a tiny breeze.  From laying almost flat to standing straight and tall, depending on the wind speed, I’m reminded that life is sometimes like that tall stalk of grass.
 
First of all, consider the root, the anchor.  What is the anchor in your life?  No matter the weather, this stalk of grass does not move from here to there.  It seems to be firmly planted where it is anchored.  So what occurrences in life seem to uproot you and make you move from here to there?  When adversity and storm come your way, do you stand your ground, or do you move to a place of calm?
 
As you think on that, let me help.  If your anchor is not in the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, life will push you around like a rolling tumbleweed.  The Lord wants us to be well anchored so we can not only persevere in the storms of life, but we can reach out and grab those rolling tumbleweeds and rescue them from an aimless existence.  
 
As I watch that blade of switch grass in the gentle breeze, my eye moves from the root to the stalk.  It moves ever so gently to and fro.  What a calm it brings to life.  Waving ever so beautifully to remind me of God’s certain assurance.  In today’s world of busyness, that stalk is a calming brush in the breeze.  I’m reminded of what I often say on a windy day as the trees move in rhythmic formation.  “God is walking in the treetops.”
 
The old, old hymn, “This is My Father’s World” shares my feeling.  “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.”
 
As you begin a new year, look for God wherever you are.  You just might be surprised by what you see.
 
God bless you all,
Pastor Allan
 
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