Fresh

My camping days are well over!  The idea now of putting up a tent and sleeping on a ground that has definitely gotten harder over the years, is not my idea of a vacation anymore.  However, I will add that my husband and I can recall wonderful stories about all our camping adventures.  One such story entailed trailering our small boat down to Virginia, to a camping resort along the Chesapeake Bay.  We were joined by our favorite neighbors and their two children.  We set up camp on our assigned site, pitched our tents and made plans to take the boat out for some good old-fashioned fishing the next day.  Since my husband and I were not fishing experts by any means, our neighbor was prepared with all the necessary rods and reels (and bait).  We had a great day on the water; and although we didn’t end up with a massive catch like the disciples, we were able to procure some acceptable fresh fish to make for our dinner at the campsite that evening.  With the proper fish stations provided, our friend proceeded to prepare our catch by showing us how to do the descaling and filleting.  Let me tell you, as we cooked our fresh fish over the open fire and took that first bite, there wasn’t anything (at that moment) that tasted better.  Plus, the fact that we enjoyed a wonderful evening with some great friends!  Fish – fresh, right out of the Bay.  When it comes to fresh, you might have an image of your own, like the smell of freshly baked bread right out of oven, or even the smell of a freshly cut lawn.  These things can awaken our senses, feed our souls, and always bring a smile of satisfaction to our faces.  But for many of us (myself included) we don’t always listen to the many familiar scripture stories with a fresh perspective.  Many times, when I come upon that same old scripture, I immediately think, “Oh, I know that story and have read it so many times.  I know what happens.”  But what I rob myself of is what Jesus wants me to get out of those Holy words at that precise moment.  Maybe something is going on in our life that those life-giving words either teach us a lesson, brighten our day, or help us look at our situation just a little differently.  Even writing down these words at this moment has opened my eyes and given me a fresh perspective that I should take the time to purposely read that scripture and pray quietly about what He wants me to hear – this time – at this precise moment.  So, as you’re dreaming of the smell of that loaf of freshly baked bread that you just pulled out of the oven, let’s both remember to always keep the freshness of God’s message forefront when reading His holy words.  We may be truly surprised by what we may learn from a story we’ve read hundreds of times.  Amen!

“…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  Ephesians 4:23-24