The Burning Bush – that is what the new photo above is called. It is Fall where I live and it is one of our most beautiful seasons. I say, “one of our most beautiful seasons” because I live in Central New York State and each of the four seasons has great beauty. It is my joy to enjoy them. If I drive south, I am in mountains, if I drive north, I am beside a lake, or two or three, etc… Beauty surrounds me. My home is in a deep valley where the snow covers deeply during the winter season. What beauty continually surrounds us!
I read how many decry my state, New York, because of the liberal political views held here by many. One author a few years ago even intimated that all of us who are not so liberally minded, move from such a place. I was disturbed by such thoughts. You see, my husband and I were sent here by the Lord Himself many, many years ago. Our instructions and anticipations were that we would make the Northeast our home and be His where he sent us. We have done that.
Actually, when I first moved to the Northeast, I found my people. I don’t quite know another way to say it. I was born in Oklahoma and raised mainly in Texas – yet I somehow never fit. I think the Lord, in His kindness and goodness, had me designed so I would feel at home here and not there. I have found Vermonters and New Yorkers to be friendly, courteous, kind, and genuine. I realize not everyone anywhere would fit in those descriptions, but I have lived in the Northeast for over 58 years and have found the ordinary folk like me, very real.
I am convinced that our normal perceptions of people are many times based on what we have heard or read regarding the experiences of others. These folk are as open to the true gospel of Jesus Christ as any I have know. Many of them have taught me much of His love and His ways. So let’s be careful how we perceive others. In the true gospel, people are allowed to be who they are as they seek to magnify our King. Oh His character and imprint is still the same, holiness, truthfulness, righteousness, peace, joy, etc…. but essentially people are people. We are called to love others as He as loved us. Let’s live so.
Thank you Lord, for the love you have given us, and for the beautiful earth you have allowed me to see and live upon. May we in joy bless you in all we do – especially the words of our mouths and our keyboards.
Mannaword 