đđ«đ€ Christâs peace and presence be with you. I spent last Thursday through Sunday experiencing new and different adventures in downtown Cincinnati, OH with my mom and two sisters. My oldest sister picked a fabulous hotel that placed us within walking distance of the majority of our planned activities. I very much enjoy getting to know an area by foot. There is so much that is missed when you have to concentrate on driving. Along with our planned outings, we also had some planned down time just hanging out at the hotel. Who knew that doing the daily USA Today crossword puzzle could bring so much laughter and late nights?
We enjoyed the Van Gough Immersion experience, a B & B Riverboat cruise, the Underground Railroad Museum, Khronâs Conservatory, and a Cincinnati Reds game, but there was one experience on our list that gave me the greatest feeling of family and brought me back to my childhood. Sunday morning we walked to St. Francis Xavier church and prayed the Mass together. I do enjoy walking to Mass. It just seems to allow a degree of peace before walking into church. I donât get to experience it very often, but having Mass outside in nature is my favorite.
After Sunday morning Mass, we walked back to the hotel to checkout and head off to our next adventure. When we arrived at our room, I went to get my checkbook so I could pay my sister for the weekend, but couldnât find my checkbook. I knew exactly where I put it, but I couldnât find it. I emptied everything out of my bags twice. I then turned the lights on hoping it would help me see things a little better, but I still didnât find it. My Mom also looked, but still nothing. I called Brian to see if maybe I actually left it at home, but he couldnât find it there either. At that point we considered it gone and were heading down to the lobby to file a report.
When we arrived in the lobby, my sisters were already there waiting for us. We informed them that we couldnât find it and my sister suggested taking one more look. I told her, âI know exactly were I put it. Right here behind my flip flops.â And as I pulled my flip flops out, there it was. Both Mom and I were like, âWe pulled every thing out of there and even felt down there, but couldnât find it.â
So, what made the difference? In the room, my first couple searches were with just a little sun shining in the room, with my back to the windows and my body blocking the light from my bags. The next two searches were in the same room, but with the addition of a couple dimly lit table lamps on. The lobby on the other hand had an entry that was a wall of windows and a partial glass ceiling, which allowed so much natural light in. I placed my bags in a chair that placed them closest to the window, so my body wasnât blocking the light. It was amazing how clearly and quickly I was able to find what I was looking for. I thought, âWow, I canât believe I couldnât see that before.â
In that moment, God reminded me that from time to time we create our own blindness by blocking the Light of Christ from illuminating our lives. All I have to do is put His light ahead of me, not behind me. How much more do you find when your open your Bible, allow the light in, and are able to read His word, as opposed to a closed Bible with no words to be read? How much more can a song lighten your spirit and lift you up when itâs playing, as opposed to when itâs silent? How much closer will prayers prayed and conversations with the Lord bring you into a deeper relationship with Him, as opposed to never saying a word to Him? Yes, being in the light is a choice. When searching for my checkbook in our room, probably all I needed to do to find my checkbook, would have been turn around with my bag to face the light. I know, it sounds pretty simpleâŠand it is. Your better days ahead are as simple as choosing to turn to face and walk in the light, as opposed to choosing to walk in the dark. If you donât believe me, I encourage you to take this challenge. Pick something in your regular daily activities and choose to invite God into that activity each day for three days. After those three days, try doing that same daily activity without inviting God along. Seriously, it can be as simple as brushing your teeth or walking down the steps. When I brush my teeth, I pray on the Armor of God and when I walk down the steps, especially in the dark, I pray the Sign of the Cross. âIn the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank You Jesus. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Jesus.â That gets me from the top step to the bottom. Allow His light to brighten even the most menial activities in your life, and before you know it, youâll be inviting Him into greater activities. As His light continues to grow in your life, your eyes will be opened to seeing so much more.
Bless others and be blessed.
Shelly :0)
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Third Day Devotions 