When I came to realize that today’s post, ‘bitter waters,’ went to ‘junk / spam’ instead of ‘inbox’ for some of you, I had to smile at the memory of a little saying that was popular a few years back.    ‘God don’t make no junk.’

I also thought of a picture I once saw with a small child holding up a frame in front of a garden displaying the glory of creation.  Beside him or her was a basket full of crayon drawings of flowers which had been wadded up and tossed away after comparing their efforts to the beauty and perfection of nature.  While God can take our smallest efforts and use them to bless and encourage, we are regularly reminded as those who serve in his name that it is only by his Spirit that our offerings are given enduring spiritual life.

If these modest crayon sketches of musings about servant leadership and spiritual formation don’t show up in your email in the usual pattern of publication, and if you are curious about their whereabouts, you know where to check!

‘Lord, should we wake some mornings to feel labelled as junk or spam either by the repetitive tapes we play to ourselves, or by subtle and not so subtle judgements of others, remind us that we are your treasured children in whom you take delight.  Amen.’

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1: 6)

As we wait for that day, I invite you to walk with me through the morning light of our spring gardens to enjoy the blessing of his perfect love.