Artists must surely envy the beauty of the northeastern mountains in the Fall. During my last visit there, the backdrop of color swept the horizon with golden yellow, burnt orange, and burgundy red. Atop Belknap Mountain, God's presence was clearly visible and audible. This glimpse of God's glory was evident as my daughter and I had not arrived empty, we had arrived "full" anticipating how God would reveal his will as we prayed, read his Word, hiked, and visited special places (without cell phone or internet service). One such place was the Route 104 Diner displaying the inspiring sign: "Fall in Empty, 'Leaf' Full." Returning from a day trip to Vermont, convinced that we were famished, we applied the literal interpretation as we ordered lunch at the quaint diner. Recounting God's good gifts, we marveled at how he gives so freely to us. When we come to Him empty, He fills us with promises and assurances from His Word. As we fall on our knees and cry out to Him, the response is full of His grace and mercy. As believers in Jesus Christ, answers in challenging circumstances are revealed; His presence is known through his Holy Spirit. We can even feel full, but as we listen and obey His truths, He can fill us even more. Unable to fathom the mighty works and gentle spirit of our LORD, He fills us up with the goodness of His grace as we desire to know Him.
When we returned to our South Carolina home, we created and displayed a sign with a modified motto to which the diner had introduced us, "Fall in full, leave 'fuller,'" on our pantry door as a daily reminder not only of God's provision of good food but also, and more importantly, as a provision of God's amazing grace in our lives--giving us JESUS and the promise of eternal life for all who trust in Him as Lord and Savior!
With deep inexpressible gratitude, today I thank God for saving me and giving me the gift of an eternal perspective!
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." ~Ecclesiastes 11:5
Lord Jesus, fill me with your spirit when I feel empty and especially when I think I am full. Thank you for your grace--for giving freely. Allow me to accept it fully with a grateful heart although I cannot possibly fathom the depths of your works.
© Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges. All rights reserved.
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