Stale, unbearable air

When fighting a heat wave, you and I have several options:

• Leave home for a cool extended walk in the mall,
• Shut and shadow everything, add fans,
• Multiple cold showers,
• Open the windows, begin endurance training,
• Go swimming, to the forest, anywhere, don't return to the oven till evening
• all of the above, without the open window endurance training...

 Closing up during the heat of the day does the best job (except when mosquitoes invade) on most days, in my book.  Many of you do the same and have your extra techniques.  But have you noticed what happens to the air in your home before you can open again at night?

Talk about stifling! That stagnant air is almost as bad as the heat!  Boy, am I ready to open those windows up come evening!

Then, I got to thinking about that.  Being an extreme 'homebody', I love nothing more than the peace and quiet of home, but if I do not 'open' my life up from time to time, I feel the consequences.  Many of you remember what Covid was like when our lives were locked in...

There is another level. Opening our hearts to others, sharing what really moves us, brings a freshness of heart we often miss. Have you had that feeling of release when you can share your deepest feelings with a special someone, someone who cares and listens?

Now just imagine... The most intimate level is of the spirit. Opening to God brings a glorious cool shower to an overheated brain, and life. This is what it is like to share our hearts with a loving Lord!  Here is the ultimate 'loving' companion who hears our deepest needs of heart and spirit, and responds with care.  And for some needs, THIS loving listener does more.

Prayer can be amazing.  Faith is what allows us to see into that kind of reality.  Have you sought out this caring Lord to release you from the stifling staleness your life has become?  Sure, you might be escaping the worst of the sizzle outside, managing somehow. But still the heat blazes on inside. You feel like you can't breathe!

He is there... He will listen and respond.  It is not just for you to feel better; the so-called 'release' that the world tells you prayer offers is false -- in heartfelt prayer, you are in communication, not a one-sided voicing of needs. HE can bring about changes in you and your life that you so long for!

Faith, again, is the path.  Seek the Lord who loves you and will open up your suffocating life with you and in you. He wants you to take the lead; He never forces you to accept Him.

If you want to know how, look at the Discover Jesus course and talk with your coach there.  It is just that simple...

So, open that balcony door, those windows, and breathe in the freshness, the coolness that HE brings.  That is why He came!  He is the bringer of new life!

P.S. Now I know why God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day! (see Genesis 3:8) 😄

ChatGPT did a fine job on this image!