Isaiah 55:10-11
10. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

As the rain, snow come down… How about the softball sized hail, hit the target on my head lightning and floods? Sometimes it just seems a little too much. Like, really God? What the heck am I supposed to be getting out of this?

Then, I just have to look a few verses earlier and remember that I’m not who I think I am. I’m broken, I’m a sinner and I’m far from God who wants me near.

Isaiah 55:6-7
6. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Freely pardon. I look forward to that pardon and release, to the time when I don’t/won’t/can’t sin, but that time is not yet. So it is. This life.

Matthew 11:28-30
28. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

So, I gladly take the yoke (mrmph, really? Grsh dsaf sufferin’ succotash) – well maybe not so gladly. I’m weary and burdened. I can’t seem to break free to the joy after paying for our share the grave site, headstone and foundation for the marker for Kathryn in this past week. For leaving my job before I have another one so I can be there for my wife who needs me home more than I need to be at a job for 14 hours a day (I’m looking for senior logistics position in the Chicago/Milwaukee area if you have any leads).

Psalms 25:7
7. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.

Yet sitting here, writing these words, remembering the blessings I have in spite of myself and my sinful nature, the promises are promises from someone who keeps them. I have nooooo idea why, but He’s God and I am not. He’s gentle and humble in heart, I’m not. So I look to him to rest my soul. I’ll get yoked up for the day and remember the joy that He is.

Thank you Lord for the blessings you provide beyond the physical. Thank you Lord for loving us like you do. Thank you Lord for peace and hope when I turn to you and away from me.

It’s time to put on the slicker, hardhat, grounding rod, and flood boots and have a day the Lord gave us. It’s a good day to be blessed by the love of our Lord and Savior.