I was having lunch the other day in a cafe on the banks of the Danube River. Before you let your heart drool, it was my first day off in two weeks of 24 hour a day ministry. To say I needed the break would be an understatement. Thankfully God chooses to speak to my heart whether I'm "on duty" or relaxing.
So ... God provided a couple of hours of respite when I could work on a cross stitch picture as I spooned Hungarian Jokai bean soup. Yes, it was delicious. I noticed a group of young women who stepped into the next cafe. They were obviously native French speakers, but were using English to communicate with their waiter. Each of the women was strikingly attractive and they drew a lot of attention. Their friendly chatter spoke of close bonds.
The women chose a table without an umbrella and the waiter complied. As soon as they were seated they glanced up at the midday sun and commented on its brightness. They immediately began rearranging their clothing so that they could take advantage of the tanning opportunity. Some might say their bare shoulders were a bit risqué. They didn't seem to be aware of what onlookers might think as they prepared to make the most of their setting.
It seemed that their lunch was a celebration of some sort though I wasn't able to figure out its reason. Nevertheless, throughout their two hour meal they continually checked the direction of the sun to be sure they were receiving the full benefit of its rays. From time to time I noted one or another face was turned upward, eyes closed, drinking in the solar warmth. Cooling breezes came and went, but the women continued to bask.
When the word bask crossed my mind I was immediately drawn to Scripture. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
I began to consider how much my heart basks in my heavenly Father's love.
As soon as the seasons change and hints of spring appear, sun worshippers are outside soaking up solar energy. The women in the cafe were a good representation of the various expressions of this worship dynamic. They were all committed to making the most of the outdoor exposure. Some were a bit more quiet and serious in their basking while others were chatty and joyful, but all were revelling in the sunbath. They had clearly made special arrangements to be together yet each woman tended her own tanning experience - an even tone, with no strap marks, please.
As their time together ended, the women each readjusted their clothing. They thanked the waiter for His gracious attention and strolled off down the way. They headed out to re-enter their separate worlds, having enjoyed their time together. There is no doubt in my mind that each of them will repeat the sun worship ritual at every opportunity. How about me?
Do I run to God the moment a worship opportunity appears?
Am I basking in His presence whether in a quiet, serious or chatty, joyful mood and/or situation?
Do I turn my face toward Him and revel in His glory and provision?
Am I committed to gathering together with others to soak up and respond to His divine mercy and love?
Do I turn all sides of my own heart and life over to the refining work of the Spirit - an even tone, with no strap marks, please?
Am I confident in the joy of my salvation no matter what others think and though cool breezes blow?
Do I seek and take advantage of every occasion to rest in the grace of my Savior and Lord?
Am I a true Son-worshipper?
How about you?
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 Amen
