Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.







Let's be more aware of all the choices, situations, twists and turns that brought us to this place right here and now. They May Be Miracles.



Sunday, May 2, 2010

Little Miracle # 117

Although I haven't written that many blog posts yet and as such have not shared "117 little miracles" I figured that each of us has had at least that many to begin with in our lives, so it's a good round number to begin calculating from.  I think some people who read here may think that some of the things I look at as "miracles" are just mere coincidences ... if you understand that I don't think ANYTHING is a coincidence then you can enjoy reading without critiquing.

So I had this picture taken of me at a youth conference once (I'm thinking it was like in 1999 or 2000).  I kept it in a box with other photos from our youth events back then.  About a year after it was taken I had a desk calendar that had cute quotations and I kept it on my desk at work.  The day my birthday came up, November 28th, there was this amazing quote about "you'll never know to what heights you can soar until you spread your wings," and immediately I remembered that picture of ME with my arms spread wide.  An eternal dreamer, I knew this quote was made just for me...and what luck, it was posted on my birthday!!  And what a coincidence!  I have a picture of me with my arms spread out just like the girl in the animation!  I pulled out the picture and I framed it next to the calendar quotation and kept it on my desk until I stopped working after my first child was born.  I had forgotten about it until I was looking through those old albums again a few weeks ago. 


25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, "Who then can be saved?"
26 Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

I live by these standards.  Just because something may seem impossible for me, I will still spread my wings and try...putting my trust in God alone.  He will make a way where there is no way.  I know for certain I am not worthy of His perfectness...but He has made me worthy of His love, mercy and grace.  I know for certain that He bestows love and goodness only.  I know for certain that He directs our paths and makes all things good.  When I feel that tug or pull on my heart that I need to attempt something, try something that seems impossible but needed...I will spread my wings and try because I know WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Dustine

I just wanted to thank you for your recent comments on my blog. Your comments are always welcome.

I didn't see an email on available on your profile or I would have thanked you by email?

God bless you

Ron

Geoff Maritz said...

It amazes me how few things are impossible but how many things we see as impossible. God bless you and keep flying you never know where the Holy Spirit will touch you down.

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

This was a beautiful post, Dustine!
And I needed to read it!
I just love my God who makes a way where there is none, strengthens me when I am weak and saves me when I don't deserve it.
What love!
That to me, sometimes seems impossible.
If it weren't for grace, I wonder what would have happened to me?
I love how God weaves our lives as we get older, from one time stamp to the next, as with your card and your photo- that is amazing!
Have a blessed day, sweet, new friend!

VKT said...

This is such a lovely post Dustine just as you are a beautiful sister in Christ! Thanks for sharing and keep spreading your wings.

Hugs and Blessings to you sweet lady

LibbyLibbyLibbyLibbyLibby said...

The picture is a joy...its like looking at peacefullness and freedom!

Robin said...

Again...this post gave me goosebumps....I dont think they are coincidences at all...its synchronicity..at its best..keep spreading your wings my friend...wonderful message..!

DUSTINE said...

Geoff,
I think you really hit the nail on the head...very few things are impossible but we do tend to make them that way in our minds! That's why faith is so important! Take care and God bless...Dustine

DUSTINE said...

Leslie,
"Our God is an Awesome God"!!! I just love the moments in my life where He made His presence alive and known!
I'm really enjoying your blog...so glad I found it...you are a great new friend who is so inspiring!
God bless...Dustine

DUSTINE said...

VKT,
As always, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such warm and kind words! You always help to lift up my day! God bless...Dustine

DUSTINE said...

Libby,
I agree! I love in the animation how her head is thrown backwards...makes me think of total surrender, faith and peace!
Take care and God bless...Dustine

DUSTINE said...

SmArtee,
Yes, many of these moments that I write about left such an impression on me that I either never forget them or leave a reminder for myself somewhere so that I'll run across the memory again. I'm always amazed and surprised that God does all these wonderful things...but another part of me expects it and knows He's just waiting to surprise us!

Thanks for creating a good giggle for me on your blog quite often...what a gift we all need more of!!!! God bless...Dustine

DUSTINE said...

Ron,
Thanks for stopping by...
you create a blog that causes people to want to get in on the conversation! Take care and God bless...Dustine