Here's the latest ponder: We, as Christians, often complicate things. Recently I had an experience that put everything into a perspective of more clarity.
A few weeks ago, I went to a writer's workshop with my husband. Afterwards, we were going out to lunch. Since it was my husband's pick, we often end up at funny little hole-in-the-walls but usually very good food. However, often the hygiene in these places leaves much to be desired. As a result of knowing where I was going, I decided to use the facilities at the library where the workshop had been held.
While in the stall, I heard a mother and daughter walk in. The mother was unkind and belittling the girl. I came out and went to wash my hands and in the meantime, the mother had entered a stall. The little girl that was with her appeared to be about 6 or 7 and was all dressed in black. She was standing in the corner behind the bathroom door with her face pressed into the wall. I felt the Lord give me a nudge and so I walked over and asked, "Are you okay?". She turned around with a start and I was looking into such a lovely little face that I burst forth with, "you shouldn't be hiding that lovely little face - it's too beautiful!". I literally saw a dark cloud lift off of this little one. Her smile lit that lovely little face up and it filled me with joy. I left feeling there was nothing more I was to do and yet I prayed for her.
God said "my word shall not return void".
"But God,", I argued, "that wasn't Your Word."
But He responded that yes, it was His word because He lives in me and His Word is alive and active in me. Therefore that certainly was His word to this little one.
I felt such a peace and a joy. It's so simple. We live day to day and just need to listen to that nudge. Jesus just did what His father asked - no more, no less. Why do we think we have to do more or be more? God would say to each of you today: you are enough and when you do what I ask, it is enough and it is good.