First Call

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)

At the outset, before I enter into conversation with another human being, I direct my three-ring-circus thoughts to you. Since you were known as the Word before time even began, let me begin this day by first listening to your Word to hear the strong sound of your voice in each line and phrase.

Before I check the status of responsibilities demanding my attention and dictating my schedule, I ask you to rearrange and realign my time. Before I begin to concentrate on what I must do, or should do, or can’t possibly tackle today, I invite you to reschedule and direct my day.

Supersede my muddled thoughts with a keen awareness that you are brilliant truth and that you maintain precise order and alignment in this world. Win over my heart with an aim to please you, to seek you, to rest in the strength that you possess, especially when weariness is the primary color on my wheel.

Help me find delight in the ordinary portions of my day—the first sip of piping hot coffee; the landscape of greenery parading down my street; giggling grandchildren in the backseat designed with the capacity to transform our world.

Allow me to focus on celebrating your goodness in the overlooked snatches of my routine—the petite cardinal perched on the lamppost like a red-coated sentry at my door, the soggy pigeon-gray clouds waiting to drop their deluge, the attentive waitress carrying her workload in precise and regal fashion.

Give me appreciation for the tiniest drops of joy you sprinkle like confetti on the tabletop of today. Catch me off guard with a fresh sense of wonder for the small surprises wrapped in ordinary packaging that you will reveal at various points throughout this not-very-spectacular day.

Help me to not overlook your gifts because I am consumed with keeping pace, increasing my stride, and arriving at a destination you never called me to reach in the first place.

“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased” (Psalm 138:3).

Photo Credit: Bill Mitchell on an ordinary early-morning bike ride

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5 Comments

  1. Diane Kanell

    Dearest Elizabeth, I so enjoy your blog! You are such a blessing to me and I love you in the Lord! I pray you and your precious family are doing well. I hope we might have coffee after this season of distancing is over. I pray that might be possible. God bless you and thank you for touching my heart this morning with your thoughts through your pen.
    All my love, Diane

    Reply
  2. Diane Katanic

    I needed to quiet my thoughts today, Elizabeth. Thank you for helping me do that…

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Mitchell

      Just saw your comment. I’m glad you had that response. You are so very welcome my friend.

      Reply
  3. Maria Martell

    How beautiful! The creative gift God has bestowed upon your writing Elizabeth reaches to our innermost parts and has the capacity to turn our eyes upward and outward! Your message makes our hearts smile, and watercolors our mundane outlook!
    I love seeing the way your words become alive in technicolor and eagerly anticipate your next devotional post. Thank you so very much, I always end up smiling afterwards!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Mitchell

      Thank you Maria for your loving, kind words. They mean a great deal

      Reply

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