Markers

Sometimes when things are heavy hearted my best resolve is to set my trails on someplace new and walk it out in prayer. And Round Top last week was my go-to.  My daughter asked me if I bought anything while I was roaming and I told her I only bought one thing:  a 9 inch framed rhinestone butterfly picture.  Mom, she said that is a perfect “marker” for your sweet season with Lady. Butterflies signify change and this was one of life’s little milestones.  

It made me start thinking about markers.   We all have them… reminders of special times, places, life changes, people we have met, experiences we have had, roads we have taken, or words of truth and direction or even encouragement that have left a lingering mark on our hearts.  

Two Thoughts:

1)  What are our spiritual Markers?

I read something that reigns true in all of our lives: “Rare is the occasion when we become better or stronger on an easy road.”  So True. 

It is the hard stuff that God uses to build us up and guide us into his truth. Those lessons not only strengthen us and faithfully uplift us but they gradually change our worldly perspective into seeing life through the lens of the Holy Spirit that abides within us and not absorbing the junk feed that often surrounds us.

 Think back a minute on your life and reflect on the times when you could count on God and he showed his intervention in a particular situation. God did not respond in a flippant act of quickness, but with an intentional desire to come along side you as a companion, filled with love, compassion an a peaceful countenance to help you.  God embedded in you courage, hope and comfort to persevere. 

Though God is always present and available, his authority and council shines in times of suffering, defeat, and fear.  Those uncertain times of need and direction when we call on God for help, and he responds are spiritual markers that we need to carve into our lives and stand on daily.  They remind us of the power of God.  They give us the confidence to face today’s battles, and they witness to the mighty hand of God. 

2) What marks have we left on others? 

I have had many an incident when someone has said something of truth, wisdom or encouragement that I have tucked away in my heart and  pulled out as a reminder of God’s little pocket of his shining presence.  You have too!.  They are treasured words to reflect on but also are markers on our hearts. Think back a minute on some of the words that have made you look a situation differently, or helped you to adjust your attitude, or embolden you to do the right thing in the midst of peers who would call it foolish?  

Godly words that are steadfast and truthful even if you might not have wanted to hear them.  And sometimes words are quite convicting and subtly advance a change in behavior, life choices or habitual ways. We, in our everyday conversation can leave a spiritual mark just by listening and showing that we care and offering encouragement or kindness to others.   

God can use the very markers  that we have experienced in our own lives to effect people who we share them with.  Our markers are those spiritual events that have helped us to not just know who God is but to experience God and his glory and his grace. Kids are curious and want to be equipped on how to handle tough times,  for you and I both know they are coming. By sharing stories of how you and I have handled tough times by prayerfully depending on God, they are introduced to his heavenly  power, wisdom, presence and oversight.  

Do your kids or grandkids know any of your markers.  Do they know why you trust God and why you know he is faithful and good and forgiving? Have you talked about tough times and how prayer has been your vessel of peace and endurance. Stories of God resonate with me and I am sure they too will resonate with those who you are willing to share them with. Markers are stories of God’s love, intervention and his ability to grow us through our sufferings and trials.  

 Vulnerability, and admission that we are all so much better when we allow God to not only be the whisperer on our shoulder but also a mighty strength that abides within us is worthy to be shared.  I am convicted as I write these thoughts to share more stories with my own kids and grandkids.  We are called to be a blessing to others…maybe sharing markers will help make markers for others.  

“We are called to influence others for Christ. Whether it is at work, at home, or around the neighborhood, God calls us to live a life that reaches out to others and glorifies Him. We are called to “leave our marks”  on others,  and that mark needs to look as much like Christ as possible. So today, ask yourself, what kind of mark are you leaving? We simply must yield to His leadership in our lives daily, which sometimes is a challenge for us. But when we are (Acts 2:1-6;11-13) “filled by the Spirit”, we can leave a mark for Christ, starting in our own homes” 

Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  

Markers matter… to you, but also to those who God puts in your path.  Plant them in your heart and add them not just in times of need but also in times of joyful thanksgiving and praise. 

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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