Yesterday was a day of crazy distractions and the most unforeseen, unexpected blessing I’ve received in many years in the form of forgiveness and restoration. A sweet friend called today and confessed a transgression against me that I wasn’t aware of. Through tears and giggles of joy we both rejoiced in the resurrection of our friendship. Transparency, confession, self-differentiation, and self-awareness are powerful tools that grow us in our spiritual walk, keep accounts short with each other and best of all, make our Papa God so proud and tickled with us.

As we listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to reveal the dingle berries that are hanging off the backside of our furry, lamby wool, he walks us through the process of redemption once again and brings us to rest in green pastures, restores us with the still, clear, crisp water of His Holy Spirit, leads us back into peace and renews our strength.

Psalm 23 is a familiar passage that is spoken at memorial services and yet today, my friend and I are reaping the benefit of life-giving water, peaceful meadows of friendship and we’re looking forward to the feast God is preparing for us (albeit in the form of side-aching sessions of laughter brought on by watching ridiculous movies together). Because she listened and most of all trusted her Papa God, not only is our relationship renewed, but she no doubt has found new strength as these verses promise, because she chose the “right path” and allowed God to be God.

There have times in my life (oh so many times), that I’ve been on the opposite side of this pasture… Looking from the outside of safety, held in the Enemies sheep pen of danger, because I refused to listen to God and refused to choose the right path of obedience. Walking through these self-made valleys of fear, darkness and defiance have left me sinking and without hope. Making my own excuses and allowances to continue licking my wounds of justification that only proved to keep me from The reality of God’s fullness for me. But when we trust and make the wise choices that God instructs us with, we realize the benefits of the end of this chapter in Psalms…
“You prepare a feast for me… You honor me by anointing my head with oil, my cup overflows with blessings and Your goodness and unfailing love pursue me all of days of my life.” Psalm 23:5-6

When we can have that kind of reality in our lives, why do we choose the opposite? Today I’m so thankful that my friend took the leap of faith and made a phone call. And I’m reminded once again that I’ve got to run hard after restoration when I need to and keep short accounts in all of my relationships. Whew~ so blessed.