TO ALL THOSE SEEKING TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD

Today, Sunday, I took a drive up the Coquille river, past the headwaters to where the valley narrows near the crest of the coast mountain range, past small, mostly deserted old communities with names like Bridge, Remote, Camas Valley, Tenmile (because its ten miles from the next town), and Winston. I have driven this road hundreds of times in my life, and know every valley and bridge across the river, even where the old ones were that are now gone. But the countryside was more beautiful than I have every seen it, all the maples and alders have turned, and are brilliant yellow and orange against the deep green of the Douglas firs. And the entire atmosphere was incredible, a crisp and clear autumn day with the smell of every tree in the forest right in my face. God apparently saw fit to take me off by myself when what I originally wanted was to talk to lots of people all at once. When I thought I needed a little more social contact than I have had lately with a shed full of power equipment and garden tools, God thought differently. It was in His mind to get one on one with me without the interference of other people, and away from a still long list of chores, which I think He wants to do with all of us from time to time.

So I started my little journey with a big bag full of worries, concerns, and priorities, passing judgement on myself along the way for failures and failed commitments, confessing in my mind to all those whom I have disappointed and hurt in the course of my life. But by the time I reached Camas Valley, the beauty of all the creation of God finally sank in, and I felt God give me a big “so what?” to all the problems I was dragging around. He had obviously heard my confession enough to tire of it, and He wanted me to pay attention to what He had done, not what I had done. Honestly, I am amazed that God could have enough interest in me to do this, but there He was, right in front of me, saying, “I did this, how about paying a little attention to me, considering what I can also do in your life if you let me.”

Maybe I got the point, and maybe its still sinking in. A lot of what God has been trying to accomplish in me is still sinking in. Its my prayer that all of you can get your opportunities (there are many) to experience God when He tries to get your attention. You are each one of God’s beautiful creations, and a big part of what He wants from me is to pay attention to you, and to pray for you, as we are all to do for each other. Listen, when you trot out your list of worries and concerns and He responds by saying “so what, look what I have done, and believe what I can do for you.”

God bless you all. I love each one of you. Bill Zinn