Nature – One Day Wonders with JBK

The challenge—should I choose to accept it, was noting the way I connect with Jesus. Then writing about one that I do not connect with.

This came via my writing coach, having read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. According to Thomas, there are eight ways people can connect with Jesus:

Naturalist-loving Jesus outdoors
Sensate-loving Jesus through the senses
Traditionalist-loving Jesus through ritual and symbol
Ascetics-loving Jesus in solitude and simplicity
Activist-loving Jesus through confrontation
Enthusiasts-loving Jesus with mystery and celebration
Contemplatives-loving Jesus through adoration
Intellectuals-loving Jesus with the mind

First off, I wish to say none of these ways are wrong. Nor is one way superior to another. Mankind is a vast people group of individuals. How we relate varies among us all—even among our circle of family and friends. Not to confuse the issue with a split-personality, we just learn how to adapt our communication with how individuals relate to our words.

I chose Naturalist, mostly because I am not an outdoors girl. Some would point me out as being a hot-house plant. I am okay with that, because there is too much sunshine, heat or cold and bugs for my liking.

The very reasons I dislike outdoors is no doubt why others love it. Fresh air, well all right, I enjoy a good breeze. But there is more, plants, trees, and just nature itself to be appreciated. And I do, mostly as I look out my window.

What I find interesting, living in this day and age—are those who are entirely wrapped up in climate change. My goal is not to get political. But those who are actively endorsing ways we can save the earth are frustrated that others do not join their cause. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that other nations are not their teammates.

Jesus created nature, not only for our well-being, but for its beauty. However, that is not all that he created:

Jesus gave mankind senses to take in the sights and sounds of pleasure. How unfortunate, understandably for safety sake, we can no longer smell burning autumn leaves.

He instilled in mankind a need for organization—a practice or an object that brings Jesus to our mind.

Have you noticed some folks just need a down time? A mind without distractions is an excellent time to think on Jesus.

There are those who feel the absolute need to voice their love of Jesus to everyone and anyone who will listen. They have a point that needs to be heard.

Many who love Jesus love to dwell on how he accomplished his mission. It can boggle the mind as we celebrate his birth each December and beyond.

Often just thinking about Jesus, his mission—how he loved on others and drew such crowds brings such thoughts of gratitude.

The mind is a wonderful creation of his—that we can be fascinated by an ordinary man that was anything but ordinary.

Any one of these connections can be dangerous if taken to the excess. While mankind has breath, it is imperative that each connection has its own time of reflection on our soul.

“In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

I would enjoy hearing how you best relate to Jesus!

What you see is not what you think.

Coming from an apple; this seed was trying to sprout internally. Never have I seen the likes of this before. It would have been interesting to see how it developed, if it developed. But how could I have known what was going on inside; to wait and see what the outcome would be?

To my way of thinking, this should not happen in an apple world. But what do I know?

Nature is full of little surprises. Some more apparent than others. I suppose that would be dependent on where you live. Each part of our country has its own perk attractions; which makes for interesting travel. It broadens our horizon on its uniqueness.

The same goes for people. Differing locales have their own accent. For example, I come from the great state of Michigan, but currently reside in the great state of Kansas. People here can pinpoint I’m from the north. However, when visiting our home state, I get remarks the likes of, “You sound so Kansan.”

My Michigan isn’t the same as when I grew up there. Kansas weather is not all it’s cracked up to be. It has all the makings of feeling like I don’t belong anywhere. My normal does not always include what is reality.

Kind of like this apple seed. It was trying to develop in an abnormal place. The seed belonged in the apple, but the sprout did not.

Can you relate? Trying to fit into a place where you don’t belong? It could be anything. Your state—your place of employment—college choice—or the friends you hang with? You name it.

Frustration arrives at your door when others don’t understand where you come from. People cannot understand the things you have seen or what you have endured. Words or actions don’t suit their vision of you.

It’s a mystery because possibly no one has taken the time to see your uniqueness. No one can know what is going on inside of you. Time marches on day in and day out, week after week, months, maybe years pass before the outcome can be discerned. Until sometime in the future, even you may be surprised at the outcome.

Whether you can grasp it or not, the fact remains you have perks that were especially created for you. Jesus has a plan for your life that may not be fully developed yet. Only someone who loves you intensely is able to see the potential that resides inside of you.

Hang in there, we all are a work in progress.

Tag: Nature

Connecting With Jesus

The Mystery Within