Last week I issued a 50 Day New Life Challenge meant for the season between Easter and Pentecost called Eastertide. I asked that you list one sign of new life for each day and receive it with gratitude.
I decided to keep my list of 50 Signs of New Life in the back of my journal. I went ahead and numbered them 1-50. It surprised me that there are so many signs of new life each day. I’ve learned to just choose the best one. One of the first days of the challenge a bluebird showed up right outside my study window where write. It was as close as I’ve ever been to a bluebird. Through the glass I could see the intricate pattern of his blue feathers. It looked like a blue checkerboard. Wow.
Today’s entry in Jesus Calling gave these instructions as if from God, When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, April 13 entry)
I love that. For some reason, a stay where you are instruction feels healing to me. It reminds me of when I learned the anti-anxiety technique of the power of staying in my day. When I was at the beginning of a cancer diagnosis years ago, my tendency was to spin off in all kinds of what if’s, imagining the worst and everything in between. This was crazy-making until I learned to just stay in my day.
I think I learned it from Jesus Calling really. Another entry reads Open your hands and your heart to receive this day as a precious gift from Me. I begin each day with a sunrise announcing My radiant Presence. (Jesus Calling June 25 entry)
24 hours is about all we can handle. I guess God created a day for that purpose. And what a great touch to bookend each day with a Light show, a feast for our eyes to remember the beauty and power of just this present day.
I learned to ask myself two questions especially when I was anxious and spinning scary visions into the future. One: are you okay right now? And two, what do you notice about today?
Those two questions anchored me back in my day and helped me to notice and be grateful for what was right in front of me. It is the same spiritual technique we are using for the 50 Day New Life Challenge. It is not too late to start. Just number a page 1-50, fill in the first 9 spots and you will be all caught up.
I wonder what surprises God has in store for you as you embrace just this day?
I will publish my list here when we finish the 50 Day Challenge. I can’t wait.
Dr. Cindy Ryan is a pastor, wife, mother of three, breast cancer survivor, Mosa to Keller, Pace and River. Go to http://www.drcindyryanblog.com to read more blogs including the 50 Day Challenge entry from last week. Also check out upcoming speaking events, sign up for Dr. Ryan’s Inner Circle monthly email and learn how to participate in the Weekly Jesus Calling Prayer Call Dr. Ryan co-hosts each week at 7 a.m. CST. The recording of the call is also posted each at http://www.jesuscalling.com/prayer-call and on Dr. Ryan’s Facebook page.
Dr. Cindy Ryan 