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| Pikes Peak, Colorado. August 2010. ©Elise Grinstead |
Gather the stones…gather those that have already been given, those coming, and those to come. Know that each bears its own identity, entity, and memory…
Gather the stones of prayers cast long ago and recently…of prayer in the beginning of marriage, for two to be bound together as One. Remember the prayer for the leading into the next place of dwelling, a city seemingly impossible to reach. Remember the prayer for provision in the practical and intangible ways of getting and being there…jobs, finances, community, housing, adjustment, and more. Remember the stones of prayers given for others…for relief, relationship, and restoration. And remember the stones that do not blend in like many of your prayers, but those that stand out as gems—the ones strikingly noticeable because they bear faith in their bold asking. These are ones of specific note, jewels from the times when you fully trust Me to be who I am.
Gather the stones of blessings given and received long ago and recently…blessing of a sister friendship sustained and thriving over the distance. Blessing of a new community of diverse individuals bound together by the Spirit. Blessing of a life built and established in a new place. Blessing of a marriage and partnership. Blessings of continued provision. Blessing of visitors from near and far. Blessing of the Body of Christ living out as it ought; yet seeking to grow. Remember the stones that do not blend in like many of your blessings, but those that stand out as gems—the ones strikingly noticeable because they spoke to your heart deeper than the others. These are ones of specific note, jewels from the times when you can fully see that I love You more than any other will.
Gather the stones of dreams created near and far. The dream of written words sung; written words read and influencing. The dreams of a career three years in the making now coming to a tipping point. The dreams of creating and contributing. The dreams of expanding our family. The dreams of serving sacrificially in a significant way. The dreams of healing and restoration in that which cannot hear. Remember the stones that do not blend in like many of your dreams, but those that stand out as gems—the ones strikingly noticeable because they are the hardest to hope for. These are ones of specific note, jewels because they require all of Me to be in it.
Gather the stones together; they cannot be separated from the whole. Gather these stones; they are not meant to be carried on your own. Gather them and keep bringing them, all together as they form as one.
May they make up an altar in which you give all to Me. And, in that altar, may you see the beauty of the stones, a mosaic creation that only a surrendered life can bring.
