its been a while

 It's Been A While 

     I was inspired by a question posed to me by my eldest Grandson that brought me to tears.

He was watching me prepare oatmeal and asked, "Papi, will you cook oatmeal for us too?" I said, "do I look like the other guy, you know the guy that bought ice cream for himself and left you to fend for yourselves?" When have I prepared anything in any kitchen anywhere where it did not include you, boys? It is Saturday morning. If I am cooking anything, it's for all of us. Then it hit me. I have been misty ever since. Many scriptures tell how us to petition God for our needs and desire. However, I drew a blank when writing this thesis. It is necessary to find them again and not rely on my memories of sermons and studies past. That study will continue while I add a few of them for your consideration.

1. Luke 11, 11-13 11 "Now 11 suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your 1heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" It is the father's pleasure to give to his sons, or in this case, Grandsons, things that will help, nourish, and otherwise help the children/grandchildren. In fact, it is what the father longs to do.  
2. 1st John 14/15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. My Grandson knew it was totally within my power to grant him the wishes he desired, and he did not hesitate to ask. How often have we as God's children known what power is available to us and do not ask because of the many fears that we carry inwardly and knowing we want it easy and are afraid of putting in the work that it requires to accomplish to give us the things we want? 
3. Jeremiah 29 11:13 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I am deeply aware of why I have moved to Columbus, OH. it is for them, my grandsons; they are my mission as in the scripture, I know the plans that I have for them. My job is to prepare them for the challenges ahead, not knowing or caring for the outcome based on the fact that my effort performed in faith is a duty that I was presented and for which I have sold all to accomplish. I have left friends (a few nasty situations), but 90% of the things I left were not harmful. The mission that had called me and indirectly answered a prayer that I made in 2005 before the 3 major players in this drama was born. 

 

The reason for my misty eyes was the realization in the spirit that I am, in a way, my Grandson asking the question daily to God. I am the young man approaching the father asking, is this the right thing? Do you know what it's going to take to accomplish this task? You know I'm 65 years old and too old for a career change and to move to make all of this happen when the world is so upside down? What happened to Tucson, Phoenix, or Mesa, AZ? Nevertheless, I trust this is what I should be doing, and with the people, I will meet along the way. I do know the following things are right.

 

1. The 1st interview was the place that wanted me, and they waited 3 months to get me there. (the reasons are interesting) I am, however, happy to be there.
2. The area is diverse and exciting, and I can't wait to get a rod in the water after settling.
3. I have finally found that good night's sleep that I have wanted for over 3 years since I planned my other office escape.

It's good to be writing again about my spirit's awakening in that question from my Grandson raised the wick from its idle position to its fully lit place. It's great to be back in front of my keyboard again.

     Finally, I found a congregation that just embraced me and just accepted me without question. I'm just glad I am in a place where I feel welcome and loved.  I don't know much about the congregation except that they are diverse and spirit-filled, and I feel comfortable being there. I am sure I'm a mystery to them as well, but I'm comfortable with that at this point in my healing, as I have never sought the limelight or to be the center of attention that just isn't me. I'm just Manny the guy in the second or third row