Lisa Notes: Follow the dust

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
John 1:35-36

Dust kicks up as he walks by. I can imagine seeing it. Smelling it. Feeling it.

His footprints leave a trail in it, indicating where he’s been, leaving a path for me to follow.

He hears me murmuring, having a conversation with myself, of doubt, of questions, of wonder.

He turns and asks, “What are you seeking?”

Me, the girl with one shoulder behind the tree, watching him with laser focus, lest he make a move that catches me off-guard.

He smiles and invites me to walk with him, to “Come and you will see,” where he stays, what he does, what he’s going to do next.

But I can’t see far enough ahead. I don’t understand everything. I still have worries.

He is turning the invisible inside out, making visible things that have been around me, but I’ve never before seen.

If I’ll keep following the dust, he’ll show me more.

I look down at his footsteps. They are safe. And they are dangerous. Contagious. Purposed. Glorious.

Knowing he’s in the lead, I can get dusty, live messy, look bedraggled.

And feel alive.

The closer we watch, the more we’ll see, the more we’ll love. Step out from behind the tree. Don’t be paralyzed in passivity just because you can’t see the whole trip. Take the journey one step at a time.

Follow the dust.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise....
Proverbs 13:20

...and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

* * *

Even though you may not fully trust Jesus yet, what one step can you take today to show you’re trying to trust him more?

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I’m blogging this week on Live Second.
Today, Week 9: Identity; Day 6: Creature.

More on Live Second.
Hear television report Tamara Jolee’s walk with sudden disease at I Am Second.
“A peace came over me. No matter what happens, it’s going to be okay.”

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outsidemywindowinsidemyheart 38p · 642 weeks ago

What one step can I take today to show that I trust Him? I can rejoice in who HE is instead of trying to do things on my own today. There is much to be accomplished today...at least that is the way my PHYSICAL eyes see it. As I step out with HIM today I am now excited to see what it is that HE wants to accomplish! Thank you, Lisa.

1 reply · active 642 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 642 weeks ago

That's a great step, Dianna, and one I'll try to do today too. We've got a busy weekend ahead and it can be draining just thinking about it, but when I think about HIM being with me, I know all will be well.

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Lynn Severance · 642 weeks ago

I like the image of "the dust kicking up", Lisa. It speaks to movement and we all want to be moving with Jesus ( or moved by Him when we have to be still ). This image of our joining in tandem with Him caused me to remember that we were made from dust and then He breathed His breath of life into us. It is that Life that helps us and woos us to follow Him.

Today I am having to let go to a deep emotional connection within - rather soften it to have it in the proper part of my heart. In doing so I know it will make more room for Him. I cannot do this without Him and so I am in a rather soft place with Him today as He knows what this letting go means. I'd say we may be settling some dust today, rather than kicking up any - a quiet space.

Great post!
My recent post Let Light Dispel the Darkness

2 replies · active 642 weeks ago

Saying a special prayer right now for you, Lynn, as you let the dust settle. Jesus did that, too. He was amazingly versatile, yes? Thanks for bringing up such a major reference to dust and us in Genesis; I didn't think about relating that, but being formed of dust, we should be drawn to it, to the maker of it and us.

I admire you for going to that deep place with him as you let go. It's never an easy thing to do, but on the other side, it's always worth it. You are a woman of courage and love, precious to God, precious to me.

I received your lovely pic and letter last night in the real mail! How exciting for me! Thank you so much.

You are so welcome! It was fun to wing off a card to you in real time rather than cyber.
Thank you for the prayers as I share emotions with Him. :)
My recent post Let Light Dispel the Darkness

Nikki · 641 weeks ago

Sometimes things get so murky I wonder what...why...how but there's this part of me that says trust....wait....watch. He's got plans...awesome ones and sometimes they don't start out or look like anything good. I'm trying to remember that. I keep thinking if I as a mom want only good for my girls....how much more does He want for His children. I like how you wrote this Lisa....'following the dust."
My recent post Senseless

1 reply · active 641 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 641 weeks ago

You're right on target, Nikki...if we know our girls can trust us as mothers, how much more can we trust God as our Father? I want to trust more and more...

Charlotte · 641 weeks ago

I had never really considered the dust in this way before. Very insightful. I thought the video was so good I shared it on facebook.
Blessings,
Charlotte
My recent post Prayers Can't Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed

Yes, wasn't that video a great testimony of her faith? I'm glad you were able to share it.There are so many wonderful stories at "I Am Second".

Lauren · 641 weeks ago

"Knowing he’s in the lead, I can get dusty, live messy, look bedraggled.

And feel alive.

The closer we watch, the more we’ll see, the more we’ll love. Step out from behind the tree. Don’t be paralyzed in passivity just because you can’t see the whole trip. Take the journey one step at a time.

Follow the dust."

I love these words, Lisa. Thank you for this beautiful reminder! Lately, my heart feels like it is "paralyzed in passivity" and just waiting to let go of fear (for what seems like the thousandth time) and run forward after Him, into His arms-- & His plan. I struggle so much with fear when the future seems uncertain. This post is such a timely message, and I am so thankful. :)

With all my love, Lauren :)

I continue to struggle with fears and worries, Lauren. I have prayed for God to remove them and worked to cooperate with him in doing that, and although we've made some progress together, he hasn't chosen to eliminate them altogether. The only consolation is that he uses them to keep me desperate for him. You know how that is--that need to run to him. We can be thankful for that. Staying close to him is more important than being fearless, yes?

I know you'll be busy over the break, so if you don't have time to get together I understand. But if you do, I would love to spend time with you whenever and wherever and hear how God has been working in your life the past few months. Love you much!