What More Do You Need?

Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit. -1 Thessalonians 5:19

I, Momma Vaughan, recently welcomed into our home a new dishwasher.  For 12+ years, my old dishwasher did an amazing job of cleaning and drying the dishes.  The large pool of stinky, standing water continuing to collect in the bottom of my dishwasher was not so amazing.  Indeed, the "stink" necessitated the "switch."  

Like a brand new momma, I was beyond excited when the dishwasher arrived with no complications and became an integral part of our home.  However, unlike a first-time parent who reads every book on how to care for a new baby, I never even tore the packaging off the owner's manual.  A few days later, I couldn't wait to open the door after the first completed wash-dry cycle.  I imagined the plates, glasses and silverware would sparkle.  I might even need sunglasses!  One cannot possibly imagine my surprise when I opened the door to a true "rainforest environment."  As the humidity melted all the makeup off my face, I couldn't understand the reason behind the excessive water droplets covering every inch of my new appliance.   I did what any new appliance owner might do.  I said a few "not so nice words," tore the plastic off the owner's manual and started reading.  In those moments, I learned my new dishwasher needed something more than just a Cascade tablet.  My new baby also needed Cascade Rinse Aid to "perfect" the drying cycle.  Who knew?!

This transition from an old dishwasher to the "latest and greatest" model reminds me of how I have felt many days during my own spiritual journey.  At times, I have traveled to high mountain tops, traversed through deep valleys and prepared to ascend...once again.  Yet, in an unexpected moment, something just didn't feel quite right.  Like the observation of puddling water in an old dishwasher, I completed a quick "soul check" and formulated my own observations.  Then, I waited expectantly for a sign or a clue regarding how to proceed.  In those tender moments, I believe God's gentle whisper graciously provided me with direction for my next step.  Sometimes, His whisper reminds us we need something more for the journey ahead. Our old ways, patterns and habits of doing things are not enough. God knows when our souls need something more. We have a responsibility to pause and listen to His hopeful commands.

I have entered a season in which I believe God's greatest desire is for me to be more intentional about how I spend my time.  God's gentle nudge has encouraged me to carve into my week more moments of silence, more periods of rest and more time to pray.  In our fast-paced, technology-dependent world, creating time for these holy habits can be a challenge.  Praise God when we lean into His will. Where do you find yourself, right now, on your spiritual journey?  Review your provisions.  Do you have everything you need?  Do you need something more?  Trust His guidance, consult His owner's manual and prepare your heart for the next step.  Amen.