The Ruthless Pursuit

Today I've been in an overly joyful mood...if that's even possible. I worked from 6 to noon and was in an amazing mood even though I only got 3 hours of sleep last night. I then found out that discipleship with one of my girls was cancelled because she unfortunately didn't feel well. I was bummed that we wouldn't be able to meet but that then opened up an opportunity to eat lunch with my parents and grandma who happened to be in town. On the way, I received awesome news from my best friend that her wedding is really falling into place and in ways that only God could've provided.

Now, I find myself doing errands until I'm supposed to meet with my counselor at 6. Oops, it's 6:06 and I walk in the door and she's not there. Hmmm, I know I'm late but I would think she would be sitting here waiting for me. It's 6:15. I wonder if this is even happening today. It's 6:20. People are walking past me a lot and I'm starting to feel awkward sitting her, dreading someone asking me if I'm waiting for someone. It's 6:21. I'm walking out the door.

Sure, I was a little disappointed but I didn't feel the need to meet with her today anyways. As soon as I got to my car I couldn't help but notice the amazing sky filled with a spectacular sunset. I started to head home and couldn't keep my eyes off the sky and on the road. I then find myself in a ruthless pursuit for this retreating sun.

I find myself in a race against nature--better yet, God. I find myself speeding-- safely--through the littered streets trying to get closer, higher, in a better angle to view the sun. Uh oh, it's getting later and the sun is disappearing faster and I keep hitting red lights. I finally get on the back roads and am able to speed at a safe pace and I'm literally pleading with my Pops to just hold on for a little bit longer before He hides this precious jewel from my sight.

I get closer and closer to being on higher ground and then I find myself at the most perfect spot I couldn't have even imagined when I began my quest. I emerge from a road where trees surround me but the sun is directly in the center lane.

Here it is.

I have the most amazing view of the sun that's now just getting ready to disappear behind distant trees. The sky is filtered with lush reds and deep blues with a little cloud to scatter the color even more. I jump out of my car in awe, throw away my sunglasses, and fall to the ground as I stare at the most beautiful artwork I've ever seen.

I can't help but notice birds chirping and flying all around and I play with the grass as I just sit and think about how much God pursues us and squeals in delight when we do the same. How ironic that the very lady who constantly tells me to ruthlessly pursue time and space for God is the very one who, in a way, gave me this glorious opportunity to do just that.

Maybe it isn't sunsets or skies that tickle your heart but seek God through the desires of your heart and never give up the chase. He might keep it just far enough out of reach that you almost want to give up but then, oh but then, you'll turn around the bend and His surprise will gently but powerfully embrace you with glory beyond imagination. Ruthlessly pursue time and space for God and allow Him to take you for a ride.