Reflections 10/20/2020: This is Roo and my daily stomping grounds! (Great picture Erlinda!) Golden! Gorgeous! Gift from God! I absolutely LOVE re-engaging in Koda and my old walks every morning , now with little Roo (who is becoming less and less little!) Just as I overflow with an artesian well of joy and thankfulness for all You give me Lord, I am also struck with sadness,(even guilt), that so many other people in this world are struggling just to make ends meet. What do I do with these contradictory, wave-canceling emotions? I know You love my delight in Your Creation, and treasure my thankfulness that erupts spontaneously toward You, so I don’t want to squelch those impulses. But You also call me to care about others, not just my own well-being… so that is legitimate too. Hmmm… maybe it is a little like Your response to Your disciples when they were aghast that Mary of Bethany anointed Your feet with costly perfume that could have been sold to help the poor. You revered her expressive worship and allowed her to pour out her extravagant gift on You. There was plenty of time to respond to the needs of the poor, but THAT moment was not it. Sooo, let me anoint You with extravagant joy on my morning walks with Roo, without sadness or guilt. BUT also be responsive to Your indwelling Spirit’s moment-to-moment nudges to see and care for the people around me who are hurting.