DEVOTION BY LEI MAIER

GRACE (IN OUR WINTER SEASON) BY LEI MAIER

And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season. And its leaf does not wither; and whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

Outside one of my windows is a flowering wild cherry tree. In Spring, it is profusely covered with glorious white blossoms that delight the eye and the heart with beauty and fragrance.

In the summer days it hosts a home for nesting birds, offers shade for dogs tired from play, and serves as a natural curtain for an upstairs window. In the Fall her foliage shows a bit of nice yellow hues in a glorious autumn pallet just before she is spent and drops her leaves to the ground leaving only a small, non-edible fruit of sorts.

It is in the winter months she amazes me the most. Her branches are bare and her fruit is dried, withered, and ugly. But it is in this “spent” stage when she is most generous, giving her fruit to sustain the birds who sing to me through the winter months.

In observing her year after year, it caused me to take inventory on how I live my life. Am I firmly planted in God’s word taking in nourishment and allowing for growth in each season? And if growing, is it a profuse blossom for show or do I delight the hearts of others with the sweet fragrance of Christ growing within me?

Do I offer a shaded respite for the weary souls I encounter on a day-to-day basis? Am I a host that puts out the welcome mat as I offer acceptance and grace to those seeking a place to feel safe? Is my fruit edible? Does the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control hang from my branches for others to be nourished? Are my words fitly spoken and offer encouragement?

If all of this seems like a lot to ask of a person, well perhaps so, but if you look at Christ’s example and He fully expended Himself on our behalf, it is exactly what we should be doing. The great news is we don’t have to do this in our own strength, but in His! So come to the table He has set for you, feast on His word, and let it fill you to overflowing, then let your gratitude and joy spill out on to others.

Abba, Father, how thankful I am that in Your wisdom You knew we needed an example on how to live these beautiful lives You gave us, and that You not only sent Your beloved Son to show us, but also the Holy Spirit to guide us. It is my prayer that all these readers, who are so dear to Your heart, will plant themselves in the stream of Your living water and let their roots grow deep in Your holy word. I pray that they may soak up the nourishment that only You can give so that they bear much fruit and glorify You in their words, thoughts and deeds. It is in You that we have our life and breath – to You be all the glory! In Christ’s name I pray, Amen!

“If we complained less and were more thankful, we would be happier, and God would be more glorified.” Charles Spurgeon

Lei thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your nuggets of encouragement with our readers. And Lei loves to hear from her readers. She can be contacted at: bride_cw@sbcglobal.net; Instagram – leimaier; Facebook: Lei Shroyer Maier

Bio: Lei was born and raised in Michigan, was married 39 years to a husband who loved the Lord, and together raised two sons. She is blessed with a daughter-in-love and two granddaughters. Though she attended church as a teen, she did not become a Christian until she was 31 when she met her Creator/Savior who filled that empty spot she had sought to fill with other things. As a recent widow, she is learning to navigate this new path in life, finding guidance and comfort in God’s Word, His love letter to His people. Her passion is to encourage other women in their spiritual walk with our Lord through Bible studies, small group encounters and special speaking engagements.