Sis Dixon
Director of The Foundry Resource Center

I was walking through our thrift store on a cold, rainy winter day and this picture caught my attention. I couldn’t help but grin when I saw this precious child. Who doesn’t love a smiling baby?! Because of the dreariness of the day, I reflected on the warmth of summer, the refreshing coolness of the water, and the pure joy of just kicking back and going with the flow. I found myself longing to be this baby girl. At that moment I needed everything she had and was experiencing. I realized that what I craved was grace. Just a little grace.

I often read The Message version of Psalm 23:

“GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.”

My prayer for me and for you is that we can hold on a little longer. Just as we know that summer is coming, surely, we, too, will know the pure bliss of floating free and happy in a refreshing pool of God’s grace. As Easter people, we know that the best is yet to come!

“For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come, Yes!”
~Dag Hammarskjöld