Blackberry or shoe?

I love the “Yield” sign in Scotland and England , it’s “Give Way”...it sounds so much more inviting and so much more polite...more powerful!

“Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and pluck blackberries. (Elizabeth Barrett Browning) I love the sign, “Give Way”, because it reminded me and made me feel that sometimes I missing out on hearing God’s voice, simply because I might not be aware of the “holy ground” I am walking on, and I forget to Give Way! I love prayer, I love hearing God’s small voice, I love God’s guidance, but without prayer or should I say~ giving way, and getting still to hear His guidance, I can become “perceptually blind” to something in plain sight. This simple sign reminded me that, While my mind can be consumed with the clutter of my colorful and ever-changing agenda, I can simply ask my God for wisdom. Simply just “Give Way”. It is really that simple!

When I still my mind and heart enough to sense God’s presence , I can begin to see and hear what other-way I wouldn’t ...oh I love blackberries, and now I know that I can go and pluck at the blackberry bushes , because I could still see bushes afire with God, when I Give Way...and by giving way , I “take off my shoes”, I simply ask for wisdom, and  I get wise to God’s promptings, to the wonder around me, to the wonder in those next to me. God’s Wisdom is what enables me to see the big picture clearly. It enables me to become seasoned at hearing God’s whispers and promptings.

So next time I pluck blackberries, I will keep my eyes also open to those bushes afire with God, and enjoy heaven in my world, and the sweet taste of blackberries.

I know this can sound so simple, but I know it works. I’ve learned in 2018, the beauty and the power of giving way, asking God for things I’ve never dreamed to ask for, and watch Him being so invinting, so approachable, so giving, so Loving!  “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24: 3-4)