Father,
forgive me for I have sinned
help me remember at all times
to have the mind like Jesus

Related:
Without grumbling
Empty myself

The young man answered, “Whatever you want to do, I'm with you.”"

~ 1 Samuel 14.6-7 GNB

"Maybe the LORD will help us ..", but maybe not. "If he does, nothing can keep him from giving us the victory ..", but if he does not, you and I will die. Either way, Jonathan was going.

Wreckless? Possibly.

What was the impetus to do this? Not written.

Did the LORD help him? Yes.

Jonathan got firsthand experience of total dependence on miracle. He knew what it felt to have the LORD's protection. And I think this experience helped him recognise the LORD's presence in young David years later that led him to bond with David. As the saying goes, "it takes one to know one".

What if wherever God puts me and whatever circumstance he brings me, the only measure that counts is how Christlike I am?

It is irrelevant whether the other person I treat is of high status or someone I dislike. My opinion of her / him does not change my job to be Christlike.

And Christ died for sinners and those who put him on the cross. He loves those who I do not love and treat kindly those who I do not care. So if my only job is to be Christlike, then I ought to treat kindly everyone, regardless of my opinion.

Related:
Extend grace
Selective treatment

Life is the sun
Death is the north star
Both illuminate the way home.
On a journey across the heavens,
what more are a few steps?

~ Fonda Lee, "The Last Contract of Isako"

Life rarely goes exactly as planned. Regardless, do not worry about a few more steps here and there. I ought to focus on the destination.

Death is the gateway for where I want to go: To be with God.

See:
Learn how to live
Know and not believe

This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

... We are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us."

~ Romans 12.1-6 GNB

"My brothers and sisters, what good is it for people to say that they have faith if their actions do not prove it? Can that faith save them?

... So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without actions is dead."

~ James 2.14-26 GNB

Faith is not about what I get; it is about who I worship. When I have faith, I worship. Faith without actions consistent with who I worship, is dead.

See: Give thanks to God (2)

~ 1 Samuel 13.19-22 GNB

Wait. What? For real?

I think world affair now is significantly more complicated than back when the Israelites and the Philistines were fighting. But there is an interesting parallel with current state of world economies on the talk of sovereign capability and not being dependent on "others" for key capabilities.

On a smaller scale, daily life is also highly dependent on a few technology or service companies to the extent that if they turn against their customers / users, life can get more complicated.

Who are the "blacksmiths" in my life? Or in my ministry or work? Do I have a backup plan?

Saul answered, “The people were deserting me, and you had not come when you said you would; besides that, the Philistines are gathering at Michmash. So I thought, ‘The Philistines are going to attack me here in Gilgal, and I have not tried to win the LORD's favour.’ So I felt I had to offer a sacrifice.”

“That was a foolish thing to do,” Samuel answered. “You have not obeyed the command the LORD your God gave you. If you had obeyed, he would have let you and your descendants rule over Israel for ever. But now your rule will not continue. Because you have disobeyed him, the LORD will find the kind of man he wants and make him ruler of his people.”"

~ 1 Samuel 13.7-14 GNB

I am getting déjà vu. This story reminds me of Moses, Aaron, the Israelites, and the golden calf.

Lesson learned: When the LORD says "wait", I better wait.

See:
Wait on the Lord (2)
Wait on the Lord

~ 1 Samuel 12.21 GNB

What is real and what is not? Atheists believe God is not real. And here we have Samuel saying, God is real. He had experienced God firsthand.

How I live life rests on my answer to two fundamental questions. Is God real? What kind of God is he?

False gods are everywhere. Despite their promises, they do not save.

See: Jesus is real

The LORD has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people.

As for me, the LORD forbid that I should sin against him by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do.

Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”

~ 1 Samuel 12.20-25 GNB

Paraphrasing, here is a different take. "If you continue to go after false gods, you and your king will be destroyed."

The world bombard me with false gods. I ought to reject them and follow and serve only the LORD.

Oh Holy Spirit
please open my eyes to see
and avoid the false gods

Pretty.

Thank you God for your unfailing love. Thank you for family and friends. Thank you for my health. Thank you for your provision.

Related:
New every morning
Steadfast love
Moon phases
Moon phases (2)

~ 1 Peter 2.9-11 ESV

Step away from "the passions of the flesh". Step out of darkness and step into God's "marvelous light".

His light warms my heart, brightens my soul, and energises me to move forward and onward.

~ 1 Samuel 12.13-15 GNB

Choose leaders carefully. Choose ones whose hearts are truly following the LORD, not just in words and appearances.

Follow the LORD faithfully. "It takes one to know one," so I also need to be a true follower to recognise a leader who is also a follower.

I am sure there are other examples. But some Christian names do not have the female version and vice versa. I can sort of get it, when the names are names of existing people in the Bible.

But what about English words? "Hope", "Faith", and "Grace" are always female names. I understand English words do not have gender, but that is not my point. Why are these names used only for female?

And at the same time, maintain obedience to the Lord. He will discipline the wayward children.

"Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”"

~ Luke 4.4 ESV

By which Jesus referred to Deuteronomy.

"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.

Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him."

~ Deuteronomy 8.2-6 ESV

That night Saul divided his men into three groups, and at dawn they rushed into the enemy camp and attacked the Ammonites. By noon they had slaughtered them. The survivors scattered, each man running off by himself. Then the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Where are the people who said that Saul should not be our king? Hand them over to us, and we will kill them!” But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the LORD rescued Israel.”"

1 Samuel 10.24-11.13 GNB

The LORD is not bothered whether I agree with him or not. He knows what he is doing and his decision is always proven right, sooner or later, in his time.

Agree or disagree, I will obey the LORD.

See:
Obey in faith
We are clay
A different plan
Features, not bugs
Timescale

~ 1 Samuel 10.17-19 GNB

The people rejected "the one who rescued them from their troubles and difficulties" and that accountability transferred to their king. But time and time again, their king failed and the people kept coming back to the LORD to rescue them.

They rejected his rule and begged for his rescue.

Sounds familiar even to this day across the world.

Related:
The only king
Give them a king
Whose control?

And many believers then develop specific theological "understanding" to clarify many things. All in varying shapes and forms. And still, it is too far of a stretch to say we know for certain about everything.

But it is okay. I do not think certainty is the goal. Personal relationship with God helps me believe despite the uncertainty.

"Faith is not needed where certainty exists. ... If we possess certainty, then we hold knowledge, and 'to know' something means we no longer need faith.

Faith exists only when we can't conclusively demonstrate or prove the object of our trust."

~ Gary E. Parker, "The Gift of Doubt"

Uhm, there have been many verses that I like, but a favourite? I do not think of the Bible in this way, so I could not answer that question as asked. But if the intent is to understand me "better", than maybe I have an answer.

So I anwered with a verse that others can make sense of how I live my daily life. Something that guides me. Like a nautical "North star" or the "true North".

"Do for others what you want them to do for you." (Matthew 7.12 GNB)

Related: Monarch butterflies

The beliefs do not have to be about religion; it can be about other topics. But some religious people can take this to another level. They will insist that others comply with their beliefs or suffer consequences that they enforce (above and beyond the written law of the land).

It is as if they feel that they have sacrificed much for their beliefs and actions that led to the betterment of the world, while others have not. So they think others who are not like them deserve "hell". They believe they deserve "heaven" and they think it unfair if these others get to "heaven" too.

But who defines fairness in this matter? See Fairness. Heaven and hell are not that simple.

God invites me to have a personal relationship with him, beyond transactional "good deeds" for "going to heaven" or "bad deeds" for "going to hell".

Do you have a personal relationship with God?

~ 1 Samuel 10.1 GNB

The remit of a king is this: rule to protect the people. Protect from various types and forms of danger, short term and long term, physical and spiritual. Rule to protect, not rule to benefit from them.

A king is the LORD's tool and servant to accomplish the LORD's purpose. Likewise in current days. A leader is the LORD's tool and servant to accomplish his purpose.

But my relationship with God, sometimes, is unexplainable by Christian theology. This is not a verdict on the theology, because relationship is not just headspace.

Theology is mankind trying to understand God. Relationship is God reaching out to me to help me understand him. My encounter with God is what defines my relationship with him.

See:
Close encounter
Illusion of control

The Bible records he did not end as well as he started. Life is also filled with many stories of good start that did not end as well.

Oh Holy Spirit
please help me finish well
my journey of faith
humbly and joyfully

Related: Start, sustain, stay humble

When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God gave Saul a new nature. And everything Samuel had told him happened that day."

~ 1 Samuel 10 GNB

Am I a different person compared to before I knew Jesus personally? Do I pick up "new nature" as I walk with Jesus and grow in faith?

Dear God
please renew my nature
to be more and more like Jesus

But I need to stay humble, because pride will make me stumble. I need not worry where I stand in comparison to others. The real "comparison" that matters is of me and "the best possible version of myself" - who God intended me to be.

And be it work, faith, or relationship, it is not done until I reach the finish line.

Oh Holy Spirit
please help me start what I ought to start
sustain what I start
and stay humble always

A changed life starts with a heartfelt decision to devote my entire existence to God. And that decision is triggered by a close encounter with God himself.

The shape of the encounter differs between person to person. If you have not encountered God, seek him. He is never far and he is waiting for you.

See: Give thanks to God (2)

Saul answered, “I belong to the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important one in the tribe. Why, then, do you talk like this to me?”"

~ 1 Samuel 9.1-21 GNB

The young Saul was smart and eloquent. He knew he was speaking to Samuel and he did not try to impress with his father's credentials.

Too many wealthy individuals brag about themselves. Even those who are not, try to make themselves look wealthy. What does adulation of wealth bring?

Oh God,
please help me not worry about
the temporary vanities of the world
but focus instead on your will

The LORD answered, “Do what they want and give them a king.”"

~ 1 Samuel 8.10-22 GNB

Surely God knew well where this would lead, right? But he still gave the Israelites a king. 🤯

WHY?

Or further back, why did he not fence "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" in the garden of Eden?

🤔

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate"

~ Darrell Evans

I re-listened to this song from Casting Crowns; such a lovely song.

Oh Holy Spirit
help me spread wide Christ' extravagant love
through my words and actions

The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said “No! We want a king, so that we will be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles.” Samuel listened to everything they said and then went and told the LORD.

The LORD answered, “Do what they want and give them a king.”"

~ 1 Samuel 8.10-22 GNB

History rhymes. Even now, mankind choose to become "slaves" to their own "kings" and not the LORD. They think they are in control.

Oh Holy Spirit
help me be aware of the foolishness
of my desires
help me to desire only
what you desire
and may the LORD alone
rule my heart,
my thoughts,
my words, and
my behaviours

~ 1 Samuel 8.7-8 GNB

In Egypt, the people lived under slavery and they worshipped God and when they got out, they turned away and worshipped other gods.

It is tempting to forget God and attribute my achievements to myself. In truth, every good thing is from God. I ought to worship only him - in good times and in bad times.

Dear God
I am thankful for everything
please help me stay true
to worship you only

Then all the leaders of Israel met together, went to Samuel in Ramah, and said to him, “Look, you are getting old and your sons don't follow your example. So then, appoint a king to rule over us, so that we will have a king, as other countries have.”"

~ 1 Samuel 8.1-5 GNB

Unfortunately for Samuel, his sons grew up to be bad people like his predecessor's - Eli's - sons. The Israelites wanted a way out, so they asked for a kig. An odd choice, since they knew full well that kingship was handed down within the family. Did they not know that they could end up in the same situation again?

Probably their intent was to depose Samuel and keep the option open for succession. God's judge could only be chosen by God and they had no say. But a king was someone they could overthrow, if they did not like the king. Or so they thought.

They thought they could wrest control out of God's hand.

And history proved their mistake.

Dear God
you have complete control
over my life
help to remember
and to yield to you

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

It may not be intentional, but what I love influences what I want to be. In turn, what I want to be influences my decisions. And my decisions shape me.

Dear God
I love you
please help me love you
above all else

See: What did you want to be? (2)

Archery looked simple, but I could not get the arrow to land where I wanted. Once in a while I got lucky, but then the next one went elsewhere. 😁

Consistency in life is also difficult to attain. There are many factors that will derail me. The only thing I can do is to focus and try again.

Dear God
please help me stay focused
on becoming like Jesus

I do not understand human heart. How can some people feel morally righteous while being so vicious. They are so toxic and draining.

How to deal with these?

Related: Son on the Devil

Samuel killed a young lamb and burnt it whole as a sacrifice to the LORD. Then he prayed to the LORD to help Israel, and the LORD answered his prayer.

While Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack; but just then the LORD thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic. The Israelites marched out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines almost as far as Bethcar, killing them along the way."

~ 1 Samuel 7.7-11 GNB

"Answered prayer" is contextual and subjective. Two praying Christians might be at the opposing sides of a sport competition and only one won. God answered one prayer and not the other one. Or so it seemed. What about the families and the spectators? Maybe some of them were Christians too and they prayed for their chamption. And still there was only one winner.

God does not see it that way. He looks at the big picture and executes his plan which is better than any of my prayers. The question is whether my prayer is relevant and aligned with God's plan.

But pray anyway.

See:
Which prayer?
All things
Unspoken prayers

~ 1 Samuel 7.3 GNB

Samuel's instruction was specific: turn with all my heart and dedicate myself completely and worship only the LORD. There is no room in the slightest for another. All of me for the LORD.

See:
Without a rival
Is he the only one?

The choice is mine to value which definition of success I want to subscribe to.

“A life surrounded by good people is a successful life. It might not be success as defined by society, but thanks to the people around you, each day is a successful day.”

~ “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop” by Hwang Bo-reum

See:
Measure of success (2)
Measure of success (3)
Make the chili
Seek

~ 1 Samuel 7.1-2 GNB

The Covenant Box moved from Beth Shemesh, where the LORD killed seventy people, to Kiriath Jearim. But the people of Kiriath Jearim honoured the LORD's holiness and thus the LORD did not harm any of them and the Covenant Box stayed at Abinadab's house for twenty years.

When something bad happens to me, it is not always due to my own foolishness, External circumstances or other people can cause it. But it is not a bad place to start checking.

Have I been honouring the LORD's holiness? Have I been obeying him?

See: Honour holiness

~ 1 Samuel 6.1-19 GNB

The Israelites at Beth Shemesh got the same punishment as the Philistines, because they did not respect the LORD's commands with regard to the Covenant Box.

He is holy. I ought to always honour his holiness.

There is no longer a physical Covenant Box amongst us. But he still expects the same attitude: to honour him as the LORD and to not defile his holiness with my actions, behaviours, nor words.

God was a friend to Abraham, not in spite of, but because Abraham honour the LORD's holiness with his faith. Faith that believes in the holiness that the LORD exacts.

So they sent messengers and called together all five of the Philistine kings and asked them, “What shall we do with the Covenant Box of the God of Israel?” “Take it over to Gath,” they answered; so they took it to Gath, another Philistine city. But after it arrived there, the LORD punished that city too and caused a great panic. ..."

~ 1 Samuel 5 GNB

In modern days, such occurences would not be credited as an act of God - that would be considered superstitious by the world. They would say those Philistines were uneducated and knew no science nor engineering.

Scientific body of knowledge has continued to grow and grow for centuries, but it does not disprove God's existence. I see it as a tool and it coexists with faith to accomplish God's plan.

See: Universe (4)

Daily life is full of facts and happenings. How one conveys them makes a difference.

Some people drag my mood down. Others lift up my mood.

Dear God
please help me
be a person who lifts up others

Related:
Cheerful heart
Raising children

What does this mean? How does this differ between Biblical time and now?

God can use anybody, believer or not, to accomplish his will so his glory would come through. God is omnipresent, so "his presence" is more of my perception or awareness of his presence; not of whether he is present or not. His glory relates to my perception of his presence and him being God (with all the awesome Godlike attributes) and I am merely human.

If his glory is present with me, then my life would point others toward God's awesomeness.

Dear God
may my life point others
to your glory

~ 1 Samuel 4.12-22 GNB

In those days, the Covenant Box was the representation of God's presence in Israel. It was merely a symbolic gesture, because God never fits in the Covenant Box nor any box.

Where he reveals his glory, there he is.

In my life, does he reveal his glory through me? Is his glory present with me wherever I go?

~ 1 Samuel 4.2-4 GNB

The Israelites did not inquire from the LORD of what he wanted to do. They thought they could force his hand to fulfill their plan.

Why should God do what I ask outside his plan? His plan is far superior and will accomplish his purpose. Instead of forcing his hand, as if it can ever work, I ought to bend my will to follow his will.

See: Let your will be mine

God tolerates failures. All he asks is obedience.

Even when I fail to obey, he accepts me and encourages me to try again and carry on obeying. After all, Jesus died on the cross for failures like me.

In life, failure happens. So far, it is not the end of the world. I ought to look forward and onward to constructively try again better.

~ Thomas O. Harbison

Do not jump to conclusion. I cannot read minds. And be humble.

Focus on God's agenda, without any of my baggage.

But how can this be?

Christ' love transforms from the inside out when I keep his teaching in my heart all the time. I am far from perfect, but this does not stop me from trying to live out his love and bless others.

Do not let stubborn selfishness keep me away from identifying with Jesus. I need to, daily, keep on transforming.

Related:
Identity in Jesus
To be forgiven is easy
Insecurity, greed, and selfishness

Eli said, “He is the LORD; he will do whatever seems best to him.”"

1 Samuel 3.11-18 GNB

In many cases, children follow their parents' examples. But even if the parents repent, there is no guarantee the children will follow. In other cases, children are influenced by others and their parents cannot stop it. Eli tried to correct his children (1 Samuel 2.22-25), but the children did not listen.

Godly parenting is not easy. Choose to be a role model in deeds, not just words. And trust the LORD.

See: Raising children

The LORD came and stood there, and called as he had before, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak; your servant is listening.”"

~ 1 Samuel 3.1-10 GNB

The boy went to Eli three times, because he thought the voice was Eli's. But Eli did not hear anything at all.

The LORD's voice was not loud like thunder, but soft and personal. Only Samuel heard it. He just did not know who the voice belonged to, until Eli taught him.

Oh LORD
please help me discern your voice
so I do not mistake other voice as yours
and help me be alert
so whenever you speak
I listen and obey

See: Listen closely

~ 1 Samuel 3.1 GNB

The Law of Moses was well known in those days. The LORD's commands were already clear and new messages from him were few and visions quite rare. What about in these days? Are they still "few and quite rare"?

His commands are as clear as ever. And mankind has more tools to read and study the commands.

But mankind's heart is still as problematic as ever.

Oh LORD,
purify my heart
so when you speak
I listen

'I will choose a priest who will be faithful to me and do everything I want him to. I will give him descendants, who will always serve in the presence of my chosen king.'"

~ 1 Samuel 2.12-36 GNB

Despite the very corrupt environment that Samuel grew up in, he knew the difference between right and wrong and he chose to be right with the LORD. His faithfulness "gained favour both with the LORD and with people".

I ought not make excuses for unrighteousness.

Oh Holy Spirit
please help me be faithful
in every decision
for the rest of my days

~ 1 Samuel 2.21 GNB

The book never recorded Hannah retaliating to Peninah who mocked Hannah when Hannah previously could not have a child (ch1.v6). By the world's measure, Hannah was successful. She had four sons and two daughters and her firstborn became a significant figure - one who annointed two kings.

Hannah knew her every blessing was from the LORD and belonged to him. She was his channel of blessing.

Jesus saves to serve God's purpose. Salvation is a stepping stone. What is the next step and the step after that? Where is his path leading?

I may think I know his path, but I do not. I know where the path will end - God the Father, but I cannot see the entire path. Sometimes even the next step is not clearly visible.

I need to believe in the unseen and follow his path, step by step.

~ 1 Samuel 2.3-5 GNB

When I am doing well, I must not be arrogant. Regardless of status and wealth, I ought to treat others kindly as Jesus would.

"Do for others what you want them to do for you."

~ Matthew 7.12 GNB

"Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. ... He has set the right time for everything."

~ Ecclesiastes 3.1,11 GNB

“Whatever you think is best,” Elkanah agreed. “Stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promise.” So she stayed home and nursed the boy until he was weaned. ...

When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh."

~ 1 Samuel 1.22-24 NLT

The Bible does not describe much about Hannah and Elkanah, but this is a powerful testimony of their characters.

Elkanah agreed to give their newborn son to the LORD, although they waited for years for him to arrive. Elkanah was true to his word that their relationship alone was "better than ten sons". And what integrity he displayed that God came first and that he honoured his wife's promise to the LORD - a promise that she made without consultation to him, which was not the norm in their culture.

And what amazing character and behaviour she would have lived out consistently that he loved her so deeply. Without a son and then when she gave the son to the LORD, her husband loved her and honoured her.

Do I live like Hannah such that I am valued by those around me like Elkanah valued Hannah?

See: Better than ten sons

I understand nurture and environment can make someone bitter and all that, but for Jesus' followers, there is new life and continuous renewal. And yet, some followers cling to their old selves ever so tightly, preventing them to transform fully into the "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17). Maybe they think they are perfect just the way they are.

I cannot change others. It is hard enough to change myself, so that is that.

Oh Holy Spirit
please help me be self-aware
and help me hear your voice always
to continually renew my self
so my words and behaviours
reflect Jesus

See:
A new self every morning (2)
To be his disciple (2)

“Go in peace,” Eli said, “and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.” “May you always think kindly of me,” she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad."

~ 1 Samuel 1.13-18 GNB

God knew Hannah's prayers. Always. And yet Hannah did not conceive until after this particular event.

God had a big plan for Hannah's son and the timing was not yet aligned between when his son would become an adult and when God wanted to use him. This would be years later.

And when the timing aligned, God spoke to Hannah through Eli. And although she did not understand what was to come, she found peace.

Oh Holy Spirit
help me not to rush
help me defer to your timing
because you know the Father's plan

See:
Better than ten sons
Will be accomplished

~ John 20.30-31 GNB

Mankind has progressed knowledge and technology to the point that many things were not possible in past, but now possible. If people of old see what can be done now, they would say these are miraculous. But are they miracles?

Healing cancer? He can, but there is also good medicine and doctor for it. Is it still a miracle? But what if someone is poor and there is nobody to pay for the treatment? For this person, getting the treatment, be healed, and not be in financial debt - this would be a miracle.

For some, a situation may require miracle. For others, they can make the bad situation go away. Miracle is subjective.

Miracle is something that God does to help someone believe God exists and cares, to show his way where there seems to be no way out, or to go beyond my thought to accomplish something bigger for him. Miracle's objective is to glorify him.

~ John 20.27-29 AMP

Many people believe in stuffs they hear and see in the media, even to the point of making big decisions that affect their lives. They cannot verify and prove them first hand, but they believe anyway. In more ways than one.

At the same time, these people refuse to believe in Jesus, because they cannot verify and prove Jesus themselves. And they are okay with this contradiction.

Those who follow Jesus with their whole hearts, who believe although they have not seen, made a decision that affects not just their lives now, but now and evermore to eternity.

I underestimated it and never got to enjoy the place. My loss.

Life is full of underrated or underappreciated joy. Especially joy from the Spirit. Out of sight out of mind kind of thing, given visible temptations of the world.

The Spirit is real and the joy is real. I am blessed to have experienced it.