Finally, I can sit down in the old white wicker chair and enjoy the work of my hands.  Cut grass surrenders is sweet fragrance causing me to inhale and relax.

 The wind blows the pungent aroma of freshly dug earth and newly planted lavender across the porch.

The rhythmic sound of the sprinklers begin to lull me into a conscience stream of thoughts.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gvae Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  Ephesians 5:1,2

So this is how it is with God.  He works with us, tilling and planting; He works with us pruning and cutting back to bear much fruit, and when we give thanks to Him for all He has done it becomes this fragrant offering of love.

We remind ourselves so often of how much God loves us – so much that He sent Christ to die for us.

But how do I love the beloved?

On a life of altars.  An altar of thankfulness.  Sacrificing back to him a little of our time to recall the joy of this life.

Pruning back is painful, but the fruit to come, and the fruit that is, are the way we count it all joy.

Digging up roots and rocks from our soul to plant the peace of lavender – Joy!

How can I thank Him?  Is there anything to good for my God?  I wake up each morning, and if I can remember who I am, I begin a day of altars.

It will look like, going to the grocery store and listening for who He is pointing out for me to speak to.

It is holding the door and smiling.

It is praying for the one tailgating because my speed interferes with theirs.

It is sacrificing a part of yourself to give to others, to honor God, and to imitate, to walk in love…to be led by the Spirit.

This is life on the Altar, and a fragrant offering that is pleasing to the Lord.

How are you living an Altar Life?