I have been planning a 40 day period of concentrated focus for about two months now. Why 40? I’ll explain that later. Today is day one. This endeavor will close on Sunday, Nov. 29. Each day will include reading from The Psalms, Proverbs and/or the Gospels. Each day will also include having a cup of tea or coffee with someone different each day. If the meeting cannot be arranged, I will make a phone call to listen to someone talk about our Lord’s plans for His creation. Each day will also include reading at least one chapter from a book of my choice – or will it be at God’s choice?

I also have this little saying that will stay in front of me daily, “How can I increase my service today knowing that my rewards in life must be in exact proportion to my service?” (Yea, kind of business oriented, not so much grace oriented.. but it’s a great principle to keep me engaged).

Some of this is timed so I can concentrate on finishing the year in a manner worthy of the calling to which I have been called. I also like to start getting my arms around the fact that a new year will soon be upon us and it is always an ideal time to look ahead with renewed strength as to what God has in store for my life.

And then there’s this heightened awareness that takes place during these times of refreshing. Like today. While I was sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying one of Edwin’s bagels, I observed a woman who stopped on the sidewalk out front. She looked to be in a trance. Soon she came in a took a seat at the counter in the corner. It was apparent to me that she was deep in prayer. That made me start praying silently for each person who came and went from the Bagel Shop. It made me pray for each passerby. Day one.