“Don’t forget to look for a pebble that represents you in some way,” I called to the group of youth trailing along behind me. As we reached the still, silent pond that was our destination, we found a place to share and discuss the insights we had gained from our readings that week. At the end of our time, I invited them to find a quiet spot to think. I asked them to throw their pebble in the pond, watch the ripples, and quietly reflect on what sort of ripples they were sending to the world.
They went to their quiet spots. I found a relatively flat rock where I could try to ponder. I had my baby along. She squirmed and grabbed my pen as I tried to think of something to write. Then a powerful thought came into my mind:
"You may not see it, but there is war raging around you, even in this peaceful place. Your heart is the price. Unseen forces want to dwell there, but each moment you choose who wins the victory.”
As I watched these youth throw their pebbles in the pond, I realized why, for these veiled powers, a heart is the ultimate price of victory. If they can penetrate one heart their influencing ripples will extend far beyond what we can see. In the heart lies power. It is where ripples are made.
I looked back to when I had rippled frustration, annoyance, and selfishness that day. I knew I had received the opposing force into my heart. I reflected that because Christ died for me, I have the choice to let Him clean my heart from any evil at any moment. And He would fill it with God’s love. Gratitude filled my soul as I understood that because of Him, I get to choose who wins each battle for my heart.
That was a beautiful testimony Karen. Thank you for sharing it.
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