Reflections on an Autumn Morning

 It’s raining outside. Looking out of the window, I can see the wet moisture glistening on the patio and on the pavement of our neighborhood streets. Lighting flashes occasionally, absent of any rumbling roars of thunder. The house is dark and still. Terri and our cat menagerie are still sleeping.

 Yesterday was the first day of Autumn. Fall is here! As I sit on the couch, sipping my black coffee, I hear the rain drizzling ever so slightly. My brain is rolling back the tape on several conversations from last week that others had with me. I was reassured they were intended for my benefit.

 I am contemplating how my creativity plays a role in my work.

 As an artist, I am passionate about using my creativity to bring attention to overlooked and complex realities, and helping others see the beauty, humanity, and divinity within every person.

 Through art, I aim to give voice to those who are often unseen, and I strive to create space for deeper reflection, connection, and growth in people’s relationships with the Divine.

 Whether in my creative work or in my role as a leader, I am driven by the desire to inspire change, encourage empathy, and foster environments where people can grow into their fullest potential.

 We want to see you smile and be happy again. We miss that about you. We think we’ve been unfair to you by asking you to do too much.”

 When it comes to people, I have trust issues. I think it stems from my youth and I’m pretty sure it can’t be undone. My sole hope is making progress in coping with it and moving forward. Some things in life you can’t take back. You can’t shove them back into a box. You can’t act like they weren’t said. “Words are like bullets,” Terri reminds me.

 My uncertainty about trust makes things difficult. Simple things can become more challenging than they should be.

 But then who’s to say what should and shouldn’t be?

 Who’s in charge here?

 Oh. Hi, God. No, I didn’t forget you were there. Yes, of course, I trust You. Yes, I know You have a plan for my life and that plan is not to harm me but to see me prosper—to see me thrive and flourish—for Your glory.

 The rain keeps falling…only harder and louder now. Inspiration comes when it comes.

 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

Psalms 34:1-3 NLT

 Until we gather around my next post…

 God is good. All the time.

 No matter what.

 Know you are loved.

 Praying for you. Praying for America.

 Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

 After wearing many different hats throughout his career, Rainer serves as the Senior Operations Manager at OurCalling, Inc., a Dallas-based homeless outreach helping the chronically homeless find a way off the streets and into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Since committing his life to Jesus in 2007, Rainer has had the privilege of teaching and preaching in many different churches in the Dallas area.