beWARM

I am still a neophyte when it comes to Scripture; it seems as though I have just scratched the surface of this Book of All Books.

However, since  traveling to Turkey and following the steps of St. Paul, certain passages and books of the Bible have come to life. Being able visualize Paul’s surroundings and learn more about the challenges he faced was a blessing and encouragement to my own walk of faith.

Every trip has a couple of “moments” that float to the top of the “best memories” list. Mine occurred after climbing to the top of a hill in Colossae.

After reaching the top, Joey, taking photos of the lower section, called out from down below, “What’s up there?”

Lifting my arms skyward, I laughingly said, “Just me!”

Later, I reflected on that remark – and that huge mound of dirt piled up over an ancient city.

The artifacts hidden below hold the story of Colossae in the early centuries A.D.  Such mystery and promise!

Colossae was not a city that St. Paul visited, and it did not have the prominance of nearby cities such as Laodecia and Hieropolis – but it was significant enough that Paul, while imprisoned, wrote his letter to the Colossians.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. ~ Colossians 2:2

As we all strive to become closer to God, it is exciting to consider what has yet to be revealed in our lives. How many times has He astonished us with His providence, His mercifulness!

We can wait in joyful expectancy and trust, knowing that there are still a multitude of discoveries ahead.

What treasures might we find once we start digging deep within? Will we find hidden talents – or known abilities that are not being used fully?  What “junk” can we unearth and discard that we have been holding on to?

The prospects are endless…

Colossae sits quiet, waiting. It will be up to someone else to begin the digging.

But for “uncovering” ourselves – we have all the tools we need…

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. ~Colossians 1:15-17   (The Message)