To my readers, I apologize for the lengthy delay. Normally my blogs are released on the first of the month but COVID paid me a visit this summer. Although I was able to successfully evade this plague for well over two years, the inevitable happened. My son's birthday came and went and I had to stay quarantined--hidden and relegated to my room. I missed him. I missed my friends. Time stood still. Thus, the irony is not lost on me. The month of July marks the official start of Florida's hunting season. As someone who lives near the tip of The Everglades yet can't stand gamy meats or a bloody steak, why does this even matter?
The topic of camouflage and being "hidden" has taken on new meaning for me post-COVID. Have you ever felt hidden? When you are outside of the public eye, you are actually being held safe. God often shields us in much the same way that a camouflaged animal is concealed from predators. Hidden animals live to see another day. You may not be a fan, but masks protect the most vulnerable during pandemics. Beautiful faces and unique expressions have been hidden since 2020 because most of us believe that we are doing God's work by sacrificing a temporary comfort to protect the weak and for the greater good.
Let's face it. Storms impact everyone and a shelter is a dark and temporary hiding place without a stage or spotlights. If your gifts and talents are not being seen or appreciated then you may just be under heavenly evacuation orders. God knows when you desperately need to be in seclusion for a time of rest and renewal. Scarcity only increases your value. You don't have to advertise your gifts or look for validation. The fact that you are held in the palm of His hand is all that matters. Consider this--Pearls are hidden inside of the oyster until they are developed. God is not finished with you, but most growth happens in private.
As I pondered the spiritual significance of July, I realized that even the most basic principles of modesty exist to protect us from unwanted attention and to create a clear boundary between public and private display. Friend, you have not been discarded; you have been preserved. Why do we wrap gifts? Because they are precious and they are exclusively for the recipient. We are not our own so the next time that you feel invisible, remember that you are significant to The Creator who wants to have an intimate relationship with you. God sets people apart to prepare them to do great things. Just ask Elijah about the cave!
So be patient and wait for your season. Your purpose will be manifested and you will shine. Untouched. Uncirculated. Unseen. Living in the shadows and faithfully supporting the vision of others. Working hard at the same job and offering ideas without getting the promotion. Child of destiny, WAIT. He will bring it to pass and your gift will make room for you. Without a cocoon there would be no butterfly. The best players train without an audience, but on Game Day, the stadium is full. Once you are locked in on destiny, fans won't distract you and haters really don't matter anymore. Until then, stay hidden.
Psalm 27:5 ASV
For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock.
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