PAUSE AND PONDER by Gini Walker

Two of my favorite words these days are PAUSE and PONDER. Although favorites with me, these concepts are probably not appreciated in our fast speed, multi-task, high tech, and ever-changing world. These involve a slowing down process and a dig deeper and deeper thinking. Sometimes the “I’ve heard it all” and “I’ve seen it all” attitudes push us to move on and not dwell on the thought-provoking sights and sounds. Yet, I doubt that any city dweller having an opportunity to stand in a desert at midnight, far away from any lights, could look up in the sky bursting with stars and be eager to leave such a sight. That happened to me about 58 years ago. I still carry the memory of that phenomenon that causes me to ponder again and again about the awesome creative power of God.

Did David, the shepherd boy, see what I saw? Probably. As I now pause and ponder him as a shepherd, these thoughts carry me to the 23rd Psalm. This beloved Psalm has comforted many mourners. It has encouraged many wayfaring strangers in this world filled with “valleys of death’s shadows”. It has raised hope of Heaven’s beckoning. In these pandemic days, it may be the evening prayer spoken by moms and dads over their children. As a young shepherd boy, David cared for his sheep. Even more, Jesus, my Shepherd Lord, cares for me. I need to pause and consider the green pastures, still water, His perfect guidance as I am comforted by His shepherd tools, His presence in the valleys, and His provisions even in the midst of evil.

As I am learning to pause and ponder, my appreciation for a particular verse or passage in scripture is being enhanced. I tried it (P and P) on Ephesians 3:20 (New International Version) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” I spent several hours with all the individual words and phrases like IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE. After this experience, I was left once more with a sense of awe and wonder about the God I worship. Immeasurably more? Than all? I can ask or imagine? Nothing left uncovered here. Nothing left to chance.

Here is that same verse in the New Living Translation: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” And, finally this amazing verse in the New American Standard Version: “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

I find it delightful and even fun to compare the “immeasurably more”, “infinitely more” and “abundantly beyond all”. It is as if we just can’t find the exact words to describe God’s power and being. This leaves me in a posture of praise and adoration for God and His glory. Something I’ve discovered about this method of reading God’s Word is how this meditation process becomes a habit and natural way of taking His words into my heart. But it is definitely a work in progress. It seems to take on a life of its own as I journey down more paths of understanding and appreciation.

Although her parent and siblings were born in Arkansas, Gini was born and raised in California. She has been married to Charlie for more than 53 years. They live in Orange County, CA. Their son and daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson live nearby.

Gini was active in the education of elementary school-age children. Feeling a misfit in education, she turned to and became active in adult ministry at their church.

Gini and Charlie have a joint ministry—12 years ago, Charlie designed and built a guest house on the back of their property. It is named Onesimus House, a gift from God of respite and renewal to missionaries from around the world. They call themselves God’s caretakers of this delightful place of rest and renewal.

Gini’s hobbies are gardening, reading, and writing. Their 3-year-old dog, Jackson, is such a joy in their lives. Gini and Charlie are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Orange County.

“Now my days are swifter than a runner; They flee away, they see no good. They pass by like swift ships, Like an eagle swooping on its prey. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile.’” Job 9:25-27 NKJV

Photo by Karen Ruhl

Photo by Karen Ruhl