What happens when you have time to sit and be still? Do you look forward or back? Do you reflect or imagine? There is power in both exercises. I definitely see the need for both.

Whether sitting on a beach or in your back yard, looking at the mountains or watching your children play at a park, we can all take advantage of a quiet moment. (OK, for those of you watching your children at a park, quiet is probably not part of the equation.) But let me encourage you in those moments to intentionally look ahead from time to time. Look ahead and imagine.

• Imagine a better marriage or family relationship.
• Imagine a safer Valley.
• Imagine a new way to meet an old need.
• Imagine a thriving church.
• Imagine a growing number of opportunities.

Then, start praying like crazy to the ONE who can work through you to do something about it.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!

Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

Glory down all the generations!

Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!” (Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG)