the soil of discernment

I am now well into the second half of my time here in Brasil. Lately I have been somewhat preoccupied thinking about South Africa and what God has ahead for me there early next year and possibly beyond. At times discerning decisions about the future can get overwhelming. This week I am reading a book titled, Listening to the Music of the Spirit: The Art of Discernment by David Lonsdale. Just the book I needed for this season of discernment and decisions. The below quote especially spoke to me this week…

"Christian discernment, therefore, means living in such a way that this basic fact, that we are daughters and sons of the Father and sister and brothers of Jesus Christ, actually does shape and color and govern all our decisions, both small and great....A daily, living relationship with God, therefore, is a precondition for good discernment...A process of discernment about an important choice requires the support of a form of daily living in which we are open and sensitive to the movements and leading of the Spirit of God in the path of the gospel. Fidelity to the Spirit in the daily round is the necessary soil in which large, important decisions come to fruition."

Discernment is not just about the BIG decisions; it is usually about the day-to-day stuff! What an important reminder that my time here in Brasil is the soil for discernment about South Africa next year. I need to remain faithful to all the Spirit has for me in my daily living and relationships here. Brasil is the soil for all God has ahead!