Greetings to you. I’ve had such a full life lately, in reality, that I’ve not had much time for this online life. Oh, I’ve kept up with Twitter somewhat, Facebook, and even pinned a few things on pinterest. Certainly read a few blogs. But this blog seems too looming most days,for me to find a quite place, and carve out some words of hope (or encouragement, or life, or even interest) on here. To type when the thoughts come. (which would require a moment of quiet and thinking skills at the same time!) I don’t want to make stuff up, for crying out loud. I just want to reflect some of what my God and I have enjoyed in the journey. I want to see Him active and working in my life, then share a bit of that here. Just in case it could encourage someone else. Today finally came, and I found that quiet time to think, and to type. And I’m grateful.
I’ve had a whole lot of teaching, Bible, and worship to take in lately. That means I’m certainly full of joy for the ways God is teaching me and sharpening me. Profound thoughts that I’d love to write about, but not ready yet. But I’ve also had those subtle moments of awe in Him, when I sense He is doing something really profound. The only problem is, at this point, I just have the observations, not the “moral of the story” yet. You know? But here’s the deal – in the last week, I’ve been fervently praying on a couple big things. However, they are at the opposite extremes of the cycle of life…..one prayer was for a baby being born into a dear friend’s life, and the other was (is) for a close loved-one of someone very dear to me, who was drawing closer to that time of passing into heaven. The irony of my prayers for one passing from womb to life on earth, while praying for the other passing from life on earth to eternity in the presence of God was not lost on me. And at this time, I’ve only seen the birth of the baby come to pass (with great joy in the family, and those who love them), not the promotion into heaven occur. Of course, we trust the Lord’s timing in all things. And of course, I’m still praying. For both. Anyone who has had a new baby in the house knows that prayer needs just multiply, not fade away. (grin) But bed-side ministry is truly hard, especially at such a tender time. So I’m praying for my loved one, and her loved one with much love, and compassion as one who has been there before.
This morning I was stuck with another thought, as I did something as routine and mundane as pull a few weeds in my yard after my morning run. We had experienced some storms, and rain overnight, and those weeds were super-easy to pull out, roots and all, the ease coming from the moist ground – such a beautiful thing (and answered prayer!) after months and months of drought. That could be another whole post on it’s own – the power of rain in a drought ridden land….). Made me so happy inside to pull up those weeds, deep roots and all. (i know – lame, but true. simple pleasures.) As I realized the beautiful satisfaction of such a simple task, I also realized the powerful moment that in this very same morning, my dear friend who married her love last night was having anything but a routine, and mundane morning.
*She. was. starting. a. new. life. *
As I reflected on this bride’s beauty, and importance in my life, I prayed for her as she awoke next to the man of her dreams for the first time ever. And they began their first full day sharing life together. It just seemed so very poetic. and profound. and SO FAR from my normal Saturday morning. I loved the way my day began. as I’m sure my friend loved hers. They just seemed a full spectrum of significance apart from each other. One day many many years ago, I too had awakened next to the man of my dreams for the very first time. Somehow, thinking on that day so long ago, made me appreciate my today all the more. My normal today, and my friend’s extraordinary one. And happiness in both extremes. I guess it really comes down to being at peace where you are. Not wishing for extraordinary when you have normal. And certainly, when living a season of extraordinary, reveling in it, and not wishing for more routine.
Being in the moment you are in, with full presence.
It’s a beautiful thing, to simply be content. So, friends, that is what I pray for you today. Contentment where you are. A real reminder of Philippians 4:10-14, “I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”
Have a beautiful day. and life.