God's Timing

Pulmonary fibrosis determined that we should downsize. Our large home was too much so we signed a contract to build a smaller house in a nearby community. 

Soon after our decision, my parents became ill. Months and months of hospitals, surgeries, rehab centers, Hospice and then my dad’s death kept my life in turmoil. Through it all, I grabbed for God’s hand and often could barely hang on. But He held tight. His grip secure.

After signing the contract for the house, mother’s health declined and then so did dad’s. With an already overwhelmed life, I just couldn’t handle one more thing. Moving had to be put on hold.

As the new house rose, Alan and I knew we had to sell our present home. Reluctantly, I agreed to put it on the market. More stress to clean and straighten the house before each showing. Several people looked. Feedback was positive, but no one made an offer.

Then for weeks, no one came. Alan’s standard answer was, “It’s all in God’s timing.”

I didn’t want to even think about moving but knew we didn’t want the upkeep of two houses. Alan’s assurance kept me calm. 

Friends prayed. We prayed. My prayer asked for the right buyer at the right time for the right price. 

We waited. Finally, a call came for a showing. The couple liked it. Another call and a return visit. After the third showing, they made an offer. We countered. Within two weeks, a contract was signed. 

My life had returned to a more normal one. Our new house was almost completed. The buyers wanted a closing date a month after the closing for our new home. We had plenty of time for a leisurely move. The price wasn’t far from our asking price. 

Prayers had been answered. God knew the right time. I could not have handled a move along with my parents’ illnesses.  When the situations stabilized, our home sold. Alan was right. God knew the right time.

Moving and leaving the familiar will be stressful. However, I have the assurance of God’s perfect timing and provision. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. then you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 11-12 (NIV)

Loving Father, thank you for answering my prayers at the right time in the right way. Give me patience to wait. Amen

Remaining Peaceful Out of the Sanctuary

Mounds of deep purple crepe myrtles dominated my garden. Blooms of Mexican petunias sprinkled color near the lake. Sunlight illuminated the bright blue sky. 

Cardinals chirped. Crickets played their songs. Under a tree, a white duck preened. Lizards raced up the screen. The mirrored lake reflected peaceful scenes from the shore. Calmness and tranquility surrounded me. 

If only I could remain secluded from discord, conflict, and hostility of the world. Especially today. On the other side of town, miles away a trial ends. The world has watched, formed opinions, and taken sides. 

On that horrible night months ago, lives were shattered. Hearts broken. Nothing can erase the pain and consequences of that event.

For days and days, the jury listened intently. Today they begin deliberations to make an extremely, difficult decision. The world waits.

Throughout the trial, Sanford has remained calm--despite the influx of media and outside groups. Police, pastors, and ordinary citizens have come together to bring peace and further understanding. 

When the verdict is announced, no one will win. Too many lives have been shattered. Life will go on but much differently.

I pray that the jurors have wisdom as they deliberate. After the verdict is read, I pray that sanity and reason prevail and people remain calm. I pray that the media and outsiders refrain from inciting violence and allow the families to privately rebuild their lives. I pray for increased strength, faith, and forgiveness to bring about restoration in the families and our community. 

If only the peacefulness of my sanctuary could enfold each person at the courthouse, in Central Florida, our nation, and the world. 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! 

Psalm 133: 1 (The Voice)

The Hidden

A heavy cover of slate clouds darkened the dawn. A blue heron’s gray feathers fit in with the dreary morning. As he waded on the shoreline, dark water concealed his spindly legs. He stepped beneath thick overhanging foliage.

Normally he preened himself in the bright sunlight. Often he bellowed to announce his presence and tiptoed along the water’s edge to search for food. But on that gloomy day, he hid.

With only a glance at the lake, he would be overlooked. By sitting quietly and studying the area, I noticed the large camouflaged bird. 

Perhaps the somber, windy morning kept him from his normal activities. Maybe he just needed a rest. Whatever his reason, he remained hidden.

Like the heron, people also try to escape during dark times. Some may just need time to relax and refresh. However, others isolate themselves because of depression, sadness, fear, anxiety... Perhaps they feel that no one cares.

Because I searched, I saw the heron. I also need to do a better job of searching for the lonely, sad, fearful, anxious... What a difference could be made if all Christians followed Jesus’ teachings.

“I tell you this; whenever you saw a brother hungry, when you saw a sister weak and without friends, when you saw the least of these and ignored their suffering, so you ignore Me.” Matthew 26: 45 (The Voice) 

Jesus, help me to see the lost and lonely. Guide me as I search. Amen