Monday, September 14, 2015

My Dismal View

      

My soul quietly waits for the True God alone, because I hope only in Him. He alone is my rock and deliverance, my citadel high on a hill; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my significance depend ultimately on God; the core of my strength, my shelter, is in the True God. Have faith in Him in all circumstances, dear people. Open you your heart to Him; the True God shelters us in His arms. Psalm 62: 5-8 The Voice

            Patches of gloppy algae coated the shadowy lake. Gray clouds marred the sky. My normally beautiful lake view looked messy and disgusting.

            Traces of sunlight filtered through the trees. In the distance, birds tweeted above the hum of far away traffic. The pops of nail guns came roofs of new homes.

            My patio retreat hadn’t changed locations but the ambiance had. Even though peacefulness remained, beauty and splendor disappeared.

            I could allow melancholy to alter my mood or ignore the ugliness and search for blessings.

            The trees remained strong and tall. Newly mowed grass carpeted my lawn. Yellow daisies smiled in the gloom. Scraggly weeds along the shore had been removed. The mooing of neighboring cows joined croaking of frogs. Ripples formed on the water. The tranquility of the lake scene soothed me.

            Even though I saw and heard evidence of life, I saw no living creatures. However, I knew they were near and looked for them.

            Within minutes, light illuminated the lake. Birds flew above and a few walked the shore. Fish jumped above the water’s surface.

            At times, I have to search for evidence of God too. I know He is near but don’t always see Him.

            Past experiences remind me that dreariness isn’t permanent. Clouds will dissipate. Rain and cooler weather will push algae away.

            When life gets messy and miserable, I remember that no situation, good or bad, lasts forever. Tears stop. Grief lessens. Laughter returns. Hope and encouragement resurface.

            Recently, as tears flowed, God’s arms hugged me, through a new friend. His voice comforted me, through a cousin’s phone call. His perky flowers made me smile. His Word and creation speak to me each day as I continue on my unplanned journey of grief.

Heavenly Father, your presence and love surround me, often through your people. Amen


            

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

My Airport Mishap

                                               


                        As I picked juicy, Iowa tomatoes off the vines, my mouth watered. I couldn’t wait to enjoy them at home in Florida.

                        Newspaper cushioned each fruit as I carefully prepared them for my flight. Two plastic bags encased the tomatoes to protect my clothes from red juice. Then, like a giant puzzle, I arranged clothes, toiletries, and books around my delicious treasures.  

                        Because of the early flight, I planned to do my devotions while waiting at the airport. I unzipped my bag and pulled out my Bible and daily devotionals. At a seat near the gate, I leisurely read and drank a cup of tea.

                        Just as I finished reading, an announcement startled me. “We’ll be boarding soon for the flight to Sanford. We’ll probably leave ahead of schedule.”

                        I stuffed my Bible and devotionals into my bag and stood it upright. With dismay, I watched the contents of my perfectly packed suitcase tumble to the floor. My nightgown, underwear, shorts, toothbrush, makeup and bag of tomatoes lay strewn across the not so clean carpet of the waiting area. In my haste, I had forgotten to zip the bag.

                        Without looking at curious travelers, I jammed my belongings back into my carry on. No juice poured from the bag of tomatoes. The only thing bruised seemed to be my feelings.

                        I laughed to myself at the very public goof. One moment of distraction ruined my carefully executed packing plan.

                        Some days I would have been mortified at my mishap. That day I giggled.

                        Since I never looked up to see who was watching, I had no idea how many people saw the display. Perhaps many laughed or at least smiled. Maybe my blunder helped someone who was having a bad day. I know the incident lightened my mood.


                        The mishap reminded me not to take myself too seriously. Humor does help heal.