Unpleasant Clamorous Voices

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Blackness encircled my patio with a sense of serenity. A lone lamp illuminated my Bible and devotional books. 

            When a faint light emerged beyond the woods, tranquility vanished. Chattering birds spouted noise all around the lake. Their squawks became louder and louder as they tried to overpower each other. There were no melodies to counteract their commotion. But a far-away rooster crowed to announce his presence. 

            After a few minutes, peacefulness returned. Rosy slivers of sky filtered through the trees. Cheerful birds sang soothing songs. Trees materialized and light reflected on the lake. A day of opportunities began. 

            The noisy birds reminded me of the clamorous voices I hear each day all around me. There are constant complaints and dissensions. I can join in with the tumultuous racket. 

            Or I can bask in the beauty of God’s creation which unfolded around me. Enjoy peace and contentment despite unrest and division. 

            When I remember how God has been with me in various trials, I am thankful. When I focus on His promises, I can find peace and contentment in the chaotic world. 

As an ambassador of Jesus in a foreign land, I can make the most of each day I have been given and prioritize learning to be more like Him. 

Father, give us strength, peace and contentment even when the world around us is in turmoil. Show us how to be a light in darkness as we follow Jesus.

Amen

An Unpredictable Week

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

What a difference a week makes! A fiery ball bounced upward behind the woods and illuminated the sky.  A forest of green enclosed the mirrored lake. Breezes tickled leaves and purple flowers. An occasional bird melody drifted through the air but wildlife remained hidden. An air of peace and tranquility hovered over my retreat as sunlight glistened on the pond.

            Last week presented a much different picture. Gusts of wind swayed trees and waved flowers. Clouds hid the sun and created a mood of gloom. Not one squirrel, bird or deer ventured out. No melodious songs broke the spell. Perhaps they also felt anxiety because of the impending hurricane.  

            Continuous coverage about the storm filled news reports. Anxiety and uncertainty abounded as the state prepared for the worst. I had endured other storms but this one caused fear and apprehension across Florida. The winds increased quickly and the size widened. We watched and waited. 

            Even with Milton advancing, my daily time with God gave me peace, in spite of, the storm. I thought of people who endured the devastation of hurricane, Helene, only a week earlier. Many died, some lost homes and businesses but they persevered. They received an outpouring of assistance and compassion. 

            As I prepared before I left for my son, Chris’s home, I took pictures if I needed them for insurance. Questions swirled. Would I return to an intact home? Would my neighborhood be demolished? Would we be injured or worse? 

            I prayed and felt a sense of calmness unlike the predictions on the news. No matter what happened, I knew God promised to be with us and protect us. 

            The beauty and serenity of my lake reminded me that God did protect us in the latest storm. My family, friends and neighborhood survived with little damage. Only inconveniences with power outages, no internet nor television. 

             Because we have been spared, we can serve those who endured so much. We can donate money to reputable groups. Clean up yards for those who can’t like our church members have been doing. Even in our community some have lost much. Flooding continues as the rivers rise.  We need to also pray for people suffering from Helene and Milton. 

Heavenly Father, we weep with those who are distressed by the storms. Guide us on how we can help. Surround them with peace and compassion. Thank you for all the workers who have labored to support and encourage thousands of people in multiple states. Disasters often bring us together. Thank you for being with us in our pain and in our joy.

Amen

Frenzied Dragonflies

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:17 (NIV)

Sunlight shimmered on the mirrored lake. Dragonflies darted in a frenzy near the shore, up to the trees and then out across the water. Individually and in small groups they rose, dipped and circled but never rested. 

            Cardinals perched in my oak tree and chirped a greeting to the dawn. 

A pair of unseen birds played a game of rhythmic follow the leader. One would utter a specific tone and rhythm which was repeated exactly the same way from across the lake. For several minutes, they continued their back-and-forth joyful patterns.   

After I completed my morning devotional time, the peacefulness of the lake held me captive. Instead of rushing inside to start my day of tasks, I delighted in the beauty before me. I thanked God for my home, the lake, safety from the hurricane and the wonder of perfectly created flowers and trees.  

Too often, I am like the frantic dragonflies who hurry from place to place and miss the beauty and peace around me. It is easy to ignore the blessings when I focus on the problems. 

My yard isn’t perfect but I can overlook dying leaves, algae on the lake and bare spots of grass to appreciate the splendor of my retreat.  

Eventually, I have to leave the tranquil sanctuary to return to the reality of normal life with its ups and downs. However, I will try to remember the lessons of looking for God in the messiness of life. 

God of Peace, show us how to slow down and appreciate all you have given us. Your peace comes even in difficult situations.

Amen