My Tranquil Cocoon

His house is my shelter and secret retreat.
    It is there I find peace in the midst of storm and turmoil.
Safety sits with me in the hiding place of God.
    He will set me on a rock, high above the fray.

Psalm 27:5 (The Voice)

Frothy waves tumbled to the shore from the expansive ocean. A fiery ball rose from the water and created a brilliant path of light from the cloudy sky to the beach. Pockets of blue burst through the haze.  

            From a high balcony, I looked down on a miniature world. 

Birds, hidden within palms and palmettos in the beachside park, sang melodious songs. A few walkers meandered along the boardwalk amid the foliage. Gopher tortoises peaked out from their homes. 

            Early risers strolled the shore. Sunlight reflected from car windows off and on like the lighthouse across the inlet. Surfers ventured into calm water to try to catch a wave but their rides were short. 

            The peaceful scene enthralled me and encased me like a tranquil cocoon. If only I could remain in my serene retreat to escape hearing and experiencing tragedies of the world. 

            From my vantage point six floors up, I didn’t encounter reality. No arguments or unkind words drifted to my ears. Distance blinded my eyes to glares and frowns. Everything below me seemed charming and blissful. 

            Even though the idyllic panorama remained the same, my focus changed. Not seeing nor hearing the tensions and problems did not erase them. Hurtful conversations remained. However, my ears also missed kindness and loving words. No hugs nor kisses could be seen. 

            The people below me drifted away as I rested and relaxed in the beauty of God’s creation. Soothing ocean waves and an azure sky brought assurance. I rested and relaxed in the beauty of God’s creation. There will always be trials and chaos in our world but within the midst of them, God provides peace, comfort and healing. 

Father, thank you for the beauty that surrounds us even when we experience challenges. Give us peace in our trials.

Amen

 

The Flowers

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Vases of flowers filled my counter at Valentines Day. The bouquets went to friends in my community. 

            Later, I bought more flowers for friends who lived farther away. At the library where I volunteered, two friends received daises and roses. When another lady didn’t show up that day, the gift needed another home. 

            As I carried the yellow mums to the car, I knew who it would be. My friend, Sallie, and I often head to Culvers after working at the library. We had talked to a lady who worked there. 

            A few months earlier when the restaurant was almost empty, we shared our stories. That day she didn’t smile like she normally did. I could tell something was bothering her. 

            “This is the anniversary of when my husband passed away,” she said. I understood and told her of my journey of grief. 

            “I will pray for you,” I said when I gave her a copy of my book about grief. 

            At Christmas, my granddaughter, Molly, and I took her some homemade cookies. Every time I visited, I looked for her. 

            That day, I walked around looking for the elusive worker. She was looking for me to give me my order. 

       “These are for you.” Her smile widened when I handed her the yellow flowers. “Yellow is my favorite color. Thank you so much.”

            While Sallie and I ate, the grateful lady kept stopping to thank me and see if there was anything we needed. 

            As we were eating our custard, she returned. “The flowers are beautiful,” she said. With her hand over her heart, she continued. “But you noticed me. You thought of me. I wasn’t just a lady cleaning tables.”

            Her words touched my heart. I wanted to make her smile with the flowers but the gesture went much deeper. 

            Even though I often talk to people who serve me in the community at stores, doctor offices…, many times I am in a hurry or distracted. They probably feel invisible. 

            Her heartfelt words taught me that small acts of kindness make a difference. To love and serve like Jesus, we need to be aware of those around us. A kind word, smile or vase of flowers might change someone’s day. 

            I had no idea she would be getting my third bouquet that day but the Holy Spirit nudged me to give it to her. I am thankful I listened. 

Loving Father, help us notice those who may be feeling lonely and unappreciated. Guide us and teach us to love others.

Amen

 

An Unconnected Loner

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

On my daily walk, I noticed a sandhill crane by the sidewalk. The stately gray birds frequent my neighborhood but that one was unusual. Instead of walking the streets with a mate and two youngsters, it was alone.

            Each spring pairs of cranes stroll our streets with two offspring since both parents care for their young. After hatching, the babes resemble fluffy ducklings. Soon their legs lengthen and they become more like their parents in color and size. 

            Parents teach them to root in the grass for food. The foursomes roam and provide joy to residents. Cars and bikes stop to allow them to cross streets or at times, to linger in the roadways. 

            With identical coloring, I couldn’t tell if the solitary crane was a male or female. Every time I saw it, I scanned the area for other companions. Unfortunately, none appeared. The offspring would have matured and taken off. Since sandhill cranes mate for life, its partner must have died. The single bird was totally alone. 

            The bird searched for food but appeared downcast. No sound. No flapping of wings or looking around. Just trying to survive. 

            I can understand the devastation of losing a loving spouse. A partner is gone. Missing. A part of the heart is ripped out.

            But thankfully, we aren’t alone if we believe in Jesus. He holds us tightly and gives peace. Strength comes when we feel we have none. 

            God often sends people into our lives to offer comfort, companionship and friendship. Some become special friends and others may become new partners who all ease the loneliness. 

            The sad bird reminds me of how grateful I am for how God has continued to provide for me. Because of my own grief, I can comfort those who mourn. My faith has grown during my times of solitude. 

Father, you give us what we need during our periods of loneliness, grief and pain. But you don’t leave us alone in our challenges.

Amen

            

Wipe the Slate Clean

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (NKJV)

Darkness covered the lake like a slate blackboard as snatches of light peeped behind the trees. 

            After dusk, night had overtaken day. But morning wiped the slate clean like an eraser on an old-fashioned blackboard. 

            A pink sunrise signaled dawn. Birds joined together in joyful songs. 

God brings new beginnings every morning. We have choices to make. Rehashing hurts and problems of the past bring unnecessary misery. Looking forward to opportunities and being thankful yields peace and joy.

            Wake up to a thankful heart. Practice gratitude to God for our blessings. Thank and encourage people near and far.  Receive guidance, peace and encouragement from reading the Bible daily. Listen to uplifting music. Use your gifts. Serve others. 

            Everyone faces difficulties but staying focused on God helps us get through our trials. 

Loving Father, like night turning to day, you wipe our slates clean too. Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you for not giving up on us.

Amen

            

Go into the World

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

An unlikely, diverse group of twelve young men followed Jesus for three years. He taught and they listened. Even though they were all Jewish, their temperaments and backgrounds varied. He gathered men from northern Israel and molded them into a team who would spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. 

            Only Jesus knew how they would be transformed from humble, mostly uneducated, teens into bold evangelists. He knew their potential when they didn’t. 

            Small groups and churches are often similar to that unimaginable group. With differing religious backgrounds, ages and cultures, people can come together to learn more about Jesus and His Word. During difficult times, they embrace and comfort one another. Also they join together in celebrating.

            However, Jesus never meant for the disciples to only meet together and become friends. His plan was to spread the Good News to those in Israel, both Jew and gentile, and to those beyond its borders. His command to the followers was to make disciples wherever people were. 

            Their journeys were not easy or predictable. However, except for Judas, they obeyed. People often accepted their teachings but many rejected and even persecuted them. 

Jesus’ command applies to us too. When God calls us, He leads but never promises the journey will be smooth. 

Loving Father, thank you for teachers and friends who help us grow. Show us how to study the Bible and learn more about your plans for us. Encourage us to reach out to those near and far who need You.

Amen

Goodbye to 2024

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 14:27 (NIV)

A sheet of gray covered the sky. Naked bald cypress trees stood like weary sentinels along the shore. A scraggly periwinkle bloom jiggled with a wee breeze. Brown grass edged the lake. Dead weeds tried to smother green plants at the waterline. 

            No ducks swam on the dark lake. Only an occasional bird song drifted through the air. The gloomy morning seemed like a fitting end to a tumultuous year. 

            Wars, threats of more wars, hurricanes, protests, contentious elections, crime… News reports focused on tragedies and increased anxiety. The world seemed doomed. 

            People hoped for a new year vastly different. But a switch in years won’t alter reality nor instantly change humanity. 

            Even in the darkness of my morning and of the world, there are glimmers of hope and much to be thankful for. 

            Although many people have died and left grieving loved ones, every day babies are born to bring new life. A friend’s newborn triplet grandchildren give joy to the family and smiles to all who see their adorable pictures. 

            Friends gather to visit in person and also with technology. Millions live in stable homes with plenty of food. People affected by horrible natural disasters have been helped as they rebuild.

            Doctors and nurses care for patients in hospitals with advanced techniques. 

            Our country gives us more freedom than most with an opportunity to advance. 

            Unfortunately, not everyone has the same possibilities. Of course, we can focus on what is wrong in the world and feel anger or depression. 

            As 2025 arrives, everyone has a choice to make: live a life filled with anger and despair or one of hope, contentment and peace.  To search for what is wrong in the world or look for what is good and how to make it better. 

            Because of multiple trials, I know how difficult life can be. However, I also know that with Jesus, my life is better. He has been with me in all kinds of hard times so I know He won’t leave me now.

            This is not my home but I am passing through and look ahead to my heavenly home. 

Loving Father, as we face a new year, help us look for opportunities to help others. Give us glimmers of hope in our weary world. Your peace is more than the world can give.

Amen.

Reflections of Christmas

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night…

Psalm 92:1-2 (ESV)

Memories, some hazy and others very clear, of Christmas eleven years ago flooded my mind. Before the holiday, sadness crept over me and intertwined with joy. 

            In May, my dad passed away. Mother’s health declined.  She lived at my brother’s home with a full-time caregiver. 

            After Alan’s infusions stopped, his idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis worsened. Fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath increased. 

            Despite wanting to admit it, I believed Christmas of 2014 would be the last one with Alan and mother. 

            We tried to make it as normal as possible. Anne’s mom hosted all of us for a lovely Christmas Eve dinner. Soon after we ate, Alan’s fatigue set in and we left early.

            The following morning, we arrived early at Chris and Anne’s to watch our granddaughters open gifts. Then Chris prepared a delicious brunch. 

            Alan joined in the celebration and left his O2 tank in the car. Three year-old Molly cuddled up to him like she did before the tubes circled his face. The contraption seemed to frighten her. 

            Since Alan felt stronger, we traveled to my brother’s home for a family dinner with extended family members. Mother’s caregiver wheeled her to the table. Even though she ate very little, she enjoyed the company. We savored the food, delighted in being together but missed dad and his jokes. I tried not to dwell on the reality of not all being together again. 

            For Christmas, I gave mother a sweater she wanted and the Guideposts daily devotional. For years, I had given my parents the year-long book so I didn’t want to stop. Although my heart wanted her to be able to finish it, my head told me she wouldn’t. 

            For years our Christmas meals were at my parents’ home with mother working for days to prepare. We would help her clean up. That day she rested. 

            Our holiday gatherings had dwindled in size and frequency as loved ones passed away and moved apart. 

            That day we didn’t dwell on who was there or who wasn’t. We embraced the moment and rejoiced we were together. 

            When my niece gave Alan a good-by hug, her eyes told me she knew it was the final one. 

            After a full day celebrating, we packed up and I drove home. God had blessed us with a remarkable Christmas. Laughter and companionship pushed aside tears and grief. Alan’s O2 tank only left the car when we got home. We were astonished that he didn’t require it all day long like he usually did. 

            Only a couple of weeks later, Alan joined Jesus in heaven. Mother followed in April. 

            I was so thankful for our final Christmas blessing. We thought it might be the last but only God knew for sure.

            Gather and talk to your family and friends often. Put aside differences and join in love. We have no idea when the last time will be the final one. 

Loving Father, thank you for bringing people together. Thank you for the blessings you give us. Help us appreciate the people you place in our lives. Amen