Discovering Comfort and Beauty in Change

On the far shore, a speck of white glistened against the dark water and trees. Matching great white egrets tiptoed along the bank. One upright and the other upside-down. Wings lifted and flapped furiously as a blue heron aimed and pursued the frightened bird. All disappeared.

After a three day absence, the large alligator returned. Emerging from water plants near our shoreline, he slid silently into the glassy lake, submerged, and reappeared in the middle. 

Tiny splashes broke the dark surface creating rings of waves. Turtle heads peeked from the water. A red ball rose from behind the trees and became a blinding, white light. 

On the far shore, the egret returned to scan the lake for food. Familiar cardinal clicking joined humming crickets and melodious bird songs to produce a beautiful symphony.

Shimmering cobwebs crisscrossed the patio screen while an adolescent lizard scrambled to the top. Water diamonds glittered on the grass.

Breezes from the fan tickled my skin, kept me cool, and blocked highway noise allowing me to enjoy the sounds of nature. 

Each day our new house, seems more like home. My new retreat brings memories of my cherished old one but introduces gifts of its own. 

Life is filled with changes--both welcome and unwelcome. We can choose to accept them and find blessings or continue to lament what has been lost and miss opportunities.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for what was given in the past and help me look forward and accept what is ahead.  Amen

Keep Moving On

Another step. Today Alan and I sign the papers to close on our present home. Next week, the buyers finalize their part of the transaction. With all of the bumps in the process, we won’t feel finished until that is done.

The past year has been a series of trials, setbacks, and heartache combined with victories from the mountain top to the valley and back up.  Trudging up the slippery slope, one step at a time, I would rise and slide backwards. Unsure of my footing, progress was often excruciatingly slow. Then sunshine dried the trail, clouds disappeared, and I climbed higher for a magnificent view. 

Just as I felt confident about the climb, a thunderstorm or blizzard overtook me. Ground was lost--again. But through the wind, rain, or snow, a cave offered refuge where I sat and rested. Safe and protected. 

Renewed and hopeful, the journey resumed. The struggles seemed less for a while. The top of the mountain was still elusive and shrouded in clouds. I wondered if it was even there. Some days the summit seemed unattainable and a useless goal.

However, during the constant struggles, my perspective changed. Aiming for the peak each day became overwhelming. I learned to look for small victories and teeny blessings at each level. Every step took me above the depths. Some days I could breathe fresh mountain air, explore plateaus, and run in the flowers. 

At other times, fallen logs, scratchy limbs, and exposed roots bruised and battered me but also kept me from tumbling over cliffs. Though painful, they helped in unexpected ways.

With every step, God walked with alongside. He offered strength, direction, rest, and hope. When I could barely move, he gently lifted me. He stood as a shield to protect. He also served as a beacon and place of refuge in the storms. 

Looking back, I am amazed at the progress. Peering ahead, the trip seems too difficult. Examining what is near, I am thrilled with the possibilities. I am thankful for God being with me and giving hope for an uncertain future.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; for He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Blessings Even in the Gloom

A gray curtain blocked the sun. Leaves rustled. Dark, shadowy reflections painted the lake. A single bird twittered and stopped. After leaping across the grass, a solitary squirrel planted an acorn. Like a leaky faucet, water trickled from the roof into a bucket filled with last night’s rain. A solemn scene to begin the day. 

Cheerful tweeting broke the silence. At the foot of the bird-feeder, a surprise sunflower lifted its head with a nod and grin.

A layer of clouds broke away brightening the sky a bit. I smiled at the stalwart, persistent flower. What a lovely reminder of blessings that are wrapped in sorrow and despair.  When trials and difficulties choke and shatter, even tiny blessings can lift spirits and give joy to open eyes, hearts, and minds.

 And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.  Philippians 4:7 (The Voice)

Loving Father, thank you for being with us and lifting us up from the gloom. Amen