Am I Thankful?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

And be thankful. Do I really do that consistently? 

            Each morning, I write in a gratitude journal and list four or five things. Over the years, I have filled several journals. But do I just write my list and then go on with my day? 

            As I looked at the lake, I thought of the sunrises that present a gorgeous setting. Wildlife like sandhill cranes, egrets, ducks, deer and bears that visit. 

            Grocery stores provide an abundance of food.           

A reliable car gets me where I want to go and a supply of fuel keeps it running. Mechanics perform repairs. 

            Flowers and grass surround my comfortable home. It gives protection and safety. 

My closet holds more clothes than I need and my pantry has shelves of food.

            For years, I received an education from elementary school to college which enabled me to teach children. That career provided a retirement income to support me. 

            Recent health issues took me to a variety of doctors who prescribed multiple tests done in up-to-date medical facilities. 

            My church offers a place to worship freely. A Bible study meets in my home. 

            Neighbors give friendship and help when needed. Friends and family members care for and love me. 

As I thought of simple things and larger ones, my heart filled with thankfulness. On our trips around the world, Alan and I saw people who lacked many of the things we take for granted. Our travels have made me more aware of the plight of people in other countries. 

Also, I am content and know I am blessed to live in the United States. It isn’t perfect but allows us freedom and prosperity.  

Yes, I am thankful. 

Loving Father, thank you for all you have given to us. Help us to appreciate what we have and learn to be content.

Amen

 

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

            

The Monster Storm

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

Menacing clouds concealed the approaching dawn as a tropical storm rushed into the Caribbean.

            Schools closed. Activities canceled. Most residents remained at home to wait. 

            Continuous weather reports replaced normal programming. 

Colorful maps displayed possible paths and intensity of the storm. Radar and hurricane chasers gave information but no one could accurately forecast when, where and how strong it would be. However, we all learned the monster hurricane would cover most of our state and several inland ones. 

            All day I waited and watched for rain and wind. Sprinkles fell on the lake and breezes ruffled the trees. I finally tired of staying inside and decided to work in my yard.  For an hour, I yanked and dug weeds. Because the increasing wind kept bees away, I trimmed out of bound plants. Then the rain started. 

            As soon as I settled down in a soothing bath, my phone blared, “Tornado warning. Take cover. Move to an inside room.”

            For a moment, I thought of remaining since I had been told a tub was protection. But I didn’t think they meant in a tub of water. 

            Reluctantly, I washed and hurried to my “safe room” which is a large, interior closet. On my way, I watched the weather man show where the storm was located. Only a few miles from my home and moving north. Thankfully, the warning was lifted a few minutes later. 

            When evening approached, we still didn’t have turbulent weather. I began texting friends and family in the proposed path to check on them. 

            Instead of expiring, our day long tornado watch was extended until the following morning. Wind began whipping the trees. Lights flickered.  The tv went off. After that, I finished a book. 

            Even with the pounding wind, I slept through the night and woke when the tornado watch expired. I listened for wind and rain but only heard silence. The sun even shone. 

Newscasts showed horrible scenes of destruction in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and beyond. While I slept, the hurricane raged and altered lives. Unfortunately, over forty people died. Helene wasn’t finished. Her fury continued to the Midwest and Northeast. Flood waters rose and caused more devastation. 

Flash floods caught people off guard. Evacuations were ordered when dams threatened to break. Rescue operations pulled people from vehicles and buildings.

The category 4 hurricane bypassed the size of most storms. The power and strength of the monster exceeded others. We watched and tried to figure out where it would hit. But no one predicted it exactly. 

As bad as the storm was, people came together to help. First responders saved desperate folks. Power company workers from around the US waited nearby to restore power as soon as it was safe. Shelters opened. Ordinary people helped those around them. A newscaster doing a live broadcast, stopped and waded through water to save a lady in a flooded car. 

People cared about each other. As weeks, months and maybe years of repairs and reconstruction occur, may we not forget and assist those who have lost so much. 

The monster storm gives us an opportunity to be kind, compassionate and helpful to those affected.  

May we also show the same kindness, compassion and love to those around us because no one escapes the storms and trials of this life. In times of trouble, residents of our country have previously banded together to support each other. 

Heavenly Father, only you know when the storms will come and where they will go. Show us how to deal with them in our lives and how we can help others.

Amen

Lake Mary Champions

Cheers erupted as the player slid into home plate for the extra inning run to win the game. During the series, the Little League boys from Lake Mary played hard and didn’t give up even when they were behind. 

            Yellow shirted fans cheered loudly from the stands. Back home in Florida, watch parties celebrated. The entire community and beyond rejoiced at Florida’s first ever World Championship. 

            After losing to Texas, the double elimination tournament gave them a second chance. They beat Texas in a later game but consoled the losing team. 

            During the games, their love for baseball, their families and each other showed. Even though they went to Pennsylvania to play baseball, they didn’t forget to be kind and compassionate.

            Immediately after scoring the winning run, they displayed how to be true champions. When the boys saw the tears of the losing Chinese Taipei team, the Florida players put their arms around the boys and offered comfort. Their coach squatted down to console a devastated boy. Their kindness brought tears to my eyes as I watched boy after boy support their rivals. 

            They were baseball champs but more importantly champions in the way they live.  Interviews with parents during the series also showed families who cared about loving others. 

            We need to celebrate the Lake Mary Little League Champions for what they did on and off the field. 

            As adults we can learn how to live well by emulating the actions of the Lake Mary Champions. 

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Loving Father, help us remember to be kind and loving to those around us even if they are different from us. Turn enemies into friends. We can often learn from children. 

Amen

Answer to Prayer

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

Whenever I travel, a couple of my books go with me. I pray to meet the right person to receive each one. 

            On my flight home from Indiana, a gray-haired lady sat by the window when I took the aisle. We spoke briefly. Then as the plane filled, another older lady moved into the middle seat. 

            I learned she had visited family for three weeks and was ready to return home to The Villages, a huge retirement community an hour from me. She lived in Indiana with her pastor husband before moving to Florida. 

            Once in the air both of us turned on our tablets and became immersed in our games. She touched her screen and looked at me. Free Cell came up on both tablets. While I continued trying to win,  she jumped from one type of game to another. 

            Later as we sipped our drinks and ate teeny airline snacks, we talked more. She relayed her husband died  three years ago and the previous day was their anniversary. I understood how difficult special days could be. Our conversation continued with stories about our deceased husbands. 

            I handed her my book on grief. She looked at it and tried to give it back.

            “No, it is for you. I wrote it,” I said. 

            “You wrote it?”

            Most people don’t believe they are talking to the author. I assured her that I did write it and told her why. 

            At baggage claim, she invited me to visit her home so she could show me around. I have no idea if we will meet again, but I am confident God placed her in my life that day.  

Over and over, I have met grieving people on planes, at church, in my neighborhood, in parking lots…

Loving Father, thank you for answering prayers. Help us notice people around us who need a listening ear, a kind word or even a book to ease their pain.

Amen