It is summer, a hot summer, much hotter and drier than ones in the most recent years. We pray for rain and it doesn't come. Life is full of waiting, and more waiting.
I wait not only for rain, but for healing. Healing of relationships that once were full of laughter and joy. Healing of friends that have lost a loved one. And healing of souls that long for that one thing that will fill them. Why do people hurt each other when they are so much a part of each others lives? Why does a child die at such a young age, just beginning life? Why do souls not search for peace in the Word and prayer instead of possessions and other people? I wait for healing rain to come falling down. It is the only thing that can bring growth to the crops so dry, the relationship that seems dead forever, the broken heart that will now have a scar of lonliness from loss, and peace like a river, not like a shower, but a river from above for that longing soul.
The smell of rain was in the air on Saturday!.It came so gently that I wanted to enjoy every moment. The puddles were so tempting that I, even at 67, had to go walk, barefoot in them, just to experience that washing away of the dirt and dust of weeks of waiting.
Then it came again to remind me yesterday in our little country church. Pastor said with all that has been happening in our area lately, we need healing! How did he know? He asked us to sing Healing Rain, by Michael W Smith. It felt so good! The puddles, the song, the friend by my side at worship, the talk on my phone this morning, the reassurance that as always God's Got It! I keep praying and God keeps working. Healing is a process. I know I have experienced it many times. And I will again. And so will all I love, in their own time. In the mean time, I will WAIT! And be still.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
It's a new year!!
2012 is here and with it come new things to see and do. New things to experience and new friends to meet.
After our decision to move from our acreage that had been home for 7 years, I felt a bit of sadness, but only for a really short time. It was almost Thanksgiving. Who can be sad when you are supposed to find gratitude in your heart? Then came Christmas! The season of celebrations for Christians. Even those that don't recognize Jesus birthday still find it a time of parties and gifts.
Well now those days are behind me and it is time to make a plan for what is going to be my future here in our new home, in a different town, surrounded by mostly strangers, and a "few" family members.
Part of me still clings to our old familiar group of "FRamily" as we call them. We will go the 20 miles to worship at our old church.
This week I have an appointment with my old doctor, even if she is much younger than I. By old I mean she has been my doctor for over 25 years at least.
And our dearest old friends continue to arrange a dinner date when we find a night that works.
My daughter and family are not 2 miles away anymore like they have been for 15 years.
All changes that are taking an adjustment.It is time to move on now that the new year is upon me.
I remember when I was working with my daughters at Girl Scouts. We taught them a song that was something like this..."Make new friends, BUT keep the old. One is silver and the other Gold"
There will never be a church family like the one we have grown used to. Some of them have known me since I was born.
And my doctor has seen me through life and death issues literally. She was there and will continue to be there knowing me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
My friends are only a phone call or email away. In this day and age 20 miles is only 30 minutes away.
And with my daughter and our loved ones, we know it takes more effort, but the trade off is that now my son and his family are only 10 blocks away.
Children grow up and move away from their parents. But they are always ours and will be ready for a visit when we make a call.
Friends have family of their own that take time. But along with that is the need to share struggles we have as parents and grandparents at this stage of our lives.
Churches offer Bible studies that will welcome me even if I am not a member of their congregation.
And most of all as I said before.... I might have moved away from familiar surroundings, but Jesus has never moved away and His words are still a comfort to me everyday. I look with anticipation at the months ahead of me.
Will I find my place volunteering at the local nursing home?
Will the faces at the grocery store become people with names?
Will my neighbors become real friends to add to my list of special relationships?
Will Jesus lead me to a group of women that hunger for more of Him through a study?
What will 2012 bring?
After our decision to move from our acreage that had been home for 7 years, I felt a bit of sadness, but only for a really short time. It was almost Thanksgiving. Who can be sad when you are supposed to find gratitude in your heart? Then came Christmas! The season of celebrations for Christians. Even those that don't recognize Jesus birthday still find it a time of parties and gifts.
Well now those days are behind me and it is time to make a plan for what is going to be my future here in our new home, in a different town, surrounded by mostly strangers, and a "few" family members.
Part of me still clings to our old familiar group of "FRamily" as we call them. We will go the 20 miles to worship at our old church.
This week I have an appointment with my old doctor, even if she is much younger than I. By old I mean she has been my doctor for over 25 years at least.
And our dearest old friends continue to arrange a dinner date when we find a night that works.
My daughter and family are not 2 miles away anymore like they have been for 15 years.
All changes that are taking an adjustment.It is time to move on now that the new year is upon me.
I remember when I was working with my daughters at Girl Scouts. We taught them a song that was something like this..."Make new friends, BUT keep the old. One is silver and the other Gold"
There will never be a church family like the one we have grown used to. Some of them have known me since I was born.
And my doctor has seen me through life and death issues literally. She was there and will continue to be there knowing me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
My friends are only a phone call or email away. In this day and age 20 miles is only 30 minutes away.
And with my daughter and our loved ones, we know it takes more effort, but the trade off is that now my son and his family are only 10 blocks away.
Children grow up and move away from their parents. But they are always ours and will be ready for a visit when we make a call.
Friends have family of their own that take time. But along with that is the need to share struggles we have as parents and grandparents at this stage of our lives.
Churches offer Bible studies that will welcome me even if I am not a member of their congregation.
And most of all as I said before.... I might have moved away from familiar surroundings, but Jesus has never moved away and His words are still a comfort to me everyday. I look with anticipation at the months ahead of me.
Will I find my place volunteering at the local nursing home?
Will the faces at the grocery store become people with names?
Will my neighbors become real friends to add to my list of special relationships?
Will Jesus lead me to a group of women that hunger for more of Him through a study?
What will 2012 bring?
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