As of this moment, kind friends, spring is 19 days, 11 hours, and 12 minutes away. You’re counting, too – I just know it.
There have been countless times when I have wished for a countdown while waiting for peace to come . . .
We sometimes wonder if peace is hibernating when facing a bitter season of life – sort of like gazing at naked trees refusing to dress for spring.
And so we wait . . .
The other day, after dropping my husband at the dialysis clinic, I drove to Philly to visit my mom’s grave in remembrance of her birthday. Rigid stems of silk roses couldn’t penetrate frozen earth . . . so, I had to keep in mind that seeds and shoots hiding deep down would soon faithfully appear.
Then I got a call from my husband to tell me his session was cut short because the dialysis access site was blocked and he would need to get to a hospital for an exchange procedure. At the moment I was over thirty miles away – in the snow.
Next came the waiting room where peace often hides behind the door.
It wasn’t the kind of day I would’ve ordered that morning, but it was the one I got. The kind that begins with new mercies. . . everyday.
And so, I had to believe that seeds and shoots of peace hiding deep down would soon faithfully appear.
When going through pressures and stresses, it’s easy to feel like our peace is buried deep in the bitter of winter – and we wait eagerly for its return . . . like spring.
But, no need for countdowns. . . we don’t have to wait for something we already possess. Peace comes as the sweet fruit of our Lord living within.
Deep-down-within.
So then, how do we experience something we have that doesn’t seem to be coming forth? Believe to see. Believe it’s there.
Don’t settle for well-meaning hollow platitudes to temporarily cheer with “she’s in a better place” – “you’re better off without that guy” – “time heals all wounds” and “the sun will come out tomorrow-tomorrow” —
. . . all true, but not true enough. It won’t meet the moment.
Instead, may we rehearse and believe the healing word of God that turns winter places into spring hope. Perfect peace – Shalom – meeting broken moments with wholeness.
I had to remind myself of this the other day . . . and today . . . and tomorrow. You?
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You. Isaiah 26:3
Verna
You are such a gifted writer. A beautiful piece. I pray for your husband’s health and comfort for you.
Thank you for the kind comment and concern, Susan . . .I’m so glad you stopped by to visit.
Thanks for another article that will continue to encourage all who read it. Your heartfelt words are a result of the trials you’ve gone through in life and how you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness in bringing you through.
May you feel our prayers for you and your family during yet another
difficult time. Love ya!
. . . and I do, Lucy. Thank you for the sweet reminder – always a gap in my week if I miss worshipping and learning with my Precept sisters. . . . so good to know they go with me everywhere I go!
The song that come to mind, Verna, that says who you are in times of unpredictable circumstances is this:
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
1.My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain
God be with you and your family. Thank-you for your reassurances in challenging circumstances.
. . . thank you for sharing this beautiful hymn (humming right now 🙂 as a reminder of His rock-solid unchanging grace. Miss you, Lynda!
What powerful truths and reminders today, Verna. Thank you for sharing from your heart exactly what many of need to hear. I’m praying now for God’s bountiful blessings as you do what He’s called you to do today.
I love that the prayers of the saints (and dearest of sisters) are always heard and felt . . .thank you,Vonda.
Just what I needed to hear today at this moment. You are in my prayers dear Verna as we wait.
. . . we’ll wait (and trust) together, missed friend . . .
Yep, I’m counting on spring coming round soon too. I love it when God melts the blanket of snow and melts our hearts with blankets of peace. Hugs To you my friend.