Life moves along. One happening leads to another. If I stop long enough, I can hear my breathe and feel my heart ticking. This is what today is. The first day of spring I notice the green leaves budding on the dogwood bush and the neighbor’s cherry tree starting to show pink buds. The fragrance will be heavenly very soon with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The dogwood trees will be soon after. For today, it feels wonderful to slow down.
I attended a couple of birthday parties these past few days, as well as attended another funeral. Happy celebrations for my 90-year-old father-in-law as well as for our 2-year-old grandson. Another birthday is coming very soon, the birth of my great-grandson. I anticipate a baby gift to be delivered this week, and I am excited to see this special stuffed bunny. As life is, as probably for you as well, we experience a mixed bag of emotions on any given day. I am saddened to know a loved one my age has unexpectantly passed on. Not too long ago it was my brother, but this time a kind friend. Death is so finite here on earth, but there is a promise of eternal life through Jesus.
When all is said and done, I thank our God for the life He gives. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to give praise to God. Today I live and have my being. This song comes to mind and I sing the lyrics written by Randy Sparks, which have been sung by many including John Denver.
“Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine, I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine. A million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine today.”
“But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope.”
~ Psalms 3:3 ERV
“BETTER DAYS” by Niko Moon
When the stars are burning out And the waves are crashing in Running circles in my mind Got me searchin’ for a light That can guide me home again When I’m in a hurricane And the waters start to rise While the lonely and the thunder Wanna try and take me under But I swim against the tide
I been caught in stormy weather But nothing lasts forever That morning sunrise gon’ remind me
I still got Good friends that I’ve never met And some, big dreams that I’m tryin’ to catch And some, memories that I wanna get But I still ain’t got to make And it’s a, simple life that I wanna live And a, lot of love that I gotta give And a, couple checks off the bucket list That I still ain’t got to make So when I think my bend is gonna break I hold on to the hope of better days
So when I’m drifting in the deep And I’m looking for someone Oh you’re always there to find me Just in time to remind me The best is yet to come
Cause I’ve got Good friends that I’ve never met And some, big dreams that I’m tryin’ to catch And some, memories that I wanna get But I still ain’t got to make And it’s a, simple life that I wanna live And a, lot of love that I gotta give And a, couple checks off the bucket list That I still ain’t got to make So when I think my bend is gonna break I hold on to the hope
Of living in the moment ‘Stead of drownin’ in the past Cause time it keeps on rollin’ Gotta learn to make it last
I still got Good friends that I’ve never met And some, big dreams that I’m tryin’ to catch And some, memories that I wanna get And I know I’m bout to make And it’s a simple life that I wanna live A whole lot of love that I got to give A couple checks off the bucket list I just can’t wait to make So when I think my bend is gonna break I hold on to the hope of better days
I am a planner by nature and vocation. Letting things go for a whole day is not easy. I think the Lord designed the Sabbath for a reason. I am not faithful to take that day of rest each week. And it catches up sooner or later. I have a quiet time each day where I meditate, pray, and just sit in the quiet. But a whole day of this refreshes my body and mind. My spirit needed it, too.
At my little cottage house I created my boudoir, designed with a comfortable chaise and vintage forget-me-nots such as comfy pillows, a lace-paneled screen, brimmed hats, scarves, hosiery, aprons, gloves, a pearl-beaded clutch, and special evening attire. It is tucked in one corner of my husband and I’s large bedroom. I turned on the mood lights picking green to illuminate my boudoir matching the plush green outside the window this summer season. It invited me for an afternoon nap, a day of rest from my weariness. The dark memories of days from over 20 years ago fainted away. “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” ~ Psalms 116:7. The pitter-patter of the rain on the window panes serenaded me to sleep.
A week’s vacation is finally coming next week. And a retreat may be in order for this autumn. But also a sabbatical. Traditionally, this is a 1-year recess for every 7 years worked. I cannot see this happening until I retire from full-time employment. So maybe a whole month off next summer, before I move into another chapter of my life’s work?
In everything you do, stir in love. In your cooking, baking, cleaning, fixing, budgeting, planning, giving, working, playing, resting, & relating … stir in love. Every day love unceasingly!
Life is too short to sit idle, hate others, be jealous or depressed, and play mind games. With God’s grace, sincerity and a pure heart is what I desire to become. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10. Pure and as sweet as honey. White as snow. No bargains made or motives conjured up. Just live for my Creator. I answer to my God at the end of the day, every day. And every day is a gift. At the end of the day, I take in account how I spent those precious minutes, my God-given talents, supply of resources and energy? Is my time consumed in front of a screen, iphone-size or mega flat screen TV-size? Size of the electronic does not matter, just how did I personally connect to those around today? Did I pick-up my neighbor’s storm-tossed trash scattered across his yard, encourage my co-worker on her new project, smile at that smelly stranger on the street bench, or pick-up the phone to talk to my kin living a few hundred or 2 miles away? Everyone has something they are good at. My energy levels may be up or plummeted down or be sporadic. Did I use whatever today’s strength is to extend God’s love and grace? Did I pray and be a vessel for peace or healing? At the end of the day …
In everything you do, stir in love. In your cooking, baking, cleaning, fixing, budgeting, planning, giving, working, playing, resting, & relating … stir in love. Every day love unceasingly!
Woman Warrior 