grace
A hazy moon glow brightened the pre-dawn sky. Two deer in the distance watched patiently as the house spoiled Golden got her early morning relief. The crisp but not freezing air was pleasant to the lungs as prayers of gratitude arose to the witness of another day and its pending opportunities. As the dawn breaks, a mist rises from the cold ground as it is covered by the much warmer air. Likewise, this temple makes plans to bask in the light of its Builder’s grace as it warms to the present reality of mercy. A list of desired accomplishments is now given its subordination to a moment by moment praise for today’s freedom. Thankfulness fills the cauldron from which today’s passions flow.
Quiet consumes the morning chill except for the occasional scamper by the pet rabbit. The stillness gives way to fleeting recollections of days gone by and anticipation of those to come. Putting what has been and what might be aside, this boomer focuses intently upon the moment, giving thanks for the safe harbor that is now and the refuge from discomfort that visits more often than in times gone by. As the day unfolds, this mind chooses to face each moment with a heart full of gratitude for the grace that has and will continue to be the victor of this life.
Blowing permeating warmth, the old furnace was fulfilling its purpose on this late winter morning. Long before the alarm clock sang out its tune of time to wake; my old acquaintance by the name of pain had decided to visit. He often just makes himself known in the region of my lower back, delivering a steady ache as he makes his presence known. Changing position often helps him quiet down, but ultimately, one must rise to an upright posture to accommodate this intruder who wishes to make himself a home. Wide awake, morning routine supersedes the alarm and the day is off to a grateful start. Walking outside with the dog as she answers nature’s call and attending to fumbling with animal feeding leads to quiet time with coffee and prayers of gratefulness for the opportunities that lie ahead. Pain has not left the premises, but the metaphorical rearrangement of furniture has put him in a tolerable place until he decides to seek attention once more. Attending to strategic exercises today that strengthens the shield against the intruder’s wrangling are on the agenda. Filled with thankfulness for another day of opportunity to experience the wonders of the Maker’s grace, this aging vessel seeks to serve its purpose.
The sun streaks brightly across the frozen snow covered hills as morning ignites the day. Gone are the dark clouds that brought the bounty of snow and freezing rain. The bright light of this day enhanced by the glare from the ice covered snow gives testimony to nature’s ever changing scope. As temperatures rise to the forecasted warm high, the snow and ice will degrade into slush and mud and quench the thirst of the coming spring. Soon daffodils will be in bloom with tulips to follow. We give thanks for the changes that bring joy as we anticipate the bounty of new life exploding upon the landscape. Although sometimes restricted in the winter climes, the coming spring gives hope of greater freedom to roam and exercise differently. Our heart nearly bursts with gratitude as we anticipate the freedom to ride the river trail on the new bike. A store of thankfulness now undergirds our thoughts as the agenda for this day unfolds. Grace for another day has been granted!
It was four in the morning and the chill in the air was penetrating. A quick run to the potty followed by a stumble over the ever inquisitive retriever solidified the proposition that sleep would not be revisited soon. Snugly between the covers, one position found a pain requiring adjustment. Then, thoughts went to the passport renewal. Although the renewal is eight months away, this obsessive mind was determined to plan through the process, adding angst to the then sleepless rest seeker. As the renewal was being ordered sleep revisited to be overturned again at the alarm’s call. Arising ever so slowly, the first thoughts were of profuse thanks for seeing another day and the opportunity to discover the joys that lay ahead. As I flicked on the table lamp illuminating the still warm old stove, my heart was pumping praise and gratitude that filled the void of the day gone by. The day’s tasks are now framed gratefully in the arms of thankfulness that all is well and will be accomplished in the light of grace!
Clouds of winter rush by ushering in threats of rain and colder weather. The chill outside embraced by the humid air seems to cut to the bone. Wood stacked and secure offers solace as it waits to be stoked in the old cast iron stove. In the early morning hours reflections of challenges past and blessings embraced serve as nourishment for this soul hungry for the day ahead. When efforts have fallen short or desires have over extended, grace has drawn us back securely in the arms of God’s love. In this quiet morning place, peace extends her warm embrace like a freshly woven blanket. Layered in the arms of grace, mercy, and peace, we are both clothed and armed for the day that lies ahead. “Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to know; it is well, it is well with my soul.” (Horatio Spafford)
Crows caw loudly over the glistening frost laden fields as the last day of the year emerges. The pond reflects the bright glow of the morning sun like a mirror blanketed with a spotlight. Here the year is ending with a sunny but crisply chilly day. The sunshine reminds one of the bright spots during the year now giving way to the new. A migration back to the home of my youth; the acquisition of loving pets; the joy of granddaughter during school breaks; the discovery of a worship fellowship and the opportunity to contribute to a choral team; the marriage of a son to the woman of his dreams; rediscovering the joy of writing and uncovering the reason for a progressive limp are among some of the bright reflections of the year. Only God knows the challenges and victories that lie ahead in the coming year, but in the loving arms of grace each day will be embraced. One can only give thanks for the opportunity that today affords!
Our granddaughter came bursting from the arrivals gate with arms extended to be met by welcoming hugs. The glee on her face gave light to memories etched in the fabric of a lifetime. The long drive to the farmhouse was filled with accounts of Christmas day and the weeks and months preceding. Joyfully expressing her anticipation at seeing her other grandfather, she impatiently urged the drivers ahead to speed up or move to the side. Finally parked at our country destination, she sprang from the jeep like a “Jack in the box” to begin the long awaited greeting of gramps and animals, not to mention the plethora of presents. In a few short days she will be returning to her daily routine of school, homework, and dance rehearsal, but for now, she can enjoy the indulgence of grandparents and animals galore that enjoy sharing in her presence. Like so many days before, PD symptoms take a back seat to the joys of life this moment and the abilities yet remaining. The air is warmed this day by the flow of gratitude that wells from a heart touched by grace.
Wrapping paper strewn in the frantic presence of excitement over the receiving moment has been gathered and awaits the trash man. All the buttons and switches have been pushed or flicked as the gadgets stood their test. New clothes await their dressing moment as size anticipates its best. The afterglow of the celebration day still lingers as we look forward to the New Year. As time for reflection approaches we cease upon the moment at hand and give thanks for the warmth and security of this time and place and the presence of Love Himself, whom we celebrate. Otherwise annoying symptoms that remind one of life’s frailties are meshed in the moments of rejoicing in relationship, friendship, and kinship. May the greatest of all gifts, the grace of God, be unwrapped each gifted day.
Coolness permeates the air as night succumbs to dawn on this late fall morning. The chill is a reminder that winter is lurking nearby. Cozy bedding envelopes as a fetal reminder of a warm and safe space that whispers its invitation to remain. Thoughts of the day ahead are quickly laid aside as the mind goes instead to a place of conversation with the Provider of the life giving dawn upon us. Prayers of thankfulness emerge as we ponder the shear wonder of being alive in the Maker’s presence. Impulses to begin focus on the day’s agenda are captured and handed over to being in the presence of gratitude that the day is unfolding and bringing with it the opportunities to honor the Creator in all that is done. We are reminded that even the work we will engage during the day provides a means to honor our God if only in thankfulness for the means to engage. As the day unfolds may it do so in the light of gratitude shone through the prism of grace that clarifies all that we see!