peace
Gazing beyond the chestnut tree past the gazebo and onto the pond this reluctant participant in Parkinson’s disease gives thanks for the opportunity to enjoy the experience of family. During the course of one month we have hosted two sons and their families and reveled in the marriage celebration of a cousin with a plethora of relatives. Each of these adventures has brought immeasurable joy and great comfort as we now view the beauty of the landscape and recall the unique elements of each blessing. The wonder of our nine month old granddaughter crawling her way past the otherwise preoccupied pup tussling with her canine mother is yet another mental picture added to the book of gratitude being compiled with recollections. As we whisper the words of thanks for the opportunity to share these precious moments recalled we are filled with the presence of peace that supersedes our cares. Gratitude is the spark that ignites the fuel of thankfulness that illuminates our landscape of memories. May your memories today be filled with light!
Sitting now in the restful recliner and anticipating the eventual chores of the day, we are entertained by a flock of geese passing over and noisy ravens foraging the grassy field in front of the old farm house. The early rise this morning was anything but peaceful. The intense ache in the lumbar region that radiated throbbing pain in the hip was the welcoming call to rise from slumber. This visitor, insinuating itself more and more frequently into my slumber, is not a friend. It is instead a rather insistent companion. Hours removed now from the rude awakening we are grateful for the departure of the bothersome companion without having to prod with medication. An upcoming consult with a “spine” specialist may inform us whether or not the would be companion can be eliminated or tamed. Grateful for the possibilities, we move on with our day armed with thankfulness for relief and hope for release. A thankful heart filled with gratitude is the well from which hope springs forth.
Suddenly awake I lay there in the bed hoping to return to the land of dreams. The quiet permeated the room and not even the dog expressed her usual snore. Giving thanks in those silent moments took me to a place recalling people for whom the promise of prayer had been given over the past week. Thoughts of each individual lingered as I asked God for answers to each person’s prayer. In those moments of silence in the presence of communing with the Creator, there arose a sense of connectedness that brought about a state of peace. Gratitude engulfed me like a cocoon holding its chrysalis that would soon emerge as a different expression from the previous being. Lying there before the dawn, consumed with thankfulness, I recalled the words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi when he said: “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 4:6-7 (NIV)
Wind whips quickly from the northwest bringing with it bone chilling change from cold to colder. The full leafed pecan tree standing stately in the sun lit terrain suddenly gives up its leaves to the blowing flow and then stands barren and exposed. Summer is far behind us now and soon autumn will give way to a full fledged winter. Change is omnipresent and at times such as these makes itself known to a greater degree than others. Experience tells us that these days too will give way to others and the rebirth of springtime will emerge with welcomed chirps and warmer winds. Change is an intimate part of life. Some see it as an enemy where others see it as a friend. Peace comes in its embrace within the arms of gratitude for within that embrace awaits the richness of the Creator. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The day has begun with a bright and intense sun glowing over the horizon. Accompanying the intense orb is a level of humidity greater than ninety percent. A venture out of the air conditioned and artificial climate of the abode renders one soaked in one’s own fluid as though venturing through a rain forest. Just a few days ago it was cooler and dryer than the norm and pleasant to be enjoying nature’s embrace. In a short few days the forecast calls for yet another reprieve from the intensity of the heat and humidity that zaps energy and multiplies the use of the shower nozzle. Whether hot and humid or cooler and dryer, we give thanks for the opportunity to be enjoying the presence of the Creator’s love. As we ponder the troubled world experienced by so many, we pray for individuals to know the peace that defies understanding when lived in the presence of the giver of grace.
A snooze button served to be the extender of a few more minutes of sleep. Alas, the morning was calling and the day’s agenda began to unfold. Memories of a productive and warm weekend with family and friends serve as thankful fodder for a new day in a new week. Sitting in the comfort of my recliner listening to the snoring sounds of a Golden Retriever at my feet offers a temptation to join her majesty in a few morning winks. However, stamina for facing healthier days is built not by reclining, but by putting into motion the physical and mental exercises that help to restore some of the flexibility and agility lost to a progressive “affliction.” My gratitude for the opportunity to work toward renewal provides motivation to act in that direction. Even in life’s most difficult moments I find the presence of thankfulness for the evidence of grace to be a comfort that provides a peace that defies description. May you discover a grace filled day as you dwell in a place of gratitude!
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)
The fire crackles as the plum of flames ignited from the newly added logs. The stove creaks as the flames give off their inevitable heat. Morning has arrived and light has begun to stream forth from the east, casting its gleam on all the land. The showery mist consumes the light into a shadowy glow. Another day has arrived and with it the opportunity to discover more of God’s blessings. Plans have been made for the day that act as a compass guide. Whatever may come this day, this morning reflection and the sense of direction add to the peace with which the gifts of today will be unwrapped. Not every day has been like this, nor do I expect that all future days will unfold this way. What hasn’t been and what might be are now tucked away in the grace and peace of what is. I give thanks for this moment, this day, this opportunity for life!
In the quiet of the early morning before the bustle of the day commenced, I sat quietly in the consuming arms of peace that enfolded me like a blanket of warmth. Gone were the fits of anger from the day before and gone was the dread of physical challenges and the nag of pains. Though the pesky visitors might return, they were quiet and still at that moment. The lyrics of a hymn recently sung by the church choir descended upon my thoughts and I sank into the arms of comfort as I recalled the words. “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot thou hast taught me to (know) say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.” The hymn by Horatio Spafford was penned after having lost all his wealth in the Chicago fire of 1871, then having lost all four daughters in a shipwreck on the Atlantic a short while later. These words “came to him” as he later sailed past the very spot of the tragic accident that took the lives of his beloved daughters. I do not in any way equate my loss of nimbleness to the loss of life of a loved child. I believe I would endure whatever personal pain and torment tossed my way if it meant a safe and healthy life for my children. What all of us share at one time or another is the sense of loss and its attendant grief. What all may also share is the attendant “peace that passes all understanding,” that waits to be greeted at the door of grace. Today, I am grateful for hearing the knock and for flinging the door wide to that embrace of peace.
Hard work, planning and preparation had been the cornerstone of the move from the corporate world to private consulting and then the call to Pastor. The house was in order. Suddenly, without a hint of warning, the thief burst through the thoughtfully planned barrier. Not only did he steal flexibility and nimbleness, he has made his home in this place called me. This unintentional host is not at all happy at the intruder’s presence. Today he seems to be reminding me of his presence at every turn. I detest his assertions and want to throw heartfelt curses his way for his challenging my buttoning ability and for the agony of walking he has unloaded in this unintentional host. My anger flared this morning at this thief and I wanted to pound him squarely out of my life. Then, as suddenly as my anger flared, my rational self whispered; “if you give in to the anger, the thief wins by robbing you of peace.” The scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5 that instructs us to “give thanks in all things” came to mind. I have not yet been able to truly give thanks for PD (I’m not sure I need to do so) and its brash interruption of my agenda, but I have grown to be thankful for opportunities to be more empathic, to grow in patience, and for still having a mind that embraces a semblance of rational promptings. Anger is a part of the grieving process and I experience its presence periodically. It is grace that brings me back to the place of thankfulness that God’s presence is sufficient. Living in this place of grace far outweighs the paltry crop of anger that tries to camp out just beside the fire of faith.