This is how my brain felt when I woke up today at 5:30.
That would be 4:30, if you take into account that Daylight Savings Time
just kicked in.
Takes me about a week to adjust my inner clock in spring.
Never takes that long in fall when we get another hour to sleep
add an hour.
My ritual of drinking 2 cups of coffee with hazelnut cream
did little to soothe me while reading the paper.
Yes, my heart aches for all the folks affected by those headlines.
But I was anxious. Couldn't concentrate, much less, meditate, on anything.
Then I thought of my blogger friend, Julie, who's going to give the Lord some meditation time each day during Lent.
Bingo.
I reached for and haphazardly opened my Women's Devotional Bible.
Then I had a little conversation with God.
What should I read, Lord?
The devotion you opened to.
"Thanksgiving for All Things"? Sorry, not today.
[I wasn't really sorry. He knew it. But His still small voice said gently,]
Read it anyway.
Okay, but I'm certain that 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is not on my to-do list today:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Not feelin' it, Lord.
You don't have to. Just do it because I asked.
[Obstinate silence. *Anxiously thumbing to another selection* Happened upon Ephesians 6:11]
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
But I'm too weak to stand. I'm so burdened with care.
There's a hymn** about your condition.
The refrain goes, "Take it to the Lord in prayer."
[Beginning to tear up.]
Okay, Lord.
Life's season is changing again and I never got used to the last one.
I was hoping to share my joy at being a Grandma with my Mom.
But her health is so if-y.
After 24 years of living so far from her and missing so many celebrations of life with her...
Are You going to continue to allow her to suffer and then take her...??
[Full-on boohooing now.]
Her care needs are very high, beyond what I can do for her from so far away or even really if she were here with us. What do I do about that?
You're doing it.
My daughter is going to be a mother. I'm going to be a grandmother.
Yes, those are wonderful things. But again, I'm so far away.
Are we going to miss out on doing life together, too?
Go on.
[Dear Husband] was sick all weekend. All I could do was feed him antibiotics and food at regular intervals. Oh, and as much as I love him and he loves me, I feel far from him, too.
#3 child has not found his purpose.
There is estrangement in the family.
I feel inadequate to help those I love the most.
You are. But I'm not.
I'm the One who created your family. I love them more than you do.
Did you forget that I have "plans to give you and your family hope and a future"?
[Jeremiah 29:11]
When you aren't joyful and thankful, it's cuz your heart is far from Me.
You need to draw near to Me daily
by reading My Word, talking with Me, and waiting for My response.
Oh.
Oh.
Remember the post you wrote on Saturday?
Yup.
Read it again. Those words aren't just for your readers' benefit.
They are for you, too.
You were at peace and full of hope in Me by the time you'd finished writing it.
You're right, Lord. And I feel that way now, too.
Thank you, Jesus.
By then, it was time to kiss my DH and send him off to work.
I usually stand on the driveway, oblivious to what any passersby may think,
and blow kisses to him as he drives away.
He honks and says, "I love you! See you tonight!"
Love that moment in our day.
I turned to go in, but decided to linger in the morning sunshine
-thank you for the sunshine, Lord!-
to enjoy the crocuses
and pull weeds from between the flagstones.
I don't like it when they go to seed and make more weeds!
Yup.
Read it again. Those words aren't just for your readers' benefit.
They are for you, too.
You were at peace and full of hope in Me by the time you'd finished writing it.
You're right, Lord. And I feel that way now, too.
Thank you, Jesus.
By then, it was time to kiss my DH and send him off to work.
I usually stand on the driveway, oblivious to what any passersby may think,
and blow kisses to him as he drives away.
He honks and says, "I love you! See you tonight!"
Love that moment in our day.
I turned to go in, but decided to linger in the morning sunshine
-thank you for the sunshine, Lord!-
to enjoy the crocuses
and pull weeds from between the flagstones.
I don't like it when they go to seed and make more weeds!
I don't mind gettin' my hands dirty gardening.
Time with Jesus, kisses from my man, gardening.
Oh, I feel so much better!
Oh, I feel so much better!
Do you give up listening to Rolling Stones music, chocolate, or shaving your legs
for Lent?
The first two I've actually done.
The third would not be a sacrifice.
Hoping that you are joyful in the Lord today!
Love,
Karen
for Lent?
The first two I've actually done.
The third would not be a sacrifice.
Hoping that you are joyful in the Lord today!
Love,
Karen
**Click here to find out more about Joseph Scriven, the writer of the hymn,
"What a friend we have in Jesus,"**
