"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Spot of Calm and Reflection

(above: Front porch of The home of Frank and Judy, where we are meeting this month to fellowship.)
I was reflecting this week on how I have been able to settle down a bit and rest in this "calm after the storm" in our personal life. Everyone I know has had at least one stormy episode in their life that has had them in turmoil, grief...doubting themselves and many other things in their lives. Yet, though the times may be chaotic, tragic, or depressing...somehow if we persevere, things take on a new perspective and for most of us, they get better, or we learn to cope.
(Bench overlooking the river just outside the home of Frank and Judy)
God knows all along the circumstances and issues troubling us. He knows the beginning, the middle and the end, yes...the END of them! The word of note here is the "end" of them. For all troubling and distressing problems do come to an end. Remember that!
(Frank and Judy's woodland garden with peaceful sitting area)
God knew from the beginning of time exactly what we would be like and what our lives would hold...for He created us from the beginning. Nothing that has happened, or will happen is a surprise to Him, yet I admit I have been guilty of forgetting this and behaving on the ignorance of thinking He was not knowing my trouble and hearts' distress enough to care....that is so very wrong of me .
( Backyard with camp fire area of Frank and Judy's log cabin at river's edge)
As I was reflecting on the calm in our lives right now, I was reminded of the great distress and sorrow so very recently. Although many people who loved us assured us these bad times were for but a moment, it did not feel so temporary. I am hoping I remember this during our next trials..for rest assured, there will always be more trials for each and every one of us until we pass on into eternity, and that no matter what there is always joy in the moment, appreciation for the many blessings here and now, and hope, real and true hope! "Behold, we count those blessed who endured . You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful". James 5:11 Please know I do not consider any of my trials and tribulations to come anywhere near those of the faith who have endured beyond what many would think themselves able to endure...but that the trials we must all endure are hard for us personally, and that if you are able to look beyond the temporal and see there IS a God who is really and truly in control, then our perspective does indeed lift to Him...and He will be our comfort and salvation....

13 comments:

Wobegon Cottage said...

what a beautiful spot to sit and think. Yes you are correct ..if we can only remember when going through the trials who is in control and he already knows the end. We are here for his glory have a great day!!

LindaSue said...

Kathy - I think the need to recall God's plan for our lives is why we have friends who are also believers - the support of those who have been there and done that - testimony of endurance, grace and mercy. We can fall in one another's arms when new storms come and share the reminder - He is in the storm and He will take us through.
Frank and Judy live in a beautiful place - how nice to have your gatherings in such pretty places - where the creation reflects the Creator.

Mary said...

Kathy, if we could only find that serene sanctuary each and every time something crosses our paths that deeply tears at our hearts. I believe we get strengthened in the Lord during those times. In the mdidle of the strife we feel we lost a bit of faith, we have difficulties giving it all to Him during to those times, yet, when it passes we are in such praise and peace, and we realize how much stronger and closer we have become. That experience becomes something that has given us more wisdom. All we can do now is prepare, pray, and work towards the reality that life is going to continue to throw us a lot of punches. Love you, Mary

Mary said...

LOL...I am NOT writing or spelling well this morning. I meant to say, we are personally strengthened in our faith.

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a wonderful spot to sit back and think. You have a wonderful attitude and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Vikki G said...

Amen! Always look forward to hearing your perspective. What an absolutely beautiful and tranquil looking spot your friends have~ They have been blessed. Hope all is well with your son and little girls.
Blessings,
Vikki

noble pig said...

What great reflection Kathy and what a beautiful place to be attending to worship. You are truly a strong woman and thank goodness for some peace.

Connie said...

This post rings so true for me, Kathy. We all have troubles in our lives and sometimes it does feel as if we have been abandoned and are struggling all alone, but we are not. Wonderful words these. Your friends have a lovely and peaceful looking home. I enjoyed the photos.

Anonymous said...

I recently received an e-mail that had a saying in it that I just love - Don't tell God how big the storm is... tell the storm how big our God is!!! I am so happy that you have found some peace and are able to reflect. What a beautiful place to sit and relax.

Vickie said...

Into all our lives tribulation must come. It's good to look in the rearview mirror and see it all behind us and remember the angst and the worry that we felt, and know that it is over, and that the Lord our God brought us through it. I pray that you and yours will have a time of peace and contentment and rest. Good that you have your friends around you to share in your troubles and also in your victories. Thanks be to God. Lovely place to fellowship! Have a wonderful week, Kathy -

KathyB. said...

Thank-you all so much. One day, with Frank and Judy's permission, I would like to share their story of when the storm almost literally took this lovely home away! Judy looked out her window and saw a rush of water pick up a neighbors' home and head for hers....

Thistle Cove Farm said...

What a lovely place to worship the Creator! Such times are sent to test us, to strengthen our faith, should we choose and allow...although it's much easier to watch the faith of others be strengthened. -smile-

Nancy M. said...

What a beautiful home your friends have! It does look very peaceful there! I am so glad you are in a calm period right now!