A Day of Reflection

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30).

The day is full before I even begin.  Laundry washing and pegging on the line.  Chicken feeding.  Japanese beetle trap emptying.  Animal watering.  Baby partridge rocks.  Broccoli snipping.  Bean picking.  Onion pulling.  Summer squash amongst the weeds.  Washing dishes.  Washing produce.  Loading the vehicle for the market.  Ice making.  A shower please.  Ninety degree temps with high humidity. Library run.  Five hour farmers market.  Return home.  Unpack vehicle.  Prepare for tomorrow's interview and presentation.  Supper.  Shower again please...

But those are only activities.  Stuff to do.  Not a person to be.  Today I chose to focus not on the many things filling the day but the wonder and joy of remembering the past and experiencing the present.

Green grass, leaves, plants.  Plenty of rain.  Good earth.  Fruiting raspberries.  Purple beans.  Dark red norland new potatoes.  Sterling white onions.  Free range chickens. Mr. Two-Toes and Mr. Bard Rock (MBR for short).  Ten fluffy kittens.  Half a million happy nectar-collecting bees.  A home with air conditioning.  A family of love.  A creative and enterprising son.  A fun-loving, present-living daughter. A wise, hard working, supportive and loving husband.  Friends who know when to tell me to take a break.  A teaching job at a local university.  Opportunities for tenure.  Pursuit of doctorate education.  Learning. Growing.  Hawks soaring just for the fun of it.  Horse weed nine feet tall.  Lawn mowers and tractors.  Clothes flapping on the line. Rest.  New friends at the market.  Freedom. New life.  New joy.

"There is a joy in  the journey.  There is a light we can love on the way.  There is a wonder and wildness to life.  And freedom for all who obey." (Michael Card).

Today's Journey Joy - wonder and wildness of the yoke of Christ

Cleaned through the Fire

Cold and windy. Blustery and gray. Dry crackling leaves. Crunchy remains of trees. Coals warm and red. The dance of the flame. The laughter of those dancing around the heat.

Winter begins.

And so starts the cold. The branches gathered throughout the summer and into the autumn chill are stacked skyscraper-ish and lit with glowing embers of wooden coals. "Snap!" "Pop!" "Crack!" "Whoosh!" sing the flames. And the heat radiates and warms our faces.

In the cold and beginning of winter I am reminded that there is One who always warms us. When my heart is cold and wind tossed the Artist creates a palate of warmth and love. Remember the warmth my friends. Remember the love.

When the cold winds blow in this season of rest remember it is He Who keeps us.

Journey Joy - warmth

Ponderings

But I will hope continually,

and will praise you yet the more.

My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,

of your deeds of salvation all day long,

though their number is past my knowledge.

I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God,

I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and gray hairs,

O God, do not forsake me,

until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.

Your power and your righteousness, O God,

reach the high heavens.

You who have done great things,

O God, who is like you?

(Psalm 71: 14-19)

"You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?" Good question. During today's journey I will joy in the wondrous things that the Lord has made and taught me.

Today's journey joy: God's incomparable Person