Nature’s Balm

Yesterday was a temperate lovely spring day, and I sat out on the patio waiting for the partial eclipse.  I watched the birds at the feeder, in particular my favorite bluebirds who were actively feeding their young in the bluebird house on a post at the edge of our woods. I snapped several photos and caught this daddy bluebird glaring at me and it made me laugh.

It was so pretty outside and I admired the various plants with new growth in the yard, and the huge pink/coral azalea almost in full bloom. The most fun thing for me to watch each spring is the emergence of the hostas – from nothing, suddenly they pop up and you can almost literally watch them growing like green fingers from the earth.

Waiting for Answers

For the past month or so I had been waiting for answers to medical tests that I had done.  I was alternately calm in an uncharacteristic way, and quite anxious, particularly from the waiting. I had received good news about a week ago and the relief was palatable. My calm during this time when facing this challenge is directly attributable to my faith.  I could feel the peace descend on me from the prayers that my family and church friends prayed, like a warm blanket.  I truly know in my heart that I was held by the Holy Spirit during this time, and even in the face of an awful illness, I did not fear.

Ken and I went to Easter sunrise services at my church and the message was particularly resounding this year. All will be well. I have trust in the Lord.

Community

For many years, I believed that I could be a Christian and not necessarily a church-goer. I thought that I could meet with God in nature, and although I still believe that is true, it is only part of the truth.  I lived a largely secular life even though I believed.  Once I lost my son, I realized with an urgency that I could not ignore that I needed a home for my broken heart. What I have come to understand over the past six years is that belonging to a community of faithful increases your faith. I have built upon my ongoing learning with reading the Bible and many other books. But most profoundly, I have felt Christ’s love through my church – my pastor’s weekly message is a wonderful guide. My prayer life has grown to be simply part of what I do each day.

Several of us have been listening to a daily podcast from a group called Seedbed, and I have felt those messages fully and feel expanded by them.  It is wonderful to me to have my first thoughts when I awaken in the morning be of the Lord. It sets my day – my quiet early morning ritual of coffee, my podcast and prayer. Life is so very good, and I am so grateful for His grace.

I love this songstress Carrie Newcomer.  Her music speaks to me and is the primary station I play when I am alone.

https://youtu.be/9P4zi8ljf8A?si=O9JnhRaGYYfO4UI4