Precious Lovingkindness

 

"How precious is Your Lovingkindness O God! Therefore your children put their trust under the shadow of Your wings......with You is the fountain of life; In Your Light we see light". Psalm 36:8

Our days are quiet.  We hear the tumult around about us, yet, here in the home, the days of quiet bring rest to our hearts.

I wonder to myself if this is the calm before a storm. Then I remind myself that all of life consist of this, days of rest followed by changing and challenging circumstances. 

One thing I've learned in my long journey with Jesus is that no matter how challenging some days may be there is always a precious quiet refuge under His wings. A quiet shelter away from the noise and bustle.

 We can enter in simply by turning our hearts to Him for a moment.... looking away from our surroundings and into His face. 

Here we find a place of "precious lovingkindness" as the Psalm says.

In this precious place we find strength to carry on quietly and joyfully when storms arise. 

Routine life becomes a cherished gift when life is challenging.

Keeping busy with everyday tasks and taking time to talk things over with the Lord through the day calms a heart.

I don't care much for darkness. Not the darkness of night nor the darkness that sin causes in people and the world. 

We are children of light. Our hearts are repelled by the darkness. I appreciate this Psalm that says  "in Christ's Light I can find more light. The brighter the better. 

We've been keeping busy sewing, baking, cleaning, praying.....the days remain full even in this time of less to be involved with.

These days remind me of years past when life basically consisted of daily chores on the farm and in the home followed by quiet evenings on the porch with family.

We didn't have many diversions outside of the family home. It seemed like enough back then just to get the days work accomplished and then rest with a sewing basket or chat with one another. We didn't have the notion to get up and run out somewhere. Things were simple.

I like these old paintings that bring memories of life before we had more options.  Family was life. Chores were what kept us occupied. Fun was a board game or eating popcorn on the porch visiting with Grandma.

People didn't wander too far. The circle of family and a few lifelong friends were the extent of our world.

There was a time we didn't know too much about what went on "out there". There was no 24/7 coverage of world wide news or connection to folks and events outside of our circle. It was a gentler time. A time when our minds could relax a bit because we only carried the cares and needs of our own lives on our hearts. And that was a big enough load to bear.

I didn't intend to reminisce so much about days gone by.....they've just been on my mind more lately.

We can't go back in time. But, those memories can warm our hearts from time to time.

As I go about my day, I try to keep life simple and create warmth and memories today to bless our little home.

Life may not be as simple as it was in the past, but the warmth of home gives us something to look forward to each day.

Life's simple pleasures are blessing enough.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.....