Milestones

Today we mark the first anniversary of Dwayne’s mom passing away. As I grow older, I’ve begun to realize that anniversaries—happy and sad events—mark our lives. It gives us an opportunity to look back in gratitude for all that God has done for us and all that He has carried us through. Yesterday was Dwayne’s 48th birthday. Next Tuesday will be my son Aaron’s 27th birthday. My niece and father both celebrate birthdays the following week.

Today we mark sadness in our lives but we also celebrate the joy of family. Instead of allowing the loss to overwhelm us, we are grateful for the 80 years we had with Helen. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer less than 2 months after we were married. She survived and was ours for almost 30 more years. God gave us the gift of wife, mother and grandmother for longer than we ever imagined. We trust that God in his infinite wisdom knew when to take her because ‘precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’ (Ps. 115:15)

So today I remember the woman who gave me my husband. I celebrate the man I married almost 30 years ago. I appreciate the children we have together. It’s a celebration of God’s goodness. Milestones mark our memories.

A Deserted Place

Had a great day—one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in a long time. We went to camp. We walked through the woods. We sat in front of the cabin. We built a fire and watched it burn. We chatted with friends. We walked up to the pond. It was quiet. There were no phones or emergencies. I think that I need to regularly find a place apart—the one that Jesus talked about to his disciples.

And He said to them, You yourselves come apart into a deserted place, and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they did not even have opportunity to eat. Mark 6:31

Acceptance

Dwayne’s dad is in the hospital. His sister and her husband were planning to come for Easter weekend. His brother and his wife got the time off at the last minute so they came. His aunt also came so we had a house full for Easter dinner. We had a great time.

I’ve attempted to quiet my life. I’ve tried to weed through the unnecessary but as I get rid of one thing, something else pops up that can’t be ignored. Instead of trying to shape my life, I’m going to lean on God and His care.

In Isaiah, God says: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk in the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame kindle on you.

I’m going to take him at His word. Anyone want to join me in this experiment?

Quiet Rest

Although I wandered through a whirlwind last week, I want to tell you that it was a good week. I kept busy but stayed cool. I found rest in the eye of the storm.

Now I’m headed for a week of rest. I have one commitment this week. When I’m not there, I’m staying home. Getting rest sometimes requires time so that it’s possible. I’m setting aside this week and maybe even next week. Easter will be low-key. Everyone will bring something and it will be simple. I’m also hoping to spend quiet time—just plain old quiet—no radio/TV/conversation/music. I’ve been stimulated enough. Now I need to retreat.

Our culture doesn’t foster rest and quiet. I find myself much better prepared for going out if I’ve made time for quiet and prayer. Jesus made a habit of withdrawing to pray—and he went alone. Matthew tells us that “having dismissed the crowds, He went up into the mountain alone to pray. And evening coming on, He was there alone.” If Jesus needed to do this, then so do I.