Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday Afternoon Tea

This past week there was one morning where I finished the dishes, tidied up the kitchen, and did a quick decluttering of the living and family rooms before taking a much needed break.

I gathered my reading glasses, a second cup of coffee, my Bible, the latest David Wilkerson sermon letter which was acting as a bookmark in Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints... John Piper's book I'm still reading and re-reading long after swiping it from Christopher.

It was one of those Zen type moments (not a Christian word but I can't find one that works as well and also agrees with my theology). The door to the deck was open and a breeze came through the screen, the trees within my line of sight were lush and gorgeous, there were flowers on the deck... and the old Lazy Boy was comfy and cozy. The good life...

I don't know why there are moments in life which are unusually sweet. Often it is as if I'm remembering a special feeling or experience from my past, perhaps one buried deep within my memory... just close enough to the surface to remember a feeling but not clear enough to know the exact place or time in which the memory took place.

It had been a difficult couple of weeks, nothing huge... lots of little foxes spoiling the vine. Often it is easier for me to handle one huge challenge then a combination of the little trials nipping at my feet, causing unrest just below the surface.

How wonderful it was to spend an hour enjoying the late spring breeze and reading Wilkerson's sermon called Words of Comfort and Hope. Just what I needed. He reminds us that it seems "the world is teetering on a precipice as at no other time in history". However, he goes on to remind us God is in control and asks the question... do you believe in miracles? The answer is not "of course" but the reader is prodded to really ask oneself... do you believe God will perform miracles in your life?

I looked around the room where I was sitting and then through the screen... I felt the breeze... I remembered a miracle. For those who haven't read about the miracle of this house, the story is in the post Laying My Isaac Down... here.

God can and will do it again, perhaps not in the timing I desire but He always comes through. Whatever the little foxes snipping at you, whatever the trial... small or huge... do you believe in miracles?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brenda, I know what you mean about those sweet moments of complete peace and contentment. I have recently discovered John Piper and am really enjoying his writings. I heard about him on a blog. Maybe yours? I can't remember! I also receive David Wilkerson's newsletter, Kindred Spirit!

Friend Debra

Scrappy quilter said...

David Wilkerson's book The Cross and the Switchblade is what led me to the Lord and salvation. I haven't read any of John Piper's books...I should see if I can find some at the library or local bookstore.

Many times I've found complete peace and contentment too. I can totally relate to this post. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,
I have never commented on your blog before. Today I felt like I needed to say "thank you."
Thank you for your encouraging post today and the link to a previous post you had written. It comes at a time when I sorely need it.
God bless You!
Susan

gail said...

Hello Brenda,

Thank you for that lovely post today and your miracle link. I so enjoyed it and oh so inspiring, as we wait for a special buyer to see our apartment and say YES, this is the one I'll buy.

Blessings Gail

GrammaGrits said...

Oh, how I relate to the little foxes that spoil the vine. We had our kids memorize that verse when they were young. It's no fun to be nibbled to death! God is faithful, and isn't He good to provide the times of peace and contentment? God bless you much!

Anonymous said...

A breeze or gust of wind at a time when I am in a contemplative mood speaks to me as well. I take it as a caress of the Holy Spirit, reminding me of the very things you mention in your post. He has accomplished miracles in placing me in my current home as well.
p.s. I have no trouble with the word "zen". I am not a Buddhist, but I do believe the Lord Jesus "enlightens" us to his presence through our senses.