Sunday, April 11, 2010

Sunday Afternoon Tea


Have you ever wondered what a perfect day would look like?  I was pondering that yesterday while thinking of what I would like to be doing.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to be making a slow recovery from the winter's seemingly endless illnesses but one does still get frustrated at limitations.  In this case, the limitations brought on by fatigue and money and distance.

I would have loved to be outside doing a little more lawn work as well as taking a hoe to the raised bed garden.  I wanted to drive to our favorite nursery and purchase lots and lots and lots of flowers, plants, and starts of veggies.  I'd even have enjoyed to go to the mall and shop for a new pair of sandals and perhaps sheets for my bed... and I never want to go to the mall unless I get dropped off at Border's.

I wanted to have coffee with my daughter and visit the cute antique shops in the town where she lives.  Then have dinner at her place and enjoy watching grandchildren at play.  I wanted to go with her family to their church with the really nice people who always welcome me with open arms and tell me I am "just like my daughter".

That's the way the human mind can work, you know.  We look past all that is good and we long for what we don't have at times.  That's a delicious hamburger but how long has it been since we had steak?  We love our children but why can't they behave like our friend's precious mild mannered kids?  Our car runs great but we find ourselves eying that red jobbie as we drive by the new car lot.  Little bits of coveting here and there... longing for that which is beyond our grasp.

All of this being jumbled up in my mind as I asked Him for forgiveness and thanked Him for all that has been given, so much to be thankful for in this life.  We're just passing through and it isn't Heaven, yet.  That longing is for a Place still to come, the real Home for which we long.  We were created in a garden and we long for Eden.  We must learn to curb unmet expectations for they will always be with us as we walk this planet... having longings instead of a thankful heart.

It made me wonder what would be a perfect day given unlimited health and money, when distance is no object and anything is possible.  It would include beautiful weather and gardens and perhaps a picnic table next to a clear lake... family all around... those gone and those living far away... people... fellowshipping around a table in the midst of beauty.

Is that God's perfect day?  As He watches us act out our imperfections and wonders how humanity can make such bad decisions.  Does He ever want to look the other way when we choose sin instead of Him?  Does it warm His heart when we say Thank You and cause Him to smile as a child says evening prayers?  What is God's perfect day? 

That which is to come when once again the morning stars sing their praise and the trees clap their hands... and His people are all together at the table... the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  The day our hearts all come Home.

12 comments:

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

What a beautiful and thought-provoking post for an early Sunday morning! Thank you..and yes, I have had those same longings and feel at times quite guilty for always wanting..but your words touched me and made me smile..thanks again and have a glorious Spring Sunday :-)

Anonymous said...

What an awesome post! Now I see it so clearly. In our search for beauty we are longing for EDEN!!! Thank you so much, Brenda.

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

I took a peek at your recipe for the cake...your new header for your recipe blog is so nice..keep up the good work. (I love that even your ingredients for the cake picture has touches of red!)

Anonymous said...

This is such a beautiful, thought provoking post! You have such a way with words and I am blessed everytime I read one of your posts. I am thankful you share your God given talents with us.
I hope you have a lovely Sunday afternoon!

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

"We're just passing through and it isn't Heaven, yet. That longing is for a Place still to come, the real Home for which we long."

Thank you, dear Brenda...for the strengthening reminder of the cause of that subtle discontent...as well as the reassurance that His promises will be kept. Such a lovely and valuable post, as always.

With love and prayers for you and yours from,
Tracey.
x0x

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful picture, thank you for sharing.

Friend Debra

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Lovely thoughts on a Sunday afternoon. Such good reminders about those things that are important!

Anonymous said...

That perfect day will not really be till we are up with Him. When we are in the midst of something absolutely wonderful happening down here on earth and think it so perfect...it is only a glance at what is to be !!! I agree that a day outside with family gone and still here would be the best!! :) Sarah

Connie said...

So well written and so true. Thanks for the reminder.

Kellylynn said...

Brenda,
You are such a blessing. I so look forward to your posts.
(((Thank you)))

I often remind myself when discontentment tries to creep on me- that this is not heaven.
'I can only amagine, what that day will be like!'

So glad you are feeling better. And enjoyed a spring ride.


Thank you.

Hugs,
Kelly Lynn in Texas

Becky said...

What a perfect post! Your words are so humble that my spirit soaks them up as water evaporates on a hot day. Our pastor just recently spoke on contentment. I do have that grass is greener syndrome. Such a revelation to know that it is really my longing for Heaven. Thank you!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Lovely ponderings!