Remembering in the darkness

Sleep didn't come easily last night. At first I felt frustration at the prospect of lying awake in the dark when my body needed rest. Then this image popped into my mind. I've been remembering memories of the past lately as I've been involved in a writing project.

This photo was taken just a year ago. I was in a country shrouded by darkness of a variety of blacks and browns. It was my honor and privilege to be there. Though I went to be an encouragement and hope, what I brought back was much more than I took. I came home with a heart full of memories that fill me yet today with encouragement and hope. I've made life long friends who reside there. I am continually moved to be more grateful, to risk more, and to look for the Light in the darkness of whatever is swirling around me today. This photo sums it up for me. Things are covered there with a darkness of man's making, but God - the Light - is coming. He's coming for my dear friends there and He is coming for me and you too!

Tuesday January 17, 2012

It’s been a month since this photo of my daughter, son-in-law and two littlest granddaughters was taken. I remember taking a photo like this years ago at Christmas with my daughter on my lap. Those years have passed quickly.

December came with all of the gatherings of family and friends, concerts, food and fellowship. It was a fast and furious month – most of it delightful. “Fast” sticks in my mind. How could four weeks have flown by already since then? Where are the minutes, hours and days going?

As I pondered the new year, I purposed to be more aware of and more deliberate with the time God is giving me. I also want to spend quality time listening to what God wants to say to me this year. Encouraged by a friend, I purchased a special journal to write some of these words. I sit in the quiet each morning, pen in hand with my special journal waiting to hear God's words to me.

I’m full of lots of words, lots of projects and ideas and a never-ending to-do list. I love being busy. To quiet myself and my mind takes deliberation. Some mornings I have to redirect my mind repeatedly to listen. At first I didn’t think much, if anything would appear on the pages of my special journal. But God is surprising me. There are words coming – some days more than others. One of the early messages from God is “Learn to be more patient. I can handle the details best on your behalf.” Yesterday’s message was silence from God. I commented back to God that I don’t feel abandoned. Instead I anticipate what God is planning for me during this time of silence. That’s growth for me. Patience, trust, faith that God is working on plans for me even when He is silent. I will continue to listen.