This morning is another cool-ish and cloudy morning. I’m sitting by the open windows with my coffee and Bible nearby. It is a quiet and peaceful country morning with a few summer sounds trickling through. I pray for those who are in turmoil in hopes they find peace and light in their lives and situations. God has restored, supported, and strengthened me…and is continuing to set me on solid ground [Ref. 1 Peter 5:10, below] from the last few years. I am beyond grateful, and I pray He will do the same for you as you need it…that He will meet you right where you are and take you forward by the hand. Remember, He is faithful!
The article below was written over a couple of weeks and updated this morning. As I celebrate a new day here in my country setting, looking forward to a new week of endless possibilities, I hope this read brings a spark of celebration to start your week as well…
As I look out over this beautiful Amish Country land, it is a quiet Sunday and it reminds me of random times at my Grandma and Grandpa’s farm; or simply random memories of peace and joy.
I try to enjoy every season, but as you have probably heard me mention, fall is my absolute favorite. I still try not get into fall vibes too early…thus embracing the season at hand. However, this year, I am having to restrain myself a little while I feel the small yearning in my soul for it!
As I sit here today, the weather has cooled, and the clouds are in abundance. Earlier this week, that was the case for the heat and sunshine most of the day…and after a busy weekend and start to my week, I embraced the summer sunshine, wind, and relaxation. It was a true blessing! Today, on the other hand, I am embracing the clouds, and the occasional slight breeze…reminding me of the fall season next in line…and approaching daily.
The quiet of the country and the summer sounds bring a sense of peace, but also, a gnawing to take me back to my roots in West Virginia. Not that I live that far from there now, but time and culture has “advanced” so swiftly that it feels far away. Is it all bad that memories are in the past and fade a little as time goes by? Not necessarily.
God created humans (and other creatures) to “Be fruitful and multiply.” [Ref. Genesis 1:22 & 28] As that happened, and children were born [Ref. Genesis 4:1-2], the cycle of childhood—and childhood memories—began; bringing us, first, to our own childhood memories, then tales of our families’ memories, and next creating memories with our own children, and in many cases grandchildren. So many of those memories are extremely cherished, and I yearn to hold onto them. Not all of my memories, or my parents memories were good, of course, as I am sure that some of yours are not. BUT, God has not left us there…good or bad.
We are growing and maturing creations…not meant to live and dwell solely in the past. Use it for good? Yes! Whether we are longing for there because they were such good times in our lives; or we have difficulty escaping there because of the negative impact it has had, remaining there is not who we were made to be.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.13-14.NLT
Sometimes, when country living, or a “country” getaway reminds me of home, I might hesitate to let myself go back for fear that the memories will cause pain or grief, due to a longing of times gone by; however, it is good to reflect on our heritage and see how God has used that to bring us to the present. Even the things that weren’t as pleasant, have still molded us in some way…hopefully, those negative instances, we have turned for positive; and those wonderful memories only need to be embraced and honor those that have gone before us. Most importantly, hopefully those reflections honor the One who created us to progress and mature.
“But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.”
Philippians 3:16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.16.NLT
Today, I am reminded that all of that (country living) brought me to this beautiful day (still in the country, but just another locale across the river); and I can celebrate this moment…guilt free.
If you are reading this, know that I prayed for you today…hoping that if you aren’t currently celebrating, you will be soon. Be blessed, my friend.
”In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.“
1 Peter 5:10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.10.NLT
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 