Silence is Golden ... What color is Deafening Bedlam?

  Over the last few days I've been hitting the social media stuff pretty hard.  Facebook, e-mail, and...(I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know if the phone is considered social media or just outdated)...texting probably counts so I'll throw that in here too since I've done a lot.. hbu? 

  All this input has caused me to ... well, freak out a bit.  Please understand I have been living the "unseen life" of mothering for a decade and a half now and this sudden exposure of my life is a bit like walking into neon-bright sunshine after having been nestled in the shaded forest for eons.  I suppose my urge to "shut down" and hide today is a bit like the reaction of pupils contracting when a flashlight is pointed directly in the eye (as in a concussion test).  Eventually, the contracted pupil, as well as my flagging confidence, will expand to let more light in once it does not perceive itself as threatened.

  But for today, nerves on edge and wanting to flee to anonymity I headed to my favorite destination to walk: the nearby cemetery.  Strangely, this place holds no morbid fascination nor fear for me.  Instead, I appreciate the silence that soothes like a balm to my frenzied pace.  It's also hard to miss the fact that the stone markers I pass each lend quiet testimony to a life once lived -- but no longer.  They also serve as a reminder that "this too, shall pass."  There are no intrusive voices,  perhaps an occasional muted tone discussing which lot to mow next or where to plant the flowers.  There's an air of reverence and a gentle breeze that lifts my spirit and reminds me to press on and remember that I am not laid to rest yet.  I make eye contact with my beautiful blue-eyed daughter who's been riding along in her stroller and together we smile as a goose flies overhead honking for it's flight mates to wait up.  And just like that I am centered once again -- reminded to recognize the beauty that is right in front of me instead of training my eyes to the future.

  I will be back out to "play" with all my new friends soon, but for today I will soak up the silent comfort of the golden sunbeam drenching my shoulders in warmth and feel the paved road with each firm step I take leading me back home.  I will hold onto this golden silence as long as I'm able.  And ... I will imagine the day we've been told of -- when we shall meet more than Facebook friends...but all folks who have walked the face of the earth.  Can you imagine the fantastic stories we'll hear...of heroism and heartbreak.  We will have FOREVER to hear the intricate details from the perspective of legends and we'll discover the unsung tales of the quiet souls who helped shape eternal history...

But, again, what is in front of me instead of what is to come...Kids just got home from school;)

Come Away with Me

    Another day has dawned and yesterdays troubles try to sneak in on a pink tinged cloud...  Gonna worry?  Nope.  Gonna fret?  Naah.
  The God Who created this universe and all of it's inhabitants is bigger than those nagging, wormy, sly, little frown makers.  His shoulders were meant to carry those burdens that tend to cause knots in my neck and stomach.  
  Throughout the day, and sometimes as I fall asleep, I will slip into a place of Peace with the One Who made me to ask Him, "What's going on? What am I to do?"  There are other times I simply sit with Him and enjoy the comfortable silence that can accompany the presence of a treasured loved one who knows all there is to know about me and loves me anyway.
  This PLACE of Peace, yes- in my mind- though just as vivid as my current house, is very real- in fact I visit there often.  In honesty I have a couple "getaways".  
  The view from the cliff side cave overlooking the ocean is breathtaking.  Jesus is very casual there as He tends the crackling fire with a long stick.  He and I also have a meeting destination on a certain garden bench which sits in the dim light of eventide.  Shadows that fall as long as the surrounding flora are cast by the soft glow of the moonlight that peeks through the lattice and cascading wisteria that winds it's way around the arbor. 
    Do you have a PLACE that you run to when the world is shouting and the Lord wants to whisper encouragement?  A hammock that fits just the two of you when you need rest from your cubicle, kids yelling and cupboard doors banging, or fume-filled bus ride home? ;A hut in the middle of the jungle that provides the basic shelter and privacy which allows the removal of all masks and baring of the soul?    
  If you'd allow me I'd like to make one suggestion:  make this special place personal.  That's it...only thing I'd insist on.  A place that feels right to you.  It may be more formal in the beginning if you are truly just getting to know God.  Originally, it might be very sparse and as time moves you closer to the REAL meeting it can be furnished with lavish decorative furniture.  The key to this place is ... are you ready for this? The KEY is His name.  Jesus.  Whispered or shouted, depending on the situation. will bring Him to your "together" PLACE (that's amazing in itself- the God of the Universe will answer His created being's call). 
  Take special care with this Key.  Use it only when You truly want His Presence.  You may find this whole Place thing silly...  I don't.  After all, while Jesus still walked among us He told us He was going away to prepare a PLACE for us. 
  God of wonder~ help us to seek You and Know You as You truly are.  Thank You for your encouragement as we walk our journey through this world that is not our Home.  Each unexpected Joy is a gift from You- open our eyes to each gift that it may not go unappreciated and we may utilize it to grow closer to You.  May Your Kingdom be an ever clearer reality to us and those we share it with- by Your grace.  Amen