This fall has been tumultuous and stormy… literally and figuratively. At times, it’s felt out of control, and I’ve wondered if things would ever slow down… even out. The stormy weather has left us scrambling to get the things of summer and fall cleaned up and put away… ready for winter. Winter… it came early. While this has been frustrating, today I was reminded that even when things are tumultuous and stormy and frantic, we can still slow down…. even stop… and breathe… if just for a short time before life starts up again.
Today is our school holiday for Veteran’s Day. I love 3-day weekends! This particular one has been very busy and today was to be equally as busy. This morning we woke up to a fresh layer of snow… not a lot… but snow, nonetheless. As I read Psalm 84 this morning, I was reminded very gently that in the midst of storms, I have a dwelling place to always find rest.
What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ve always longed to live in a place like this. Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive! Psalm 84: 1-2 (The Message)
I read that this morning and realized that I had the opportunity, right here and right now, to step away from all of the crazy, stressful, busyness of my life and take refuge in the arms of my savior… in His house. It was a personal invitation to me, from Him, to slow down and regroup. As I walked into our kitchen to warm up my coffee, I saw it once again… the clash of the seasons.
Fall leaves are still hanging on and winter has landed. Fresh snow covers the lawn (which is almost all raked from the leaf fall) and the bushes are still holding onto leaves. The snow was gently falling and for a moment in time everything felt peaceful and calm. A gift from heaven for today to nudge me to stop… and breathe…. and take in His Holiness. The tasks of the day are still awaiting me, but now I’ll be able to tackle them with a peace that surpasses all understanding. I’m a little less frantic feeling today and a little more hope-filled for the things to come. Oh, the clash of the seasons has definitely left some work to finish up, but I’m renewed by time spent in His house today.
Thoughts and Reflections on Life 