An old wooden swing in the shade

It isn't very often that I sit and do absolutely nothing. 

We moved our old wooden swing last weekend to the shade of a Drake elm in our backyard. When he built the swing we wanted it under a shade tree. When he planted the Drake elm we wanted shade. Guess what....

So I sit in the shade with an occasional breeze passing over me and I hear the birds and the quiet. All three kids are enjoying someone else's house at the moment and the builder of swing and planter of tree is off doing his preparations for hunting season already. So I sit alone. Ah!  Quiet. No beckoning mama!!

What does one do who doesn't sit still and quiet very often?  There is always something to read or wash or put away or repair.  Can I really sit here and be still for at least a little while?

Yes, I will sit here. But I can't help but think of those that have given time, blood and even life to allow me this freedom. I consider the Creator that gave the assurance of rest. I consider my Savior that gave me Himself. I will be still and know Him. 

And when it is time to get up and get moving again, I will be thankful for this time. I will be thankful that during this time there were no worries or fears. 

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?29 And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

She graduates from college today

Today my first child graduates from college. She will walk across a stage in celebration of the last four years of hard work and determination. I know she will praise God for allowing her the opportunity to live in a time and place that allows this to be so. 

She has been interacting with children since she was six weeks old. I am not quite sure when she decided this so called major of hers. Her heart has always been on fire for loving others. And now she will make a career out of loving children in the classroom. 

She has no biological children of her own yet but she has already developed a love for a few she has come to meet through student teaching. Her heart breaks for those that seem to come to school with dejected hearts. Those are the ones she will love on the most. 

She will make a difference in the lives of children. She will be one of those teachers that they will never forget. She will be a light in the darkness for those that may not have the opportunity to see it elsewhere. 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  Matthew 5:14

She will not be hidden. She will shine the light within her for the glory of God. I am pleased to call her daughter.

Well done, child of mine. Well done, child of God. 

My kind of lace

The lace of grace that comes from God is so tightly woven nothing can penetrate it. 

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Romans 16:20 (NAS)

Rest

When my heart is heavy but light I desire nothing more than to sit in the Presence of God and rest in knowing Him.  Nothing fills the space in my soul like the wondrous outpouring of grace from Him.