Hymn to the Old Growth ~ Arrangement by Dan Gibson (Solitudes)
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)
As Jake, our beloved dog, who is my constant companion, and I stroll around our neighbourhood during our daily walk watching the welcome sight of robins singing while they scour the grounds for food or the “spring” bunnies scurry across a lawn, I savour these moments. Lately, every new morning seems to reveal more signs that spring is finally on its way. For example, I can now see the delicate white snowdrops cascade around the rock bed of our big maple tree, while the hyacinths and crocus slowly edge their way up through the ground as the warmth of the sun melts away the last of the ice and snow in our backyard. Meanwhile, my husband and I were delighted to recently see another sign of spring when we saw hundreds of “tundra” swans, who flew up from their winter habitat in the Chesapeake Bay area, stopover at a nearby wildlife conservation area to rest and refuel. We quietly watch and marvel at the moment. I cannot begin to fathom the long, arduous journey they still have to endure or the many obstacles they may have to overcome, in order to reach their final destination in the high Artic region between Alaska and Baffin Island. However, every year, for a week or two, thousands upon thousands of these magnificent-looking birds arrive in our region for a short while before continuing their migration.
Although it feels like we have been consumed with a long, dreary, harsh winter, the recent signs of spring are bringing with them new beginnings, new growth and a new hope for brighter days ahead. Just like the tundra swans, we may find that we, too, must “rest” and “refuel,” due to life’s trials, difficult circumstances, or when experiencing moments of loss, tears or sorrow. We wonder if we will ever have the strength to carry on and get through these challenging times that make us weary, exhausted and discouraged. As I search God’s Word to refuel emotionally and spiritually, I am comforted, encouraged, and at peace when I read Lamentations 3:22-25. For I am assured that "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion" says my soul, "therefore, I will hope in Him." The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him."
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)
As Jake, our beloved dog, who is my constant companion, and I stroll around our neighbourhood during our daily walk watching the welcome sight of robins singing while they scour the grounds for food or the “spring” bunnies scurry across a lawn, I savour these moments. Lately, every new morning seems to reveal more signs that spring is finally on its way. For example, I can now see the delicate white snowdrops cascade around the rock bed of our big maple tree, while the hyacinths and crocus slowly edge their way up through the ground as the warmth of the sun melts away the last of the ice and snow in our backyard. Meanwhile, my husband and I were delighted to recently see another sign of spring when we saw hundreds of “tundra” swans, who flew up from their winter habitat in the Chesapeake Bay area, stopover at a nearby wildlife conservation area to rest and refuel. We quietly watch and marvel at the moment. I cannot begin to fathom the long, arduous journey they still have to endure or the many obstacles they may have to overcome, in order to reach their final destination in the high Artic region between Alaska and Baffin Island. However, every year, for a week or two, thousands upon thousands of these magnificent-looking birds arrive in our region for a short while before continuing their migration.
Although it feels like we have been consumed with a long, dreary, harsh winter, the recent signs of spring are bringing with them new beginnings, new growth and a new hope for brighter days ahead. Just like the tundra swans, we may find that we, too, must “rest” and “refuel,” due to life’s trials, difficult circumstances, or when experiencing moments of loss, tears or sorrow. We wonder if we will ever have the strength to carry on and get through these challenging times that make us weary, exhausted and discouraged. As I search God’s Word to refuel emotionally and spiritually, I am comforted, encouraged, and at peace when I read Lamentations 3:22-25. For I am assured that "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion" says my soul, "therefore, I will hope in Him." The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him."
I do not think I would be the person I am today were it not for the struggles I have experienced throughout my life. For I know these challenging circumstances, especially the diagnosis of breast cancer, have most certainly taught me to not only persevere, but to wait on the Lord and have hope in the Lord as He nourishes, restores, strengthens, and heals me every new morning. It is only through His compassion can I find rest and refuel my soul as His calms, comforts and cares for me, regardless how big or small my circumstances may be.
It is, therefore, my sincere prayer that I may have a Christ-like compassion towards others, who, too, may need a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear or a word of encouragement when life's trials seem overwhelming. By resting our hope in God, I know that He will refuel us with the strength to confront all obstacles in our lives, and through His infinite mercies we can savour these moments one day at a time!
It is, therefore, my sincere prayer that I may have a Christ-like compassion towards others, who, too, may need a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear or a word of encouragement when life's trials seem overwhelming. By resting our hope in God, I know that He will refuel us with the strength to confront all obstacles in our lives, and through His infinite mercies we can savour these moments one day at a time!
 |
"God comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort
those in any trouble with the comfort
we ourselves have received from God."
(2
Corinthians 1:4)
|
No comments:
Post a Comment