For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. ~Isaiah 55:12
I'm so grateful to live where we do. When I need to be reminded of God's peace and presence, all I have to do is step out on our deck, sit on one of our benches and look up. The trees, their branches laden with a myriad of summer leaves, tower above me, their soaring heights forming a cathedral ceiling of green. Their light-seeking faces lifted in prayer and praise to the One upon whom they depend for life and growth.
And in the winter months, when twigs and branches display skeletal features, still they stretch and strive to adown the sky with unique acclaim for the One who created them.
When the weather is inclement and precludes sitting outside, I can always find solace in God's word. I keep my Bible, devotional and grace journal in what Danny and I unceremoniously call the "Middle Room." This is originally Nicco's bedroom growing up. Now it serves as a place of study and reflection for me, and the space where we break forth into singing as we practice the praise songs we sing at our church. So many positive vibes and thoughts happen here. It creates a quiet, yet palpable, spirit of peace.
The table itself is a source of joy for me. Many a happy meal is shared by both my mom and dad when just Danny and I would visit. Later, after dad's passing, Virginia and I would often go to their home in Oxford, Georgia, to stay with mom for the weekend.
Yes, that is a very little Virginia at age seven! But she is seated at that very same table where memories continue to be made.
There is a part of me that wishes the both of us felt confident enough, health-wise, to travel like we used to, seeing sites that aren't in our own backyard, but those days aren't in the offing. All the more reason to thank the Lord for all His past blessings that give us cherished memories, and to embrace the blessings of each new day He sees fit to give us.
And if you're planning a vacation away with your family or friends this summer, may you go out with joy, and be led out with peace in all your adventures. I would love to hear about your plans in the comments!
As for me, I'll be content to sit on our deck, and hear the birds singing along to the rhythm the rustling trees create as they clap their hands for joy.
Amen!