Lift Up Your Heart...

"It is spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want–oh, you don't know quite what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

                                                                                                                                    –Mark Twain

February 2019 can be summed up in a few words - Cold, Grey and Snow. School has not been in session a full week since January, or so it seems. I have been stuck at home and recovering from surgery this February. And, like everyone else, I am longing for warmer days, dry pavement, sunshine and the drab and dreary monotone of winter to be washed away.  

This short month seems to have last the length of several. 

My heart needs a lift!

I know that just beneath the surface of the hard packed soil there is a lot going on.  Nature is preparing to wake up and wow us with all of her beauty. If you look closely, you can see the trees budding a bit, the tulips and crocus pushing and poking their little heads out of the ground and waiting for their chance to bloom. It's almost time.

There has been preparation in my heart this season, as well. God has quieted me with His love over and over again. My usual talkative self has been stilled and it seems all I can do is listen. It's been a season of learning, observing and of nourishment. God has breathed a longing in my soul to seek him with all of my heart and say "yes" to the things he desires for me. I've been able to find God in the most unexpected places and through the most unexpected people. It's humbling to know and believe how much I am loved. 

It's amazing to see how God has used rest and stillness to bring beautiful things into my life. Just like the long February has prepared the earth for beauty of Spring. 

Comfort in the night...

I love the sound of a train - the constant chug, chug, chug rhythm of the wheels connecting with the track, the warning whistle when the train comes to a crossing, the advance notice alerting me that something powerful is approaching and I need to pay attention.

Every place I have lived I have been able to hear a train clambering along the tracks, especially late at night when the busyness of the day has quieted. The tracks, now closest to our home, are nearly a mile or so away. I love it in the summer and the windows are wide, I can hear the train whistle blow - sometimes fairly loudly or, at other times, faint and distant. It all depends on how clear the sky is and if the wind is blowing or is still. To me, the train is a comforting sound, a constant in ever changing circumstance, a voice in the night that whispers, "You are not alone, I am here, I am here, I am here..."

Sometimes, I find myself straining to hear that reminder from God - especially when my heart is lonely and I need reassurance that his presence surrounds me and his loving hand is upon me. It is then when I am quiet and still that I can hear His voice or feel His touch. It is then I can see and recognize the forever ways he provides reassurance he is there and waiting for me to take his hand.

I am thankful for the gentle ways that God draws near to me even when I'm not aware it is Him that I am seeking. I hope I can always be comforted by the rhythm of his love holding me close with the promise..."You are not alone, I am here, I am here, I am here!"

Clenched Fists or Open Hands?

Photo courtesy of PhotoBucket.com

Silence, Prayer and Meditation...

I've been thinking about these things lately as, during Lent, my church is hosting a day that will combine all three. First of all, that silence thing is for people needing a nap - mandatory silence drives me nuts. I have things to say, for crying out loud! Prayer and Meditation - OK, I'm thinking I'm going to find a room somewhere and take a much longed-for snooze until this portion of the program is over.

Seriously - Silence, Prayer and Meditation...Oh, My!

Intimacy with God - isn't that what prayer is really all about? Isn't it supposed to be a communion (holding in common) between His heart and mine? ONLY if I allow it to be. Intimacy requires two parties, right?

I like to believe I know how to pray. After all, I've been doing it since I was a kid. In fact, I remember learning my bedtime prayer when I was about four or five years old, "Now, I lay me down to sleep..." My Dad patiently worked with me until I had that prayer memorized and could say it by heart. Hmmm, say it "by heart", now, that's an interesting turn of phrase.

I was looking for some images of people praying and just about every picture shows the age-old posture of prayer: hands clasped or joined together and the head bowed. I got all flustered thinking about that. You see, I've learned, recently, that it is difficult to let go of the things I take to the Lord if I have my hands so tightly grasped around them. And, in turn, I cannot receive all that God longs for me when I don't have my hands and heart open to receive His gifts.

I want to run to God with open hands and outstretched arms reaching toward him and praying "by heart" - not a simple recitation - an honest offering to God of what and who I am, how I feel, who I believe Him to be. I want to cherish the silence so I am better able to hear His voice when he whispers "be still". And, I want to think on these things.. marveling at how God hears me, understands me and provides His will for me. Always.

Silence, a comfortable quiet where I may be able to hear His voice: Prayer, an intimate communion with the One who loves me most; and Meditation, time to think about All the ways He loves me.

Pretty sweet way to spend the day.  Maybe I won't take a nap after all.

In Preparation for Easter:

A Day of Silence, Prayer and Meditation

Saturday, April 2, 2011

10AM - 6PM

St. Michael's Episcopal Church

4000 Lee's Summit Road

Independence, MO 64055