"When all candles be out, all cats be grey." (John Heywood)
My "cats" have been kind of grey lately. I won't go into a lengthy explanation...just sayin' I've been in a slump physically, mentally, and (sadly) spiritually. Even my enthusiasm for blogging has dimmed somewhat. Where once I had to hold myself back from posting more than once a day, lately I've been struggling to find a topic worth sharing. This morning I realized that I have slowly moved from a state of contentment to a state of complacency.
"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
I decided to do just that! You'll notice I didn't take time to DUST the candles or their neighbors, but the activity made me face the fact that I have WAY too many candles AND that I don't light them often enough!
Many of my candles are stored on shelves in the wardrobe that stands in our living room...There are more than I'll ever use in the rest of my lifetime!
This verse from the Bible caught my attention this morning:
And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. (Zephaniah 1:12)
It startled me. I faced that fact that complacency has settled in on me much like the dust in my house has settled on candles, holders, pottery, and furniture.
God HAS been searching MY "Jerusalem", and it would be dangerous for me not to respond.
I won't be content until the complacency is gone.
I won't be content until the complacency is gone.
"Then ye be glad, good people, this night of all the year,
and light ye up your candles: his star is shining near."
I have a cupboard type thing in my foyer where I have candles and other seasonal decorating things stored. Lighting a candle the other night when I was home alone did my heart good for some reason. It was a peaceful scene. I slip into the "funk" when I KNOW I have things that need attention but I just don't have the energy or take the time to do them. It's easy for the self-loathing to set in during those times. I'm fighting a little of that now. Let's face it, it is winter, sunshine is scarce. It's ok to rest our souls a little and let our lives be a little more dormant. It's a good time for contemplation, reading, organizing. We don't want to be complacent, true. I can't even IMAGINE you in that condition. That would never be you for too long! Lists help me too, come to think of it. Guess I better get started on mine! Have a GOOD day!
ReplyDeleteMorning Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post. Course, I have to say sometimes it is hard to be doing well in other areas if you are down physically. Nothing seems to take it out of us more than when we are sick or not feeling well.
I remember one of our Pastors wives telling me they had gone on a retreat and the retreat speaker told them....sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is sleep. I agree with that cause sometimes that is what we need,
so don't be too hard on yourself.
Will pray you are feeling much better soon.
but sometimes you gotta take the bull by the horns, and it sounds like you are doing that.
Blessings sweetie, Nellie
These are precious and honest words Rebecca, and words that every single one of us could share at any given time. BUT... you are lighting your candle and moving through it, and God is already taking you to the next place.:)
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't mean for that 'gray to stay'... so we get a new heart stirring, and on we go again. I think it's all part of the journey, but so is the victory and the joy.
Go get your groceries and have a GOOD day!! :)
I loved this!! I can't help but wonder if facebook has depleted us from some of our energy towards our blogs :) I have made a strong decision that I must blog SOME, to at least keep my spirits up..it is therapeutic to share something..even if it's not always upbeat. I loved your Bible verses on candles. It's so funny..but honestly, Mark just left to run to the store and get a few things for me..and the last thing I wrote on the list was that I wanted a candle :) I told him to get something that smelled yummy..like cookies baking in the oven. It just makes the house feel cozy :)..and smell heavenly too! So your post made me smile :):)Several times!!
ReplyDeleteI like "When you do stuff, stuff happens." I really like that a lot!! I think it's hard not to get spiritually depressed with everything going on in the world today. We just have to keep our chins up :)..and know that God is in control!
Stay warm, safe and Happy!! Love and hugs, Jerelene
I am impressed with your candle collection Rebecca! I have those Santa candles too!
ReplyDeleteCOMPLACENCY, well I suppose there is a time for that as well as everything else!
Fortunately it won't last forever!
Love Di ♥
The last think I did before I sat down to see if you had a new post up was light a candle. It's a jar candle in my kitchen so I had to wash it first. I like one lit when Emily and RB get home. I stood for a minute and admired the shiny glass.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you lit the candle as a step out of the slump. January seems to be a month for slumps because of all the extra activities. We must not stay there for long. I like what Sonja said: "I think it's all part of the journey, but so is the victory and the joy."
The Zephaniah verse is amazing. I can't remember being as struck by that verse before. I love how God reveals Himself in Scripture right when we need it. I'll be searching my "Jerusalem," too.
Oh I love to stop here....I am right with you on this post...just do something...that is what I have been hearing...I have been trying too hard to figure out what it was and in so doing just set down...so I am just going to go do something, and I am going to go light a candle...thanks for posting...I am always enlightened and spurred on in Him
ReplyDeleteMay your cats be white, Rebecca.
ReplyDeleteI've had my share of gray cats....and relate so well. I can't word my feelings as eloquently as you...nor draw the anaolgies as beautifully....but let me tell you, your reminder to me to light my candles and blow some out shine to me.
Thank you, Rebecca.
Love,
Jackie
Your blog is an oasis of truth and beauty.
ReplyDeleteMay God bring you fresh fire, a period of refreshment, deep wells to draw from, and a continued vision as you serve Him.
I don't Facebook and am grateful for worthwhile exchange of communication. Thank you for your efforts.
From the heart,
Your sister