So after church today, that is what I did--stretched out on the couch with the afghan pulled up over my face.
I'm not sure how many hours passed before I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was this--Peace! Stuck there some time ago while trying to figure out where to store it when I took Christmas decorations down, I guess.
When I went to edit the picture, I also noticed the seam on the lampshade where it SHOULDN'T be--uglying up the photo. It reminded me that there's most likely SOMETHING where it shouldn't be in my life--whether it be attitude, a health situation that needs addressed, schedule that needs adjusting, a choice that needs to be made, fear, something I'm procrastinating about, or physical clutter that is bogging me down.
I'm still in a sort of funk but with a little more insight than when I entered it. Mostly, I realize that "Peace" was there all the time. Even if I was unaware of it. Even when I didn't notice.
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I
give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Jesus in John 14:27
Praying for that continued peace to enfold you completely.
ReplyDeleteHugging you from here, my friend....
J.
Thanks, Jackie. How in the WORLD did you already read this?!? God is good.
DeleteWhat a lovely sign of Peace moving you in that direction. A God nudge, I think.
ReplyDeleteI hope this coming week will be a soothing one for you, and for all of us too.
Thank you, Terra. Yes. For all of us. Let there be peace on earth....and let it begin with me.
DeleteOh Rebecca ~ It is gifts like that from our Great God and Creator that let us know just how much He cares for and loves us. I pray that you will feel more at peace as the day and coming week goes on.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady
Thank you, Lorraine. Coming from you with your loss and grief over the past year, this means SO much to me.
DeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeletesorry you are feeling so down, course, it could just be you are overtired. I know the first thing that goes south on me when I am tired is my mental attitude, nothing looks good to me when I am tired......and sometimes I can just go take a nap for a few hours and I am amazed at the difference when I get up. So pamper yourself for a few days, and write down anything that is bothering you......sometimes I have been amazed at how much stuff can be bothering me that I am just not consciously aware of,
and think of my heavens, no wonder my heart seems heavy!!
That was a great sight to wake up to....and also a great incite as well
Praying for you to feel better soon, and like Lorraine said, many times that can be
a gift from our Father to make us take notice of whatever the problem is.......
cause we all have them at times.....
Blessings hon,
Nellie
I hope it is as simple as being overtired, Nellie. (I DID sleep this afternoon, but I don't want to start sleeping to escape something that is lying - like you said - without my being consciously aware of it.) Thanks for praying, Nellie.
DeleteI've been in the same sort of funk since getting back from such an encouraging time at Jumping Tandem retreat. I came home to a flood of unexpected financial expenses, a hurtful situation at church, etc. This morning in worship at church, however, I realized there was something more at the root of what was going on in me than these outward circumstances. He showed me two areas that I was disappointed and angry at Him for not preventing a hurt to someone I love. I'm so glad that He showed me "truth in the inward parts" so I could move past the "funk".
ReplyDeleteI certainly understand the way you feel, have had it in every inch of my bones myself. One thing about retirement and this stage of life is we CAN do just stop, sleep, and close out. I am reading SABBATH by Wayne Mueller with a study group. It stresses we need regular times to stop, to rest all of ourselves. Today I did like you...covered up in my chair and slept...I am hoping that tomorrow when I get up, I bound out with more energy than I did today! I think if the sun would shine, we both would be better! Hope Monday shines for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be understood :) I hope the same for you, my friend. I may look that book up. It sounds interesting. (Funny thing is, this "happened" to me immediately after our vacation - which was relaxing...)
DeleteI'm not surprised that this happened to you after vacation. I have often fallen into this kind of thing after experiencing a time of rest and relaxation. I have confidence that the Lord will help you pull out of this soon. You know what the song says, just start counting your blessings and naming them one by one and see what God has done. We have so much to be thankful for that regardless of our circumstances these times of being in a funk can't last long.
ReplyDeleteHere today :o(
Gone tomorrow :o)
{{{{HUGS!}}}
I can relate...the Lord reminded me that even though my faith is strong my flesh is weak and I will have to battle it till this life is over. I take it that this means an occasional bout of melancholy. :-/
ReplyDeleteLove this one. (I missed a lot of your posts--being "off-line" for a needed rest." How often I've found that my "blues" are related to rest (or eating the wrong thing!). And my soul blues are often a signal that I need more time with God.
ReplyDelete