THE BEST IS YET TO COME
Under His Wings
(Psalms 91:4) “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Over the last several weeks I have had a desire to get chickens. I’m allowed a maximum of six hens and no roosters.
Talking with the Lord, presenting all my arguments to get them and the reasons why I shouldn’t, I made the decision after Easter when I found myself alone. My daughter and her husband were unable to come up for our planned Easter dinner.
I was reminded of a recent discussion with ladies from my church on the subject of how did we handle times of isolation that we might experience in our life.
At that moment I realized that I did feel isolated and sad even though I hadn’t wanted to be. My daughter was sick and I knew that the best thing for her was to rest and gat better. My needs were second.
As a widow, I manager to keep myself busy and enjoy my home and independence. I do miss the human interaction and touch and hugs are imporant to me.
I found that if or when I start to experience any thoughts or feelings of loneliness or feelings of sadness or isolation, I have to stop it. I begin to refocus my mind on something good, acceptable and perfect — like playing my Q-Chord or piano, working on diamond art or painting project, etc. If those negative feelings or thoughts are entertained, a slippery slope of depression can easily take over leading to sickness or shutting down and withdrawing from life.
[Side Note: There can be many reasons for sadness or things I discuss. This is my reflection and my experience not a professional opinion.]
I realized that I needed a “living presence” in my home to bring life and to satisfy an unfulfilled longing in my heart. I’ve experiened cats, dogs, turtles, birds, fish, hamsters. My husband would roll his eyes at every stray that needed a home. After my husband passed away, I made a decision I didn’t want any animals that would tie me down.
This seed of desire had been planted as a child when visiting my aunt and uncle’s farm in Kansas. I looked forward to going to their “chicken house” with my cousin and gathering eggs. She saw it as a chore and I saw it as a grand adventure. I was a “city girl” and these were my “country cousins.”
At their kitchen table one morning, the discussion about milk came up. My aunt was getting ready to process the mornings fresh cows’ milk, my uncle or their son milked by hand earlier, to make butter and put the rest in the refrigerator for the day. I proudly explained the “milkman” deliverers my milk to the front porch. Laugher broke out! The innocence of a child not recognizing that what they provided was the beginning of that process and I enjoyed the finals outcome.
I loved the stories of my mom’s pet chicken when she was a child who followed her everywhere and her devastation at its’ loss through her own carelessness. One of life’s lessons. A treaching moment from mother to daughter.
My logical mind yelled: “Chickens are dirty and stink; my yard is too small; they required too much work; you don’t have a clue how to raise them’ you’re too old’ they’ll tie you down; you love fresh eggs; they’re cute; they make cute sounds; they have their own personalities; . . . . . blah, blah, blah.”
Early today, I received a text from a friend who offered to incubate some fertile eggs for me. I asked if the timing could be arranged so it would happen after a planned visit from my daughter who lives out of town. I didn’t want any other experience to take away from my time and attention and preciouous memories with both my daughters.
Tonight I received the news that in 21 days my baby chicks would be ready to bring home and it would be after my daughers visit. A joy and an excitement rose up inside of me and an expection of something new coming into my life.
What do you have for me Lord in this experience?
What do you want to teach me?
Open my heart and my spiritual eyes to explore my relationship with you and your relationship with me?
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Do you ever experience isolation or loneliness?
How do you process those times in your life?
Do you know the One, Jesus Christ, who makes it possible to live an abundant life? The One who wants to walk with us through depression, loneliness, grief, anger . . . . ? The One who turns mourning into joy; loss into blessings; poverty into prosperity? [“I pray that you prosper and be in health even as your soul (mind, will and emotions) prospers. 3 John 1:2]
Are you willing to yield your life to the One who understands and desires to walk on your journey on this earth alongside you?
GOD’S INVITATION:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (Jesus); that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
YOUR RESPONSE?
“Jesus, I accept that you died on the cross for me. That you love me and said you would never leave me or abandon me. Teach me how to walk with you.” Amen
Author’s note: If you prayed that prayer or made that decision, please comment below and I will be praying for you.