Span of Life...

"The length of our days is seventy years--

or eighty, if we have the strength;

Yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of your anger?

For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

Teach us to number our days aright,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:10-12

This life is but a breath, moving on to the next, and the next...making room for new life, new ideas, new clever minds and hearts...

We have but one life to live my friends...how will we live out that life? Full of regret? Full of remorse? I recently read, forget the pain but never forget the lesson. Easier said than done but wise nonetheless...the pain releases slowly over time, ever so slowly but it does dissipate with each new joy found and discovered, with each sunset of such brilliance it brings tears to the eye.

Yesterday morning as I drove to the elderly man's home I take care of on the weekends, I was struck by the knowledge I had stopped looking. In my distress and stress I had forgotten to take those moments to let creation seep in to the cracks and crannies in need of sustenance, in need of release. With a deep breath and an apology for my absence, for my lack of gratitude and thankfulness, even for a day or two, I let go of those things clouding my mind in favour of the beauty before me.

This morning as I listen to much needed rain patter upon tin roof, cozy within these walls, I once again spoke release to those things weighing upon my mind and heart.

Opening the bible that sits beside me, I read these words and tears fell once again in gratitude at the works of His Hands. He always makes a way.

"He Who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest int he shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.

Surely he will save your from the fowlers snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers

and under his wings you will find refuge,

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will NOT fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the

darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." Psalm 91:106

"Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name." Psalm 91:14

We are loved beyond measure...loved beyond compare...in this I rest, in this I find my sanity, my shelter from storms that rage.

I had occasion yesterday, after spending the day with my son to connect with a dear cousin from Victoria, making his way through from Terrace. A Police Officer of some note, a man with courage and conviction. A man in all sense of the word, a true man.

A short time later I made my tired way home, replete in the knowledge of love, of affection, of strength, of family that truly sees me, without judgement.

It is these times that sustain and support in this life. A lark, a momentary need for adventure and voila, a visit had, a moment of time spent in good company.

And so, this morning as I mark time and space with confidence, I think on Gods goodness, on His supply and most of all, His grace and mercy, His compassion and understanding.

And I am.

In this place at this time for just such a purpose as this. Battles to be fought, a war beyond flesh and blood to be waged.

I pray for each one struggling to find their purpose in this world...for each one believing there is nothing and no one for them. May God fill your sights with grace as you walk this path, searching for purchase, for a foothold. It is there, just around that bend, over the mountain, through the valley. There for you and only you.

May your mind feel the pull, may your heart know deep within the nature of your calling and may your spirit guide you through every obstacle and roadblock littered upon the ground.

You are worthy of more...worthy of all that is good and lovely...

May you see beauty all around you and let it soak in to fill the heart to bursting.

May joy come in the morning to push away doubt, to push away strife and stress, worry and fear. May laughter bubble up within you to dash away the dark.

God be with you this day and each day forward, guiding and shining a light in the darkness.