Lessons I'm Learning

I don't always listen.  To my peers.  To myself.  To God.

I tend to live by the heart... and it gets me into trouble.  Most every time.  You would think I would have learned by now...  I am trying.

I have gained so much insight about people and about life and about patience in these months since my husband, Rob, passed on.  I have a lot of time now, time I haven't had in so many years.  I can reflect on thoughts and actions, hopes and dreams, all while trying to stay emotionally above water.  There really is a powerful peace I'm in... I just get lost in the silence sometimes.  All in all, I am doing alright. :)

I have found that there are many people in this world who aren't who they pretend to be.  And there are people who are exactly what you expect.  There are others who pique your curiosity but should be avoided.  Strong counsel tells you to stay away, yet you singe the edges of compassion in thinking they are just misunderstood.  You can learn quickly that what you see is exactly what you were warned about.

Lessons.  All around.

I am seeking counsel more and more these days, because I can be easily swayed in thinking there is good in everyone.  Reality is that we live in a fallen world, and there is true darkness all around us.  So we need clear eyes and minds to see through the shadows and the murkiness.

The ability to see and hear clearly comes when we are tuned-in to life and the precious gift it is.  When we listen to our Creator who speaks to us through His written Word, and through godly counsel of those who know Him.

I know this.  Yet now and again I hopefully chase after those fairy tales in my mind and try to decide things in my time rather than God's time.  Not a good idea.

I don't mind being alone.  In fact, I enjoy it most of the time.  I do mind being lonely.  But that is a hole that only God can fill.  And if I listen, and stay in relationship with Him, He will bring good from all things.  Even loneliness.

Patience.  Peace.  Love.  My lifesongs.

A truly God-based relationship is what I seek with every person I meet.  But I have to remember that there is a spiritual war between good and evil going on every moment of every day.  And I don't want to be dragged down the wrong path by pretenders.  By the darkness.  

So I will listen to that inner urging that tells me it's not alright when I'm in emotional places I am not strong enough to be in yet.  I will seek wise counsel.  I will stay in prayer and relationship with God.

Psalm 23 has been so personal to me, and for me, since Rob left.  God leads me to lie in green pastures on beautiful, blissful sunny days.  He leads me beside quiet lightly flowing waters, and restores me.  Restores ME.  He leads me in His righteousness.  Even when I tread through these dark days, I am never alone, because He loves and protects and comforts me.  He prepares for me, blesses me, and I am overwhelmed in His love.  His grace and mercy will bless me for eternity, and I am and will be with Him always.

Yes.  
There is joy in the quiet.  
Peace in the waiting.  

And I am truly thankful.

In Peace and Love,

Cheri ♥