ritasalomon

This morning I awoke heavily burdened.  And, as I got up, I asked the Lord, “please help me.”  A simple cry at best, but meaningful in my heart.  As I continued my morning ritual, I kept thinking, “who else can I go to?’  As I walked out the door to feed the horses and glimpsed the dawning of this new day and felt the brisk cold of the morning, I began to cry out and worship and praise the Lord.  I felt the release of weariness in my physical being.  But, I still felt the heaviness in my heart. So I cried out,  “Lord, please speak to me this morning, let me know somehow that you hear me and offer me a word of encouragement, whether through someone or something, but, please I need to know you are close.” 

I walked into the house and heard the instrumental music I had put on and read the scripture being displayed as the music played on. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. I immediately sensed the presence of the Lord. I told Him, “I am weary, Lord, so weary, please strengthen me. Please comfort my innermost being. I need your strength, and your peace.” As I took the cup to pour my coffee in the kitchen, I looked at it, and read, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

I immediately thought, how often do I get this cup to pour my coffee and I hadn’t paid attention to it. But, today, I really saw it. I looked up and thanked the Lord for speaking to me. Some may think, “coincidence.”

I believe in Him; I trust Him, I know Him, I sense Him, I love Him; no, not coincidence, but truth and an answer to my cry this morning.  The release of the burden I carried is gone knowing  the Lord shares it with me.  I can rest my soul in the knowledge that He is with me.  I may not know the how or when my burdensome problems will be answered. But, I stand on His promise they will be addressed. I can rest believing He is right here with me.

I am not alone. No, I am not alone.

As old as I am and as many years, I have served the Lord, one would think I would be on the “up and up” of life.  However, that isn’t necessarily true as I live daily during this particular season of my life.  After all, haven’t I lived that, done that, said that, thought that, and seen that?  So, what’s the problem? 

Quite frankly, I’m as human as the next person.  And, as such, I have my weaknesses, my doubts, my ordeals, my dilemma’s and thus, my exhaustion of mind, spirit and body. I have my fears and doubts and levels of anxiety that affect all of who I am.  And, unfortunately, they affect those who are closest to me and live with me.  I’m being honest here and sharing my thoughts because it helps me quite frankly, restore within.

Generally, when folks face hardship they continue to seek God.  Sometimes His presence is felt, sometimes it is not.  I think; this life, I have selected.  I have chosen it.  I do not regret it.  And, yes, sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I had chosen differently.  As hard as I try to determine that, I realize what I chose was and is my journey and it matters not what else it could have been.  Life is; things happen at the most inconvenient times, but that’s it.  Our response to these things demonstrates who we are.

I have found it is when I speak to the Lord and read His scriptures that I am most blessed and assuaged with comfort and peace in that moment.  I am soothed and reinvigorated and the assurance of who God is and how He loves me  that provides what my innermost being is in need of.

I am reminded of Samuel leading the Israelites in Mizpah.  They recognized who God truly is.  Samuel, had admonished them and encouraged them simultaneously to return to and serve the Lord.  He assured them that God would deliver them if they served him and truly committed themselves to him.  He told them he would intercede in their behalf.  They fasted and confessed their sin before the Lord.  When their enemy, the Philistines realized where they were they moved to attack.  The Israelites immediately turned to Samuel and asked him not to stop interceding and crying out to God for them.  They were so afraid because they knew the enemy was on its way to destroy them. 

Samuel sought the Lord, offering the sacrifice and cried out on Israel’s behalf.  And, the Lord answered him.  As the Philistines drew nearer, the Lord thundered with loud thunder such that the Philistines panicked and routed themselves into the hands of the Israelites who with the help of God defeated them.  We can’t do it without the Lord.  There are moments we need God’s intervention.  And, as such, we must look to Him and cry out to Him for the need at hand.

Samuel took a stone and set it up and named the area Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Life will continue to surprise me with unexpected challenges. But, my reliance on God and His Word and my continuous connection to Him is what will see me through. I will, regardless of stress and anxiety levels, trust, seek and cry out! And, most importantly, remember who He truly is; because “thus far, He has helped me.” He will continue to do so…until He calls me Home.

There are mornings when I wake up and begin to move around that I sense the “wonder” of growing older.  Some days are more aching than others; this depends on the extent of activeness the day before.  Nonetheless, I appreciate each new day and tell the Lord as soon as the day begins.  Today, as I moved during my daily morning walk, I began to praise the Lord and recite Psalms. 

It was a gift to myself.  It was  invigorating and delightful. I was refreshed.  As I moved, I began to closely observe the flora of the plains and enjoyed their colors and shapes and sizes. 

The wildflowers of the eastern plains of Colorado are lovely and grow amongst the grasses of the plains.  I not only noted their colors and their expanse but as I would bend closer to take a closer look; I noted that as they diminish after their glory, they dry up among the fresher flowers coming up. 

The thought came to me; you are like those wilting flowers.  They are still rooted to the solid ground as you are rooted to the solid rock.  And, even though they are diminishing in their glory, they do so with dignity and strength. I asked myself, “Do you see how they stand tall?  Do you see that despite their dryness, a glimpse of their former strength remains? Do you notice how the fresher and upcoming flowers surround those withering and their grace is enhanced?”

Those fresher blooms intensify the fading ones.  I smiled within at that thought.  “I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:8-9

When I awoke this morning, I immediately sensed it and felt it.  The total weariness and exhaustion of my week was pressing upon me. The years on this old body were truly felt and the responsibilities of my life were poured on.  I got up anyway, and thanked the Lord, He woke me up.  As I started to get up, my mind went to work.  I began to think, and reflect and think some more about the past week.  How is it that the physical and emotional frame of the human form can become so exhaustive and the mind can continue to whir non-stop?  My mind was in a serious whirlwind.  I finally told it to stop.  And, it did. 

I heard the ding on my phone and as I looked at the message it said, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29. This was messaged to me by a friend.  The memory that “popped” up on my screen this morning was, “We renew out strength, when we wait on God…but we have to wait!”  And, when I opened my Bible to “refresh” my mind and my heart from this weariness, I read, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.  He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” Isaiah 50:4 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25. The Word blessed me this morning and I knew the Lord spoke to my heart. 

I started to close my Bible, but, it slipped and as I caught it the pages reverted to “Lord be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” Isaiah 33:2 Oh, but the Lord I serve, is so readily available to lift us up.  He did that for me this morning.  As I terminate this, I realize I am refreshed and ready to face this new day.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

I sit here and watch and I listen to the sounds of children; laughter, shouts, shrieks of having a wonderful time playing with children at the park.  I brought them here today at the spur of the moment.  I wanted them to release their vigor and energy at best.  As I watch them run, jump, skate, play ball and enjoy themselves with other children; I smile.  I tell myself, “you need to chill and remember to let go and play as a child and savor the life of this day.”  Children do that a lot.  They savor their moments of play.  They have no immediate concerns that would dampen their spirited antics of fun.   On the contrary, they enjoy these moments without worry.  They sense their protection; they know I’m near and if anything happens to them, they trust I will be there to assist them.  This is after all, what grandmothers do.  I realize they are comforted in the knowledge that I care what happens to them, I’m there for them.  I give them to drink, I give them to eat, I provide soothing comfort of their hurts, and they just know I will do what I can to sort out the unexpected.

Simply put, this is what life is.  It is the opportunity to “sort out” the challenges we face daily.  At this moment, I am hurting.  I cry for the loss and separation of family and of friends due to sickness and death.  I brought the Word with me and I have been reading the Psalms.  Somehow, they manage to comfort my hurting heart.  Final separation from a loved one and a close friend is wearing and difficult.  Memories of the relationship as it started and how quickly it ended flow through my mind.  I begin to think about incidents long past with the person I’ve lost.  Most are favorable memories and as I reminisce the tears begin to flow.

This is life.  This is so real.  This is so unreal.  I go back and forth.  I am truly affected by this.  I am truly shaken by all of this. I feel like a garment that is altered.  An excellent seamstress or tailor will make an unfitting garment turn into one that is presentable, modest, dignified and befitting.   I now wait on the Lord, and I now rest in Him, and I continue to hope. I am being altered.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God^]; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8

I enjoy my walks in the early morning hours.  My canine friends do as well, and most mornings, you will see the four of us walking down from the house to the road.  It’s a calming and gentle time; most mornings, that is.  I enjoy the time to meditate as I walk and reflect on my life. 

As we walk, the birds sing their morning songs as we pass them by.  The cows stir from their rest and on occasion will quietly “moo” their morning greetings.  The wild rabbits however, are on alert, as we approach their habitats under the ground.  They will run with speed away from us when they sense they may be bothered by the dogs.

I enjoy watching the dogs smell, and follow alongside of me.  Their senses are on the up and up and their frolic and curiousity at times make me laugh as we move right along.  The one dog, however, that stays at my side is my oldest.  She is 13 years of age and her maturity is evident both in spirit and in action.

She walks slowly, pacing her steps as gracefully as possible.  I admire her tenacity and steadfastness.  She is determined to finish the walk with us every morning.  She disregards the pain in her joints and moves steadily, and patiently.  At times, she will stop and observe her surroundings.  She will look at me, and I stop with her and wait. 

When she is ready, she begins the walk again.  I talk with her and let her know she has been such a faithful and loyal friend.  She has been with us since she was a pup and has guarded and watched out for us all these years.  I tell her I appreciate her loyalty and that I have learned much from her steadfastness and courage to continue even in pain and adversity of her old age.

Her steadfastness has been a lesson to mine. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12  And, during those “stop” times of our walk as she observes and watches her surroundings, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul telling the Corinthians, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men/women, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13.

Yes, my morning jaunts have been inspiring and learning expeditions.  The Lord speaks to us in many ways…we just have to carefully listen.

Lately I’ve been receiving gifts of “warm fuzzies” within my heart.  And, these gifts are not necessarily tangible, nor wrapped with eye-catching wrapping paper with a fancy bow on top.  They’re those type of gifts one receives that target the heart.  These are the encouraging words; “I’ve been praying for you.” “I’m just checking to see how you’re doing.” “Is there anything you may need?”  “It’s going to get better.” “I called to pray with you.” These have aimed at my heart and I am blessed.

I have also received foodstuffs and provisions.  They have blessed our family.  I am thankful and as a result of the abundance received; I have shared with others.  I have prepared meals, and baked goods with the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables.  And, I share with my neighbors.  In essence, our blessings have become blessings to others.  It’s a wonderful way to stay connected with neighbors and friends. This type of blessing moves on from the initial person to me, and from me to others, and from them to others as well. 

Is it that easy?  Not necessarily.  It is important however to understand that loving our neighbors is not just a task of simplicity.  It does require our self to be selfless; that is denying oneself, considering others first, being chivalrous, and helpful.  It entails us to show kindness, and generosity.  It means demonstrating forgiveness, and providing service or meeting the needs of our neighbors.

The Lord Jesus, himself told us when asked which was the most important commandment.  His reply? We find it in Mark 12:30-31, ^“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’The second most important command is this: ‘Love your neighborthe same as you love yourself.’ These two commands are the most important.”

Quite frankly being selfless is a work in progress.  It is a daily reminder within of what we should be like.  Perhaps we may not reach the goal we place as soon as we’d like.  But, like anything that is worth having, it will be costly.  It means letting go of me and placing myself behind others.  Trust me, I work at it, and when I fail, I “ditch” it to experience and move on.

This morning as I awoke; I raised my hands.  I thanked the Lord for the new day, and for my hands.  My hands were sore; they worked hard the afternoon of yesterday.  It is the season where grasses grow beautifully as does the enemy of the gardener – weeds.  As I massaged my hands I realized they work so hard and I don’t appreciate them as much as I should. I really couldn’t do as well without my hands.

Think about it.  What is it that your hands do?  What would your life and mine be without them?

Our hands are a comparison for motion, for working, for caring and comforting.  And, as I continued to think about it; God uses hands.  I went to the Word and found Jesus healing through laying his hands on the sick.  He would even just touch them with his hands and they would be healed. 

The gospel of Mark tells us; “Mark 6:5 ^“He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Mark 8:23 “Taking the blind man’s hand, Jesus led him out of the village. After spitting on his eyes and laying his hands on the man, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” There were those times that Jesus would just put his hands on people to bless them.” Mark 10:16 “Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”

Our hands are a marvelous entity and I am so thankful for mine.  They work so diligently and so very hard to help me get all that I do done.  I will continue to raise them in praise to the Lord who created them and take the words of the Apostle Paul to heart, “ aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

I sit here quietly, looking out my window as the afternoon turns to evening.  I can hear the sound of the wind as it passes through the trees.  I can see the branches move in time with the wind.  I watch the birds fly from one end of the fencing to the other.  The cows are grazing.  The horses are grazing and the calves are following them along.

It is the beginning of the end of the day and all are settling for the rest in the night.  I am attempting to begin my rest for this day. However, I realize my mind is restless and it thinks of the days events and all that was accomplished and all that was not.  I turn to see a lovely bird, with its feathers fluttering in the wind.  It is perched on the deck across my window.  It is looking back and forth, waiting to make its next move.  As I turn, I watch the calves running to and playing with each other; catching up to their mothers who quietly, and slowly continue to graze the fresh green grasses.

I note that at this my mind has ceased its restlessness.  The thought comes, “I did what I could today, and that is enough.” The large hares are evening running.  They aren’t afraid; they’ve come up from their holes in the ground, ready to partake of the evening chores.  This is peace.  This is calm.  It is a slowly moving picture; that has brought me serenity.

Nature does what it must and from one day to the next keeps its pace going as God intended. It is so simple to get caught up with doing and going and being and trying. The momentum excels.  It is when I stop and set my heart to seek God, that it loosens up and priority sets in. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalm 42:1  My soul rests.

I have three dogs.  And, each one is completely its own personality.  I have a senior dog, who is determined as ever to get out every morning and take her walk before she has breakfast.  She takes rest breaks along the way, but she still continues regardless of how she feels.  My middle-age dog, is smaller, has short legs, and is feisty.  He makes certain however, that the senior dog is moving along.  He normally will wait for her and will not leave her alone during these walk times. He protects her even though she’s twice his size.  And, then, there’s the puppy, who is bigger than both of them.  He is energetic, rambunctious and quite honestly, doesn’t take to walks right now.  He will take them, however, hesitatingly.  He’d rather run and jump!

What I’ve noticed, is that when I do call them to come; they come. They mostly keep the command. And, when I am out there with them, wherever it is I go, they follow.  If I go to the back yard they follow.  If I go on my own personal walk, they follow.  If I go to the North fields, they follow.  And, even when I go to the South fields, they follow. When I go inside, they follow, and the same happens there.  They follow me.

As I considered how they trust and follow me; the Lord spoke to my heart through a thought.  “Just as these creatures follow you and rely on you, and love you, and care for you and obey you; you must do the same with me.”  As I pondered this, I went to the Word.  “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4

Jesus himself, kept telling the people, including his disciples…” Come follow me, I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:18 “When he spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26

The simplicity of His message is awesome.  Why would we not follow Him?  He provides our daily needs. He loves us. He calls us.  He suffered for us.  He left us an example, “that we should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

The Lord will never allow us to be in darkness.  He is the light.  We will be where he is.  What promises!  What honor!  And, all we need to do is just follow as He requests!