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View from a bridge in Vermont. (Aug. 2025) |
I love the old ways of quiet living. The rush and excitement of society around me is not something that blends well with a simple way of life. I have seen so many changes over many years. I remember sensing beauty and quietness of the soul from the old days. This was before many changes happened in our modern world. Knowing what life was like before these changes, makes it possible for many of us to remain steadfast on a quiet path of stability.
Despite all this, it is possible to remain on the old paths. As we walk, our thoughts are lifted upward, with a child-like faith in our Heavenly Father. We go through days of difficulty, joy, weariness, and rest, with a steady sense of contentment, knowing we are serving the dear Master. In this world, we are living as if in a temporary dwelling place. We long for day's end, when our work is finished, knowing a precious eternal home is being prepared for us.
While we wait and serve, with a cheerful heart of gratefulness, we must remember to enjoy the blessings of each day. One must not get caught up in thorns of sadness and the anxiety of our time. There are many lights of goodness all around us. We have the churches, the Lord's children, and much goodness and kindness to cheer us along. Everything will be okay. All will work together for our good.
Some may go through this life seeing messes, corruption, fear, and hopelessness. The eyes have been distracted away from that which is lovely and good. We must not focus on our trials. We must not dwell on the troublesome ways of the world.
There are better ways to occupy our minds with such things that are hopeful. I was taking care of our medical patient last week. He was not feeling well. We were on our way to the hotel so he could prepare for a procedure at the hospital. I noticed an incredible view over the bridge. A parking area was nearby. I asked him if he felt up to a quick walk to get a better view. He was cheerful and looked all around before trying to go with me. He was not able to manage even a short walk, but encouraged me to go on. I quickly walked to the middle of the bridge and got a picture of the scenery through a security fence. The water and the rocks and the trees and the sky brought a sense of awe and quiet. In that moment, there were no problems. All was well in the world as I looked at the view before me. This is what we have to remember. It is more than just stopping to see the view. It is absorbing the view. It is dwelling on the view. It is delighting in whatsoever is lovely and good all around us. Focus on the beauty instead of dwelling on the pain. When this is done, when we remember this, stress will fall away. The things of the world will lose their glitter. The mind is renewed and the spirit will soar with a sense of peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings
Mrs. White
P.S. - For those who have been following our medical trips, there is a brief update:
Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:
"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife."
2 comments:
I needed to read this today! Thank you so much. I need to remember to keep my mind and heart focused on the Lord and on my family, not on the strivings and worries of this world. God bless you!
Beautifully written (as usual!). I pray your son gets well. We are fortunate that we are old enough to know life when it was more innocent. To grow up without worry and freedom to run and play, even in a city area. andrea
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