A crisis started here one night last week. It is still going on, but things are calmer at the moment. It has brought good, but the painful aspect of it has brought some tears. These are the kind of things that happen in all homes. The circumstances may be different, but behind the curtain of every home, there is real life - pain and sorrow, mixed with happiness and laughter. It is amazing how one minute all can be rainbows and cheer, and the next some tragic thing is announced, or some trial darkens the doorstep. We thank the Lord for that comforting Biblical phrase (from a sermon that my dear Uncle preached), "and it came to pass." Trials don't stay. They pass along.
In the midst of all this, I have enjoyed the beginnings of Spring here in Vermont. I have been deep cleaning and found an accumulation of dust from dark, cold winter days. There seems to be a settling of dirt in my house, which is quite shocking. However, I am having the most delightful time dusting. I am not even listening to old time gospel music, or classical, as I normally do. Instead, the windows are open. I hear the rushing of the river behind our property. I can hear a gentle wind, and the delicate chirping from distant birds. This is the symphony behind my cleaning. It is soothing and calming.
I have no idea what will happen today. I hope there is a lot of laughter and happiness. But if difficult moments come, and bad news enters, I will still do my housework. I will clean and cook and try to cheer everyone up. I will remain calm. I will not panic. I will have trust and faith in God, that He is in control and He is there to guide and comfort us for all time.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
They don't do this for the money - Precious Gospel Music - An Encouraging Visit.
Very sweet, from the Writings of Elizabeth Prentiss - Something To Ponder.
My Mother-in-Law's Example - Classic Old Fashioned Housewife.
Spring and mud are visiting our lovely home too,and I love it :-)
ReplyDeleteHoping that the crisis is over for your family :-)
thank you for this. I pray as you continue on that you will not focus on the trial, but really focus on who God is. That is what gets me thru rough times. He is the peace that passeth all understanding.
ReplyDeletebecky
I remember listening to Elizabeth Elliot's radio show one day as she talked about this. She said the best thing to do in the face of a trial is 'to do the next thing'. She even went so far as to say that someone who has been through a really difficult trial such as the death of a loved on should not be helfped too much as 'doing the next thing' is healing. I think she knew since she was preceded indeath by two husbands. 'Doing the next thing' has stuck with me for the 15 or more years since I heard her talk about it and I have found that she is right. It is best to carry on in the face of a trial. Hope your trial is over soon but isn't it wonderful to know that God is in control.
ReplyDeletePraying for you today! I love your 'standing firm regardless of the circumstances' attitude! You are a blessing! As a Mother we want nothing more than to see our families walk in love, joy and peace, you and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!,
Christy
Loved your post. I heard the same program as mama-lana, withe Elisabeth Elliot. "Do the next thing." has brought me through many, many crises. And truthfully, it is that very act of normalcy that comforts us, and our families; and lets us know we can and must carry on.
ReplyDeleteI also heard this from Elisabeth Elliot. She spoke at the church I was attending right after I accepted Jesus as my savior. I had the privilege of sitting at her table during the meal. She lives right near my mom in the town i grew up in. To Do the next thing is something I try to remind myself to do. Mrs. White, I think you would love her book "The Shaping of a Christian Family"
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can hear the river and the birds. This morning, I opened my window and listened to the chirping of the birds in my backyard, while I did my housework. And I soaked up the view of my two pink flowering plum trees. I thank God for His small gifts we can delight in, even in the midst of the hard sufferings in this life. I'm praying for God's peace for you and yours in this time.
ReplyDeleteI really neeed this today Mrs White.
ReplyDeleteI am newly married wife and the ecomic crisis is killing my family. It's causing tense between my husband and myself.
The financial burdens of him being the only one working to provide for us, his job giving him a hard time..
You remind me my job is just as worth of praise..
Just keep swimming Just keep swimming is my moto from life :)
Keep a smile on your face and know God never gives you too much you cant handle..