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| A row of peonies by our river. |
At the beginning of this month, someone gave us a box from a food pantry. The giver had selected all the common items that could be found in our kitchen. How thankful we were! We have had a rough few weeks with both health difficulties and finances. Yet through it all, I have felt a sense of peace and gratefulness.
On the night before Father's Day, I was very ill with dizziness and a feeling of complete weakness. The dizzy part was the most troubling! I prayed for help and healing. I was scheduled to play in the handbell choir at church the next morning. I didn't want to miss it. At the same time, I had to accept whatever was out of my control. It had to be the Lord's way and will, not mine. I knew if I didn't make it to church, I would have to let the music director know I would be missing so they could scramble to fill my place. But how sad the very thought of not being there made me feel. All through the night I had Powerade and water. By morning there was a slight improvement. But there was that lingering sense of dizziness. I rose early and then had two small portions of carefully timed breakfasts (to keep my hypoglycemia under control.) That morning I was asked by my husband, "Are we going to church today? Are you okay?" I nodded with a semblance of confidence, "Yes," I told him. "I am okay. We can go to church." Shortly before we left, I felt so much better. By the time we reached the church and the bells were played, my health was stable and I felt so very blessed. In my heart I prayed, "thank you, Lord." How very grateful I felt!
I have been doing work about the house and resting as much as possible. I am often sitting by a window in the downstairs room where I can sit and see a peaceful view of our landscape. I watch the birds playing and flying around as they sing sweet chirping songs.
There have been many days of sitting with grandchildren and playing games of scrabble and doing projects. These children are the joy of my life! I must remain peaceful and healthy to be here for them.
We had a financial crisis arise. To meet this need, I gathered what was left of our grocery money and withdrew some funds I have been saving for annual bills (including our house insurance and property tax bill). My saving for yearly bills takes me many months. We managed to avert this crisis, but the money is now lacking. To recover this loss, my only way of fixing this is to use money, over the next few months, that is allocated for food. I know this will hurt, but careful use of money is very important, especially when one is living on a fixed income. One of our household began to panic. I said, "We are only promised today. God's mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. We will be okay. The Lord will provide." Somehow the warmth of peace filled our hearts. It brought rest and comfort knowing the promises of God and claiming them for each day.
Sometimes I forget to take care of myself. I forget to eat. I think it is okay to keep going without breaks. When this happens, my health suffers and it brings on a crisis that tends to stop me in my tracks and wake me up. I need to do better at making sure I remember to take care of myself. This reminds me of my spiritual health. I would be so unhappy and worried if I did not meditate on the precious words of Scripture. I am often reminded of old-time hymns, such as "Take Time to Be Holy." In this song, we are encouraged to seek God's blessing for everything we do and every decision we make. Each day I make my plans and often, I am called to do something else. I have accepted this, feeling a sense of honor that the Lord is leading me to do His precious work. As I keep busy with my homemaking, I pause to reflect on the goodness of God, and I wait for His call. When I am needed, I feel so blessed to do the labor for the day that he leads me to do. I am grateful!
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
A Peaceful Heart - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.
Testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's.
Some ideas to help - A Home Without Clutter.
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