How are you on this lovely spring day? I hope you are having spring and not winter. April is just racing by isn't it? I can hear the dove softly cooing in the tree outside my door. The quite murmuring of the the wind chimes as a soft breeze passes by. This morning for the first time, we were able to have coffee on the porch as we watched the morning wake up as the sun rose over the mountains. I always watch as that first bit of light reaches the summit and then pours light down into the valley. I am thankful.
The fruit on the tree is growing nicely. I am aware at how fast time does pass when you watch time from the view of the garden. When I first became a Mom, my focus on life started to change. As my family grew, I continued to change. As I now prepare to go into a different walk of life, I continue to watch my life so I don't miss an important lesson. God has brought a new person in my life. One whom is not easy for me. One that has me on my knees and I find I am in constant prayer and even putting my hand to my lips so I don't say what would be the wrong thing.
This is good for me. To have someone who insults me, embarrasses me and who brings attention to my faults. It helps me to see the blessings I take for granted. It helps me to focus on the truth that I might miss if not brought to my attention. God allows people to come into our lives for a reason. He shows me that He is the strength that I must call on and not act the way that would be easier. As I keep working to lay down those hurts and work to be kind and gentle and loving when every thing in me wants to shrink back. As I have said before that 2013 is a year of relinquishment. It continues to be just that.
I find as the trials continue, life becomes sweeter. The people I love become dearer. The friends I have more precious. The tiny little bits of kindness become feasts of joy. I have been given such a wonderful life, no matter how hard it looks, I am thankful for all of it. Without it, I wouldn't see God nor would I feel Him as He continues to come along side and comfort me in His everlasting arms.
Life is a journey. I met a beautiful woman, she had lived through far harder things than I could ever even imagine. She was sent to a prison camp. Her crime? Smuggling Bibles. As she told us her story in my living room and she shared how as a little girl being brought to the front of the class and every student was made to pass by and spit in her face because her parents were Christians. Never have I known pain and she is the most gentle and joyful person you ever met. I remember her when I think life is not what I thought and I am thankful my journey has been a very easy one.
I think life will always be full of surprises.
Thank you for stopping by today. You all mean so much to me.
~Kim~
15 comments:
your 'new person' sounds like a real challenge. i'd have to stand up for myself. a lot.
Pretty sure I know who you're talking about! ;) Well, better you than me because I probably wouldn't have kept my mouth shut so long lol. You have such a good outlook on it all.
Life's too short for mean people- hope you don't have to deal with the "new" person for too long- or better yet, hope your sweet nature rubs off on him/her.
Maybe God sent that person so you could teach them how to respect others and show manners. I would have to stand up for myself...God gives us strength for that too.
May the blessings keep coming.
oh kim, i must be completely honest.....i would NEVER keep a friend like that!!
i surround myself with only happy people. that is one, unhappy person!!
You are so gracious! I am encouraged when I read your posts, Kim!
The new person is the latest test... I really think it's hard to zip our lips when things are unfair. I think your 'lip zipping' has already begun in your heart's choice, to not retort! Good for you Kim... it is really hard. Who knows what will happen? You might win that person over by your lack of angry response. I can remember coming home and talking out loud to the Lord in similar situations, scolding the person in my heart, and letting God know how I felt about the whole thing. Then he quiets my spirit, and it's all ok... :) Lots of what he calls us to does NOT come naturally, at least not for me. But his grace does do a heart change every time I let these things go to His care.
Proud of you!
Kim you are a true friend...I am happy to read you are enjoying a lovely spring day, we here in Maine are having a cold, damp, winter like day...Spring seems to have left us as quickly as she came...Blessings to you my friend, Julie.
God does seem to use trials of all sorts to change us doesn't he. (difficult people included..sigh) I think God has given you wonderful insight, it sounds like you have already begun to change...will pray that God will give you much grace through this
You have such a servant heart, dear Kim.
You know how to love.
We were always taught the Holy Spirit would gives us the strength to turn the other cheek. I don't think God wants us to literally get beat up, but rather rise above the pettiness and show an example of goodness and grace. I think that's something you live by and do. You wait and see. From your example, I have a feeling this person will start to be a little nicer be around.
A very profound and thoughtful post . It reminds me to be humble and thankful, even in the face of adversity .
a beautiful post!
Wow. It seems the people in our lives are putting us through the exact same challenges. I see what a weak, angry, petty woman I am, and even though I keep my mouth shut, I rehearse what I'd like to say. I'm finding enormous comfort in James right now, actually. He seems to speak to exactly where I am.
You never cease to amaze me, my wonderful friend. I am in awe of you- every day. I know that I would not look at this person as you do. As a matter of fact, I would love to come over there and...LOL I have a cousin who suffered sexual abuse while growing up...she is the most loving, kind, forgiving person I've ever known. She gives the credit to her relationship with God. I don't know...I'm just not there. Yet. But I know there is hope for me when I read your posts like this one! Hugs!
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