Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Still Small Voice

The Small Still Voice

It was a sunny, Spring day, but that was lost on me. In my mind a thousand concerns and worries were racing around and around. Looking back now I can’t for the life of me remember a single one of them. In the days that followed like most worries they all either faded or amounted to nothing. At the time, though, they seemed like they were going to wreck my life. I had even foolishly taken the day off work so I could spend more time on my worrying. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t relax. I couldn’t even sit still.

Hoping to clear my head I drove to a local lake that had a graveled path around it. As I walked along my brain continued to race. Halfway around I stopped at a small bench and sat down. My legs weren’t tired, but my brain was exhausted.

After sitting a few minutes I just let go and stopped thinking. I listened to the gentle music of the birds singing their love songs in the trees. I watched as the sun sparkled and danced off the crystal clear waves of the lake. I noticed the first wild flowers of Spring growing towards the light. I breathed in the fresh, clean air. I felt at peace for the first time all day. It was then that I heard the small, still voice of God whispering in my mind. "What are you so worried about?," He said. "I have loved you since the day you were born. I love you now. And I will continue to love you forever." I stayed happily there on that bench for a long time. And when I finally left I took the peace and love with me. I remember singing childhood hymns as I half walked and half danced the rest of the way around the lake. It felt so good knowing that I was loved.

The next time that the foolish voices of worry start chattering in your head, tell them to shut up. Then sit down, be quiet, and listen for the small, still voice of God. He will be there waiting to love you, to guide you, to strengthen you, and to bless you with His peace forever.
~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

Saturday, March 26, 2011

And then I wake up .............


I go to sleep; I'm forty-three.
With my five kids and spouse with me
We're at our cottage by the lake.
We swim, we sail and then we take
A boat ride to blueberry hill
Where we all pick for pies to fill.
The evening comes, the lake's like glass
That cracks as loons and beavers pass.
Then crickets start their nightly tune
Which ends the day, oh far too soon.
It's so much fun to be alive.
I wake confused; I'm ninety-five.

  Written by Doug Barr

This is a poem that I came across which reminds of living on the lake.  I realize how I take it so much for granted everyday.  I am always so busy with my everyday "must dos"  that I forget to be thankful for the gifts that I am blessed with everyday.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Are we there Yet?

I realize everyday how we wish the moments to quickly pass us by in order to get to the next phase or place in our lives, only to find that once we get there we want to go back to where we were so that we can live that moment to the fullest.  Aren't we fickle?  We can't make up our minds what we want.  How many times have I read on facebook lately, is it Friday yet?  What if you don't make it to Friday?  What if something happens, then what are you going to do?  My point is, we need to quit worrying about tomorrow, quit wishing our lives away by waiting for the next day to come.  I am guilty!  Only the other day I said 10 more Mondays.  I should be enjoying each day I have now teaching the children I have.  I will not be able to do that again in the same capacity as I am now.  Sure, I can go back and substitute, but it will never be the same.