I hold out sign to Hardworking One.
Similar to the one daughter’s friend held out to her football game last.
Asking…”Homecoming?”
And she answered, “yes”….So I thought I would have a chance…
Though words were thrown like daggers moments earlier. And heat escalates as flesh tries to rescue…
Pride that had been lost.
And how beautiful it is…when pride gets lost.
Yet, I remember….“A gentle answer turns away wrath“.
While pride puffs up….humility gets below and lifts up.
So, I try with all God strength to get below…….my ego.
And ask, on white typing paper…with the little humility I have left…..“Date?”
And he says, “yes”.
So we whisk to beach of memories…where tide is out….
Where hearts lay out like driftwood along the shore.
And I beckon more……for years….before kids.
And I see how time. Patience. Silence……
Stirs up currents and blends…..two as one.
Faith hearts grow strong.
Hands lock together in mountains view. Open skies calling.
As the sun melts idiosyncrasies left unsaid and undone.
All the while….Beauty surfacing….like the seal out in the deep.
Arms strengthening across sands washed ashore. And child hearts re-entering…the adult mindset well worn.
Deep whispers so clear, “Cast all your cares upon me.”
As I remember reading….
“Care” being “Merimna” = To divide….the mind. Distract. Anxieties. Burdens. Worries. To be anxious about daily life.
Cares somehow absorbed by the open skies…..
I recall…
“IF anyone speaks….Let him do it as an oracle for God”.
And repentance flows as hands hold close. And there, two now one, offer prayers….in humility….up to God.
Soon after……looking down…..Loved One discovers….
The very essence of God.
He picks it up. We take pictures. Remember what life He offered…..
As peace resurfaces….as it always does when centered under God.
Walking back along logs drift up from the beach. One long. Wide. Flat. And I asked….
“Why is it like that?” to Love Eternal close behind me.
“Probably“, He said, “because so many feet have traveled along it…..to keep from the mush“.
And I loved that…
That we were walking along the very same log that couples before….and children…and the old…
Have walked and healed and loved and learned...and known.
And how a traveler of time I seemed. Care Free this time.
….As we head back home.
And I read with heart healed….The Maker of it all. His word seems to shout. Proverbs 4:26.
“Make level paths for your feet & take only ways that are firm.”
And the two of us….
In hail His peace….
And take the long way home.
Linking w/ WIWW , Emily ,Cyndi, Womenlivingwell Grace ,
Darlene
15 Comments
You title reminded me of what is written as a reminder in my kitchen…
There is death and life in the power of the tongue…it’s either healing or killing, an antidote or a poison, depending on its use!
FYI…I hope you don’t mind…I linked you in my post today….
Blessings~
I’m glad you carved out the time.
Ells- Such a great verse. Makes me think of the bit in the horses mouth and the rudder of a ship also….and how both…though small…have the power to move such large things. We definitely underestimate the power of the tongue. Thank you so much for linking me up with you today, my friend. Blessings, ~ jen
Brandee – Me too. Sometimes it’s hard with little ones…but definitely always worth it in the long run! 🙂
this is awesome…just snuck my wife away fora surpise weekend at the beach last week…love to listen to the waves and find their rhythm…i needed that…
words are dangerous things not to be played with lightly…
your words rise up more beauty that I can imagine and my prayer is that my pride, too, will always be lost.
Brian – How nice you & your wife could get away for a few days.
Jen – Such a great prayer, my friend. I think all of us are praying more and more for humility. Especially as the day grows closer.
I like what you said about pride being lost.
Enjoy your words, friend.
“As peace resurfaces….as it always does when centered under God.” Why do I look for it elsewhere?
Beautiful reminder and great pictures.
Amy – Wish it were always so easy….to lose pride, my friend.
Amanda – Thus, the journey as fallible beings….to look for peace in places others than God. So thankful He not only gives peace…but IS peace. Bless you today, Amanda. ~ jen
Beautiful post Jen! Thanks for linking it up to my Encouraging Words Wednesday.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Your words are always so beautifully put. And that is one of my favorite verses. Thank you for sharing.
Your words are always so beautiful. Your pictures amazing. The lessons you share are inspiring. I know every time I visit I will be moved, encouraged and helped along the way. Thank you!
Cyndi – Always my pleasure!!
Party of Four – So neat to hear this is one of your favorite verses! Thanks for your comment!
Misty – Just simply trying to point people to the only true and perfect helper there is, my friend! Many blessings to you this day! ~ jen
oh, jen, so lovely… and that last photo is great!!
Emily – Thank you so much. Coming from such an inspired, gifted writer….that means a lot!