Keep company with God,
get in on the best.
get in on the best.
(Psalm 37:4 The Message)
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
(Psalm 37:4 NLT)
Last month filled my heart with great satisfaction. I kept company with God with my nieces and nephews. We had quiet, creative mornings and fun-filled afternoons. We met with friends and we stayed home.
My favorite memory of the month was introducing them to the idea of meeting with Jesus in their heart room. My sister gave us a book of meditations to read over the month. Most mornings after breakfast, we gathered in the quiet corner and contemplated some object that introduced us to an aspect of God's love and presence in our lives.
We imagined a kite flying freely in the sky, and then we thought about how God holds us secure, yet allows us to express ourselves freely. How the presence of the Holy Spirit sustains us and thrills us as we soar in God's loving care.
One day we recalled the birth of Jesus. Then we contemplated the cross and the pain He suffered on our behalf. The next day we celebrated His triumph over death. We remembered His sacrifice with the bread and with the cup.
Our days together ended with a loss. During our last week together, our dear dog, age fourteen, became feebler. Each child responded in their own way, when we told them she had died. We cried and talked about her life, and my youngest niece led us in a meaningful memorial time by burying Milli's collar and play toy in the garden.
What delight children and pets bring to our lives. I am grateful for the time we had together, both the highs and lows of the month. As we go into July, I have prayer on my heart.
Sometimes I find it difficult to pray. At those times I am drawn to the written prayers of others. Last week, also marked the death of a dear family friend. She lived far from us, and I am thankful for the years we were able to visit with her the past several summers. Over the years my family and I enjoyed Mary's company and her hospitality, whenever we came in to town for a visit.
Here is a prayer for those who love her and miss her:
Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort, deal graciously we pray as we mourn, casting all our care on Thee, knowing the consolation of Thy love; through Christ Jesus Our Lord.
(Book of Common Prayer 1928, adapted)
What beautiful devotional times to start your days! I wish I'd had more like that with my own children. As I think back, it seems to me that most focused more on behavior that pleases God. That's good, but without a continual focus on Christ (who IS our new life, without whom we can do no good thing) it is most likely only to result in fleshly efforts that fall far short of what Christ could do through us. I love the beautiful focus on Him in these devos. And what a good imagery is that of meeting Him "in our heart's room."
ReplyDelete(I am sorry for your losses that made a bittersweet mix with the joys. But I see joy prevailing, as it does in Him. Blessings to you, cyberfriend.)
Sylvia- Thank you for your kind thoughts here...I know, I didn't do this my own children either...I guess it is the blessing of being an aunt with some experience under my years that opened up the opportunity...and most of all I believe it was a Holy Spirit ordained time to prepare each one of them for their lives ahead :0)
ReplyDeleteKel, this summary of your June days does have its joy and sorrow, the whole of life. You are embracing it beautifully and I enjoy reading what you share in the journey.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog--we do not own pets but I know they are a comfort and a joy....your niece's tribute sounds perfect.
I look forward to reading more.