Friday, June 6, 2008

Simple Pleasures


"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

...remembering
Walking trails, bright starlit nights, and friends who gave me a sense of rootedness in Ogema, Wisconsin. Air shows at the Lake Michigan beach, the skyline, the intricately placed Christmas lights on the tree lined streets, and the view of tree branches out of my living room window in Chicago. Enjoying the still waters of the lake and watching muskrats from the deck of my parents' vacation home. The flower beds and manicured lawns of my parents' suburban home where we spent our last home assignment. Simple pleasures to be remembered long after the furniture is sold or given away. In each place God has met the needs of my soul for beauty and quiet moments.

...enjoying
Earlier this week, we published on our church list some household furniture and items to be sold. Amazingly, within three days almost every item has found a new home. All the buyers are willing to wait for pickup until we are close to leaving at the end of July. God has been providing for all of our needs through this. Not only does he meet our financial needs, he provides for my need for quiet moments as well, times to refresh my soul. As I went through the process of parting with our stuff, I was reminded of the simple pleasures I enjoy here. I spent an afternoon at a very beautiful beach, shallow and safe for the kids, not too hot, with fountains to play in. I sat drinking tea in my lovely garden enjoying the peonies, lilacs, and hostas. Grace snuggled on my lap as we watched the clouds and she burst out, "Thank you, God, for the sky." I went on a walk with Brian at 10 pm along the river and it was still light - what wonderful long summer days we have here. These are the things that I will miss and remember as we move on.

...anticipating
And as I make room to enjoy these moments in our schedule, I wonder what are those special times going to look like in Cameroon? How is God going to provide? He is my gloriously rich Father who provides not only spiritually and physically, but emotionally as well. "Thank you, God, for the simple pleasures and quiet moments in my life!"

"To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:20

No comments: