Summer is here. Life is changing. The littles are growing and maturing. Some days I feel peace while other days I feel disengaged. On these particular days I like to contemplate the verse of Philippians 4:8 which says ~ whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. So often I get bogged down with the uncertainties of tomorrow I lose the perspective God has shown me. This verse brings me back to what is important. Truth, honesty, fairness, purity, beauty, goodness, virtue... praise. Praise for my Lord.
Whatsoever things are lovely...
Before my Man left for his most recent trip to Texas he asked me to take some clippers a friend had given him and trim the back of his hair. It is blazing hot in Texas and he wanted it short to counteract the extreme heat.
Now, I am at times a woman of many talents, but cutting hair is not one of them. I can shear a sheep, body clip a horse, and shave a cow for a surgical procedure but when it comes to humans it is best for me not to go there. But, he insisted and being the amiable woman I am I succumbed to his wishes. He is the man of the house. He hands me the clippers and I take them in hand bravely and confidently. He goes on to instruct me to "just use the clippers to cut the back" and being the obedient wife I am I comply. I begin at the bottom and continue upward with a quick swift zzzzip.
I pause mid-cut, eyes large. I pause, taking in a breath. My Man knows something bad has just happened and reaches his hand around. My eyes were wide, looking at the good 2 x 7 inches of baldness I had hacked out of the back of his head. Should I run? Should I call for help? Where are my sons when I need 'em! Yep, My Man was ticked. He was mad and yelled and hollered and ranted telling me he couldn't believe I just did that.....heck, I couldn't believe I just did that.
And then I began laughing. Not just any laugh, but an honest to goodness, gut aching, laugh 'till you cry laugh.
And I know God laughed with me. It felt good.
So, I stand steadfast in the Lord.
Enjoying the laughter He gives me.
Thinking on the things that are lovely in my life.
Thanking God for the good things I do have.
Thanking Him for my sons life ~ saved ~ protected by those evil.
Praising Him for today, this moment of peace.
Praising Him for choosing me.
Understanding why He needs me to move on.
Knowing God laughs.
Love those children around you now and those away from you as you never know how long you will have them.
Patricia
