The backdrop of Grace ---

painted on a canvas of real-life circumstances.

I have found myself there in front of that canvas numerous times through the years, while the brush strokes painted the picture. A new day dawns and we are given the canvas and the proper brushes that will draw the scenes, one by one.  The completed artwork will be revealed little by little; it will not be an unveiling as in a sudden moment, but it will be an unfolding, giving us time to “take it in,” to process in such a way that we can marvel at the results.  And with that, our understanding of what we have just experienced becomes clearer.

I have said many times in facing a difficult situation, “I can’t do this.” Thankfully, because 'I' can't, Father will.  And when He does, I take the next step.

Yet another of life's experiences where I needed grace and strength to be poured out upon my life.

That was years ago. As I attended to my father in-law who came to stay with us following his discharge from the hospital where he was treated for flu, my emotions were in overdrive.

My father had died late December and in early February, my dear father in-law needed care at our house while he recuperated. As I prepared his meals, gave him his morning care, gave him a clean shave, combing his thinning gray hair, and serving him coffee before breakfast, I wiped tears away.

I was on emotional overload from the loss of my own dad, yet the love of Jesus compelled me to step out of my grief to be useful in another's life.

Strange how our heavenly Father works. I learned that It's okay to pull over on the side of life's highway and park under the sign that says, "Pause. grieve here for a brief time.," It's necessary to spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection and afterward, with your life in drive and setting out on the journey once again. Just maybe there could be someone who needs attention, a listening ear, that only you can minister by the Spirit. Release that emergency brake and allow your spirit to move forward and be replenished with joyful strength for the next step.

Healing, compassionate Jesus. His Spirit in us can help someone along the way.

As a result of my circumstances during that time, I was inspired to pen the words of this poem one morning when I opened the shades...

I Watched God Make a Morning

I watched God make a morning today,

While much of the world lay asleep.

Quiet was my mood as I gazed into the sky,

Breathless was my response---

The mystery much too deep.

As I witnessed the celestial shade,

From an unseen Hand being drawn;

The fiery red on the dark gray horizon,

Gifted me with another dawn.

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. Psalm 113:3

copyright 2000

Feel free to comment