Sunday, April 7, 2013

On the porch of life

I miss porches. Living upstate, I lived in houses with porches. I didn't have to worry about crazy people or stray bullets. I could sit outside with my morning coffee or evening wine and enjoy my community. Say hi to neighbors. Listen to birds or crickets chirp. Contemplate over blossoming trees or falling leaves. My favorite was an enclosed porch that allowed discreet observation. A back "porch" fire escape allowed for even more discreet conversations. Granted, there were things I did I shouldn't have, but I still long for the peace of mind this environment gave. I'm hoping to get a bit of that back. I see my self enjoying the vibrant green of house plants and soothing cups of tea. Quiet time in the Word or hospitality with neighbors. Maybe even a pet! I realize how much I live vicariously through my friends with pets! I never thought twice to care for them as my own. Caring for animals probably gives me the most joy. But even with all of this, life isn't going to be magically delicious. I still can't walk or hold things as I could. I can't play guitar anymore. I live with horrendous nerve pain. Even a perfect body is in the process of death. Sickness and suffering is inevitable. Just go to a nursing home and the reality will hit you.

The apostle James said, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Everything good comes from God! Every bit of sunshine, water, life and breath. Laughter, wisdom, the joy of children. Everything that grows and sustains us, all come from God's providence. Our biggest problem in this country is that although God's goodness is obvious, we do not praise him and give thanks (Romans 1:21). Instead, we glorify ourselves as god. Make no mistake, God is still on the throne. I have been on the precipice of this life and eternity and God was very merciful, letting me live this way. I want to use the brief time I have here to put the spotlight back on him! I want to share the joy of knowing that this life is brief but eternity of perfection is only with Jesus Christ the Messiah, the prophesied king of Israel!

Yes, there are things I look forward to but most of all being with the Lord. Give thanks to the one who makes everything possible. Seek him while he may be found.