Memories awakened Stories told Contentment reigns When good scents unfold
Indoors and out Eyes shut Breathe deeply Open mind’s door, and smile
Bold cinnamon and apple pie Minty goodness and lemonade Bubbling stews and filling soups Herbal teas and fragrant coffee
Rain on earth and garden’s care Freshly cut grass and flower’s bloom Sharp freshness of new-fallen snow Ocean breeze and mountain stream
Clean laundry and sheets on the bed Suds in dish water and lotion for hands Sweet smell of a child snuggled close Scents to comfort and renew … Good scents!
Like this, and this… Now move these fingers. As my beginner self practices the fingering and chords on my classical guitar, I move slowly. Learning a new piece takes time and attention, whatever the difficulty level may be for that person. It’s not enough just to know the notes but takes so much more into consideration, such as movement across the strings and how to play each phrase. It requires effort and dedication over time to make the whole piece beautiful and meaningful, knowing that there will be mistakes but persevering and doing our best. Then too, it is not so much the level of accomplishment as it is the satisfaction it brings to oneself and to others. This makes it fun and exciting.
Encountering new things is a regular part of life. What new things get you excited? Is it that new car smell, an anticipated job, a relationship, or a baby and new life? Maybe you are looking forward to a time of growth, learning a new skill, gaining knowledge, or an opportunity to serve. New things and new times can be hard and unwanted too. Maybe we’re just ready to shed stressful experiences and move forward. As I grow older, there are more things to miss but there are also more things to treasure. Faith in God, prayer, community, and family are vital supports when facing new situations. Working through new things can be a long process.
What if I just continued to play the same guitar piece or practiced the same scales over-and-over without using them to improve my music… never learned new pieces? I imagine that boredom or apathy would sneak in, and I may give it up completely. Where would I be if I just focused on my mistakes and my missed practice, or if I let my enjoyment be affected by feelings of not being good enough? Satisfaction and contentment come, not just from what we gain through our new experiences, but what we can also give to others.
My prayer is that we will be as new songs each day, that we praise God for his great love as He holds us through our pain and through our joy, and that we give even as we gain… May our lives be as beautiful music in His hands.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God… Psalm 40:3
The Shepherd cares for you and me Protector, guide, and great provider God’s words spoken since time began To prophets and kings who guided the sheep
Near Bethlehem town that starry night A host of angels brought good news, To humble shepherds who watched their flock, Of a new ruler born to shepherd us all
They quickly went and found him there The Christ Child born to humble home Departing then they joyfully told The amazing story… He’s here, he’s come!
Follow the Good Shepherd, source of all life Who brought us hope to share with all Shepherds we too, now care for His flock and Remember the story of that first Christmas night
“Did that get it?” I squinted my eyes and turned my head to view the window I was cleaning, gaining a new perspective as the angle of light shifted. Rubbing out another smudge on the glass, I stepped back to check out my work. Looking good! No more streaks or dirt.
Isn’t life just like that too… especially in relationships with others?! Our feelings, emotions, and reactions are often wrapped up in our own perspective. We lash out or jump to conclusions… because of course that is what the other person was thinking or planning, right?! At least that is our own presumption. Unfortunately, I have found myself regretting my reactions and undergoing deep hurt or upset because I failed to consider where the other person was coming from, their thoughts or intents.
Considering things from the perspective of others brings a wealth of opportunities for positive experiences. Like the unseen dirt or smudges on glass, a shift in the way we see others and a desire to understand or extend some grace is needed. How often do we pause to reflect on the reactions or needs of others, to consider their past or present circumstances? How will looking at them from a different angle help exchange stress for compassion or lead to better understanding?
Perhaps Matthew and Luke had something of this in mind when they said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” * Don’t we all want to be understood and to be given some grace in those moments when things just aren’t going right? I sure appreciate it when someone recognizes why I may have had a certain reaction and I am encouraged when they offer support and understanding!
Perhaps the next time you are cleaning that window or mirror, when you notice a smudge on your glasses, or when you flip your windshield wipers on… you will pause to consider your own perspective in some current situation. May God, who knows the human heart, grant us peace and a better perspective.
• Waiting for when times are ripe is an exercise in patience • Develop good and savory aspects of your heritage • Preparation can be a long process • Choose that which will build up and strengthen • Discard that which is not productive or nourishing • Consider the many ways your interests and gifts can be used • Be careful of what you surround yourself with • What you surround yourself with will influence all that you are • Careful pruning develops better fruit and stronger character • We project our true character through our words and actions • May the scent of our actions draw and not repel • Act compassionately so others may taste of goodness and hope • Take nourishment through the Son’s light • Draw wisdom and knowledge through God’s Word
From “Reflections from the Everyday” by Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Watch what you touch as it may stick to you • Accumulated experiences shape and form us • Heated words can burn up friendships • Act wisely and think to avoid spreading harm • Pain and struggle can contribute to unhealthy buildup • Uncontrolled anger spews hurt upon all around • Miscommunication causes frustration and estrangement • Covering up mistakes reflects insecurity • Honesty and humility help to clear the air • Tough things in life require hard work to overcome • Uplifting music covers encourages and soothes • Caring acts grow from compassionate hearts • Daily prayer is like a good cleaning • God is our chimney sweep
From “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Looking out upon such vistas Endless vault of sky above Sunshine’s glow and feathery clouds Or stormy and heavy laden with rain Night’s darkness broken by heaven’s shine
The earth spreads ever before us Rolling hills and shaded byways Surging seas and sandy beaches And the packed mass of humanity Rushing past upon busy highways
Light’s beacon beckons life Sometimes elusive and sometimes bold Calls us and draws us to security To calm and quiet our anxious thoughts Come closer breathe deeply
God’s arms to enfold us. He weeps. He laughs. He comforts. He strengthens. We look upon eternal vistas And give Him thanks and praise.
The Still Small Voice 