Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. The prompt this week is … Another.
It’s been a hard week for so many reasons and people. Hearing the news, whether from reporters, friends, family, or co-workers brings sadness. Knowing the burdens and concerns of others can be overwhelming as the days ahead are still filled with uncertainties.
And the thought comes through my head …
Oh, to be in another time and another place.
I think of summer vacation, focusing my thoughts on the hopes of better days. Days filled with the warmth of the sun, lake water and views, fishing, laughing, doing puzzles and playing games late into the night, and eating meals together.
I think of family barbeques. An afternoon of playing in water, corn hole, bocce, water balloon fights, and enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.
I think of attending a church service, sitting in the simplicity of our church building and worshiping as a congregation.
These longings come from deep within and have been put there to point me, and all of us, to longings for more. Longings which we have been wired for by God. A longing for eternity.
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT)
These longings cause me to hold onto my God for He has planted eternity in my heart.
And He will make everything beautiful for its own time both here and –
in another time and in another place.
Today I am joining …
Thanks so much for this beautiful encouragement, Joanne. I was lingering in that very Scripture this morning. Many of the things you describe here have been losses and griefs I have carried for a much longer time period already than this pandemic. God is so good to comfort us that we may become a comfort to others. Thank you for being His comforting affirmation today.
Oh Anna, I am so grateful you found comfort in this Scripture. God is so faithful to remind us of His Presence with us in all time, and in all places. Praying for you today.
I love Sandi Patti’s music. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings to you and yours!
It is amazing how an old song can be pulled back to the forefront of our minds from one simple word. 🙂
Every week does seem to hold many hard things. 🙁 I long for better times too. Thank for reminding us that we are wired by God to long for more, to long for him.
And in Him, every longing will find its fulfillment. That is the hope we have in Him!
God does plant eternity in our hearts. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement on a morning when I needed it badly.
Praying for God to fill you with hope for the days ahead! {{Hugs}}
The last couple days have been especially bright and beautiful here. Not hot like summer, but they were definitely spring. The way my house is situated, I have only one small window that looks out to the street. It’s in my kitchen, and I found myself sitting at the little table in front of the window watching people go by – so many dog walkers, joggers, and kids on bikes. I’m not sure I have ever appreciated my neighborhood as much as I did at that moment. People were coming out just to be out. So, while I’m glad you have warm memories to hold on to, I encourage you to the warmth that is happening around us right now. Today has beauty if we can find it.
Amie, there is surely wonderful memories to be found in these days, for which I am most grateful. I want to store and hold onto them, for they are a treasure.
There’ll be another time and place
when anxious days are stilled,
but don’t forget the quiet grace
with which the Now is filled,
the chance we may reflect upon,
why we live, with others lost?
The pleasure-things that now are gone;
were they worth their cost?
Do we really wish return
to life that often did not heed
salvation that it could not earn
at its deepet, darkest need?
Are we now far more aware
of our shallow lives laid bare?
Andrew, I know I have said this before .. but this one may be my favorite which you have written. May I not forget His quiet grace. Blessings to you, friend.
Great song.
Great encouragement.
What a beautiful post! I am really touched, for I have felt the same way. You described it so wonderfully. I loved your picture and your Bible verse.
I think I am the only one who did not write about the Corona virus. My topic was “ Love One Another”- a simple blog about how to show others that we love them. I wish now I had written about the Corona Virus
Terri D #3
Terri, in a way you have written about this pandemic … we desperately need to be showing others that we love them. The world needs to see His love at work in our lives. Every post is needed so always write as your heart is stirred by the prompt. We need different perspectives. Blessings!
Beautiful post and song.
I yearn for the day I can be back in our sanctuaries! It’s so weird leading worship online!
Each time I watch our church service, I think of how hard it has to be to lead worship and preach a sermon without seeing the faces of the recipients. May God bring a sense of ease for the times remaining in which you must do so. Blessings!
Aw-memories of Sandi Patty music. I used to listen to her for hours! I think I have some time for a couple of hours of relistening to old favorites:) Have a great week!