Home.
They say “home is where the heart is” and I fully agree. So it is safe to say, I love my home. It is where my family has lived for the last nearly thirty one years.
It may not be the largest home on my street. Nor the one most updated. But it is home. It is where I settle in at night, can breathe a peaceful sigh, and feel the comfort of familiarity.
The day we moved in ”“ August 3, 1991 to be exact ”“ I walked the property line and let the feeling of ownership fill my heart. A little over a half acre and it was ours.
Every tree, every bush, and each plant on our parcel was now ours. Ours to tend to and grow and enjoy.
Every day is much the same routine for me ”“ pour my mug of coffee, head to the family room, look out at the morning sky, and let my eyes scan the yard. I take in as many nuances as possible as each morning is precious .
Same trees. Every season different. No morning quite the same. And there’s beauty to behold every single morning.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
”“ Marcel Proust, as quoted in the book Doing Life Differently, by Luci Swindoll
The changes of seasons speaks to me of God’s faithfulness. The daily beauty my eyes take in each day speaks to me of His reliability. I can depend on Him to show up each and every day of my life.
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB)
Our circumstances change from day to day, and so do our feelings. God will always be loving. He will always be faithful. He will always be our source of strength. He will always be our hope.
“Indeed” ”“ the word captures my thoughts. It is defined as “in fact; in reality; in truth; truly (used for emphasis” (from dictionary.com).
The word has been placed there for emphasis, so we would be assured of its truth ”“ “The Lord’s lovingkindesses indeed never cease.”
The quote, as shared by Luci Swindoll, has been thought provoking. Changing our scenery will only fill us with a temporary contentment. The problem lies not with the scenery, but with our eyes.
Join me at Woman to Woman Ministries HERE where we will continue looking at the problem with our eyes and a suggestion for the new year.
Photo by Sarah Egerer on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
I pray my eyes, heart, and soul will be open to recognize the many blessings God provides. I pray I will give thanks to the Father for His endless blessings. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
I am praying the same, Melissa. With our eyes open, we will discover the blessings found in His Word. Happy New Year!
My view is a little different from yours I imagine Ms. Joanne, as I get to sit on a hilltop near the western edge of my property and look back at many acres, our home, barns, workshop, etc. As I gaze at the cattle who are gathered about, lazily enjoying lush green grass, I breathe in the clear, country air. Reaching to scratch my near-constant companion, Bubba the chocolate lab, behind his ears, I whisper a quiet prayer of thanks to God for allowing me to care for all the blessings He has given me stewardship over. What an honor it is to care for His blessings amid the beautiful surroundings He has placed me within. Like you, there is peace found when we silently rest in His natural world. I can’t help but think this is what Heaven will be like. Thank you
J.D., our views over our properties are different, and is why I so appreciate all you share. It expands my own understanding. No matter our view, you are right – as we silently rest in His natural world, we discover peace. Blessings and a Happy New Year to you, friend!
Joanne, this is such a beautiful message. I had imagery going on as you spoke. And I gleaned much from your lesson.
Thank you so much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.