Spring - Embracing the New

The first day of spring and it's beautiful here today. The sky is a magnificent blue. Trees and flowers are blooming. I noticed on the way to work this morning, everything has a green tint to it. Then I came across an oak tree that still has last year's parched leaves hanging from it - they look like tarnished charms amidst the new, green growth. I wanted to stop and shake the tree so it would let go of those old ugly leaves. Doesn't it realize if it would just let go God would give it new beautiful leaves?

Then it struck me, did God put this tree in my path for a reason? Am I holding on to old ugly things? Like control? Like worry? Maybe fear? Yes, I know I am. But why? Why do I want to hold on to these things? They are ugly. Yet they are comfortable and familiar. I remember reading once that the oak will drop those old leaves when the new growth knocks them off. New growth. Not familiar or even comfortable growth. New growth. As I see all the new growth around me I hope it continually reminds me to let go of the old and let God show me the new.

A Cheerful Heart

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

My reading this morning focused on having a cheerful and merry heart. The dilemma being how to do this with all the "stuff" we have to deal with on a daily basis. My "stuff" being the disappointment, hurt and anger I feel at my husband's drinking. I have moped around, I have thrown myself awesome pity parties, I have asked "why me?" and I have cried more in the last 4 years than I think I've cried my whole life! I put on a happy face for work and get togethers with family and friends but this is not a "cheerful heart". In fact, my heart aches and I fight tears behind the smile. The ache takes all the energy from me and I do feel used up - hence, my spirit is crushed and my bones are dry.

I know the answer. Trust in the Lord. Cast my cares on Him. Seek rest in Him. Know that with Him all things are possible. He is sovereign. He has a plan. I don't have to worry. He's got me covered. So why do I worry? Because I want what I want when I want it! Patience. Yep, that's what the fortune taped on my desk says too, Be patient. Good things come to those who wait. You think the Chinese fortune cookie writer's stuff is original? Ok, that's a blog for another day.

Back to a merry heart. I make the choice each day to be happy or sad. I've learned this. I know this stuff. Did I forget? Short term memory loss? Old age? I'm not THAT old! No, I have to remember to trust the Lord. When I do that I know the peace I feel. I know it. Grab it. It's free. Thank God.