Renew

Isaiah 61:11

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

As the morning awakens and the world comes alive, I sit on the patio swing and watch everything change. The birds begin to chatter. The dew sparkles in the early morning sunrise, dripping off the Colocasia. Seeds fall from the Tagetes and Heuchera. My garden is changing into something wonderful, yet completely out of my control. I love how God takes the things I carefully plan and execute, and turns them into a new masterpiece each fall. 

He does the same with me.

 I make a plan to accomplish something and he switches it up, allowing me to make mistakes and exhaust myself in the learning process. He teaches me how to walk in his light. He redeems me with each misstep. His sovereignty allows me freedom. His grace gives me peace. His promise gives me hope.

I am completely covered by his mercy.

He has a plan for me as I renew from grief. He walks beside me and holds me up as I navigate the emotional and human part of loss. He forgives me and teaches me forgiveness with each sunrise. He provides me rest with each sunset. I am becoming renewed each day through the faith I have in him and the plan he holds for me.

There are days I stay home, wrapped up in a blanket and reading a good book. Those moments are restful and needed. I still have hope on those days, I simply need to recharge. I drink coffee or tea and watch the world moving around me. I meditate and keep my mind from doing too much work. I allow my heart a break.

Knowing God expects me to work and rest is refreshing. There is downtime for my heart and soul, not just my physical body. I am finding the importance of quiet reflection. Inviting Christ for renewal has been important for my grief journey. He reminds me to be still in him, and that is the most important lesson of all.

XOXO,