DEATH

DEATH. Quite a different theme for this blog. I'm all about life and encouragement. But into everyone's life comes a time to think about the unpleasant, the inevitable and the reality of DEATH. Death stinks....literally.


This week as I entered our master bathroom, there was a strange odor. Because I was collecting dirty laundry, I thought perhaps someone's clothing was exceptionally in need of cleaning. But later in the evening as I went into the bathroom to dress for bed, the truth was revealed. There is DEATH behind our walls somewhere!


Now I have to admit it came as no surprise. In the past months we've heard some sort of critter scratching around sporadically in the ceiling. And there are lots of squirrels in our back yard. I distinctly remember during the demolition stage finding a storehouse of walnuts in the walls of this old house. Perhaps the squirrels came back for their treasures.


So currently our lovely master bathroom stinks. We keep the door closed and the window cracked open. In addition, inside the wall is the sound of one (hopefully only one) frustrated critter, scratching and clawing at the studs and inner workings of the wall. It's the wall that divides two sanctuaries...my bathroom (where I prepare and clean myself physically) and my study (where I prepare and clean myself spiritually). DEATH is disturbing the peace around here.


What an amazing allegory this is for me today! God speaks in all things...even DEATH. 


I mentioned to my husband not too long ago that it feels like something inside of me is dying. Since taking on a full time job I've not had time to create and work on things that bring me life. In addition, my new job is more about numbers, files, forms and rules of compliance; there is little space for creativity and interaction. I'm giving it my best shot at learning a new field and serving my co-workers. I am trusting God to show me his purposes for me in this new role.


But in the mean time I will transparently admit the DEATH that I am feeling. It stinks. My peace is disturbed in the morning especially as I have to dress and prepare myself for going off to work instead of having more time to stay home and "care for the house". Even personal quiet time with the Lord is affected by this DEATH. There is less inspiration and less time for dwelling in his Word. During this season of DEATH, I find myself longing for more of the LIFE he has for me. I long for the peace he gives.

Father God, today I ask for revelation. Show me how to live in the midst of death. I ask for your peace today in the midst of difficulty and frustration. Carry away the affects of death and breathe the sweet aroma of peace into my soul. I need you. Amen.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matt 11:28-30

(still no pictures...but soon. In this season of time, the work that is being done is unseen. But the results of the unseen work will be evident in time.)