Winter's embrace - the threat was easily seen out the door and ohhh how I don't like being cold. Cautiously aware of it's lingering stay, as the Creator spoke to His own to store away, I too neatly put away His beautiful words into places I would see them and remember His provision...feel His never ending protective presence.
Little did I know the impact of such an investment into listening to God.
21 She does not worry about her family when it snows,
because they all have fine clothes to keep them warm. (Proverbs 31:21, New Century Version)
21 She does not worry about her family when it snows,
because they all have fine clothes to keep them warm. (Proverbs 31:21, New Century Version)
I sit, solemn glance out window bare, remembering gift given, cold night, quiet stillness everywhere. Sun hidden behind cloudy and gray stare. Body’s breath is vapor, carried off whispers of desire. Sycamore, Willow, and Oak all bear witness to same. Trees stripped of summer’s majesty in naked vulnerable sleep.
Night’s shadow fell quickly. Winter’s icy fingers – the miser giving no warmth. Numbness felt as heart protects, pressing to seek refuge at hearth’s fiery glow.
Providence stepped in, laid the covering, wool white, a hush, slowing down hectic rush. The dust of His diamonds, the snow flakes I see infuse my equal momentary existence.
He speaks, “Earth rest! Sleep. Labor and toil, none.”
I stand in awe, watch gift freely given. Winter’s grasp is His own, desiring will be done. Must I always be on the go? Is growth so much my measure, I forget to rest? As He beds Sycamore, Willow and Oak by gently brushing off their splendor, then why not me?
Tears flow at thought, almost missed blessing. Beauty rushes in cleared vision. Grace poured out, warm drink. Changes and melts the core. A time to sit still with the King, nothing seen from out but alive within.
He does not forget what is planted, hidden in rest under blessed soil. Divine King will draw out and bring forth what is ready…when is ready. As the vessels of tulips and buds wait on His call and tender touch, so I wait for mine.
10 “ For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
(Isaiah 55:10, New King James Version)
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
(Isaiah 55:10, New King James Version)
Sitting. Resting. Breathing. Loving and alive, in the company of Royal Majesty.
Photography by Lisa Arnold
