And so it does.
I rested beneath our aged apple tree. Just a few months ago it stood stark against a gray winter's sky. Bare limbs stretched toward heaven, yearning for spring. A severe and necessary pruning had created sharp angular gaps in its beautiful linear silhouette - gaping holes interrupting the tree's canopy.
Would the gaping holes always be there?
Would the sharp angular gaps continue to interrupt the linear flow of this once beautiful tree?
It would seem so.
But now, as I rest beneath the apple tree on this bright May morning several months later, signs and sounds all about the tree proclaim life. Fresh sprouts testifying of growth, shoot from the sharp, drastic cuts of winter. Blossoms abound. Birds sing their praise. The branches clap their hands in the gentle breeze.
Yes, life goes on.
Especially a life that encounters sharp, drastic cuts, standing exposed and vulnerable beneath a darkened sky.
Life goes on.
Especially a life surrendered and dependent on the Lord her Maker.
Out of the sharp, drastic cuts comes new, fruitful growth. Out of the gaping holes in the heart, God's mercy flows, creating a complete canopy of love that shelters and heals the hurt.
When we need God the most, that's when He is the nearest. Like the life-giving sap flowing through the limbs of the apple tree, God's Spirit flows through His child preserving and maintaining life.
He is there during the broken times.
He is there during the pruning times.
He there during the fruitful times.
He is there. Always.
Life goes on.
"I would have lost heart,
unless I had believed that I would see
the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Psalm 27:13-14
A Tweetable to Encourage Others
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Have you heard?
My first book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, is releasing on June 30, 2015! God is so faithful. I can't wait to share my story with you. It is available for preorder now on Amazon
God has led you safe thus far and His grace will lead you on. I've been so blessed to watch your walk of faith and how God has helped you through this dark time. You've been such an encouragement and blessing to me and I know you have to many others. I'm so glad you have been able to keep going. Love you :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever understood His grace before as much as I do now. It really is amazing! But, just like the manna in the desert, it must be gathered every morning. The lessons are difficult, but eternal. Thanks for your sweet words.
DeleteCongratulations Nan on the release of your book! I just preordered a kindle copy. Thanks for sharing your life and always...always words of encouragement. Like today...a rough day for me and I was immediately lifted when I read your blog. You are an amazing woman of God...an overcomer...in the temple of our God.
ReplyDeleteGlenda, you are so very precious. Thank you for your sweet words and thank you for ordering a kindle copy! How exciting! I pray for you often. Something that has helped me is learning to live in the moment because God is in the moment with me. That helps to keep me grounded and not get ahead of Him. It also helps to keep me sane. Love you sweet friend.
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