Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. As I sat in silence before the presence of the Living God, this young deer passed by and it was obvious that she was anxious about being alone. She’s young enough to still need protection and nourishment from her mother but her mother was nowhere to be found. This little creature reminded me of how even though life feels a little empty sometimes and my house no longer overflows with my own young ones; I’m never really alone. My dependency is on the Living God and my protection comes from Him, and when I’m feeling lonely; I go to the source of it All. It’s amazing how focusing on all those blessings in life…present, past and future can make the soul overflow with gratitude and the emptiness fade. Isn’t that the way it is for too?My children are grown and gone and although I miss them desperately; I’m never alone. My heart overflows with love and my mind is filled with wonderful memories that can make me laugh or cry as I recall them. The love I have for children NEVER dims and the walls of this old farm hold their laughter that I can hear if I listen closely with my heart. What a gift from God it is to be able to tap into the love and the joy through the memories any time I want to. Though the chairs on this front porch are empty for now; nothing can take away what my heart feels. I am never alone.
My parents, a sister, two nephews and few other family members of mine have already left this earth. I find peace in knowing the state of their hearts, so I know where I’ll find them again one day. Though their absence leaves a void in life that will last as long as I live; I’m never alone. I can close my eyes and see their faces and if I listen carefully with my heart; I can hear their laughter. I relive old times together often and I’ve kept their memory alive for my children and their legacy in our family will never be forgotten. Though the chairs around my dining table may be a little emptier; nothing can take away what my heart feels. I’m never alone.
I’m blessed to have had some very special friends in my life. Some of them I’ve known and loved for decades. We’ve walked through life’s ups and down’s together and we’ve laughed and we’ve cried and we’ve prayed through it all. Some friends came into my life not so long and they managed to touch my heart and soul the moment our paths crossed. I treasure them all. Although the seasons in life come and go and I don’t see my friends as much as my heart longs to; I’m never alone. I can tap into the memories and I can belly laugh any time I want to. Though the space around me may be empty; nothing can take away what my heart feels. I’m never alone.
I’m treasuring all the people that I love – those who are with me today and all those who have moved on in life or who have found their Resting Place. I’m looking forward to precious times together with my family and my friends that will happen again one day soon. Until then, my heart is filled with love and I know that I’m never alone. How about you? Do you focus on the emptiness in your life and do dwell so much on what you no longer have that you forget to be thankful for what you DO have and do you take the blessing of memories for granted? If so, reach out to me. We’ll have a chat about the Everlasting God and how He can fill ANY void in your heart and how the ability to tap into your memory bank to savor the sweetness of times past is a Gift from God to help comfort us, and when I’m done with you; you’ll never wander around feeling lost and alone like that young deer again, and you’ll be celebrating the fact that you’re NEVER really alone just like I do!
My Front Porch 