January 6 - A Secret Place (1/6/13)

January 6th - A secret place

Do you have a secret place? A quiet place, safe and serene. A place to talk to God, listen to Him, observe the beauty of His world or just quietly absorb the truths of His Word? Is it under a tree in the back yard? At a park near your house? On your porch, in your cozy bed on a cold winter morning, or a comfy chair in front of a fire? Can you go there when you aren't there? Close your eyes and be there, smell the outdoor smells, the smoke from the fire, hear the birds sing or just hear nothing…quiet…peace? Ok, imagine there are 6 precious loved ones running around, laughing, screaming and playing…cold outside, they are inside and you are not alone. Is the quiet place still there? Do you need to hide in a closet? Or sit outside in the driveway in your car? How long do you need to be there to feel refreshed?

For two blessed days I have been away from my usual. My normal 

routine was given up for the blessings of keeping three of my grands while my middle daughter and son in law got a well-deserved anniversary weekend. My resourceful oldest daughter and husband were the keys to the success. Their youth and experience played an enormous part in the wonderful time we had. So grandkids for 24/7 was not bad at all! It was delightful! There is something terrific about being "in charge" for a temporary amount of time. Your rules can sort of imitate the parents' rules without too much damage if you aren't perfect. A tiny slip up in bed time ritual, or forgetting to brush every single tooth for two days, won't do irreparable harm. The number one goal for all three of the adults was safety! And we succeeded there! My heart is full of gratitude to the team of three. It also made me appreciate again the work children can be and the pride I have in all of my children as parents! They are great at it! I can also testify to the joy of being the grandparent. It is a role that is the best of the best…. a little bit strict (very little) but a lot of love! Just lavishing them with love every chance I got! That was the best part!

In all the hustle, bustle, laughter, tears and survival tactics, I did find a short time to go to my quiet place. Just a few minutes with my Bible and a breath of God's Word, and it was multiplied to me. I was fine, I was filled up and refreshed in Him. I closed my eyes, opened the book with all the answers, asked God for His blessing and it was given. All was well, and all is well.

"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust. ..He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you safe." Psalm 91:11

Pray: Thank you, Father, for the refreshment of time with You. Your protection is the source of peace in the midst of chaos and noise. Your presence is the protection for all those who trust in You. You are the amazing God of the secret places. 

Amen