Red Couch
I am
sitting in the corner of a lovely red couch. I have a cottage to myself, loaned
to me by generous and thoughtful friends. All around me, I see light love
touches, reminders of the importance of family. Someone invested a lot of time
in creating a welcoming space. Feet away, a door stands open. I can feel cool
air enter the room through the screen. I hear birds call to one another. It
rained last night and I am grateful for the fresh morning air. I needed this,
time away with no voices other than my own and Gods of course. I still hear
them though, the voices, the pull from my people, the ones I love and share
intimate life with. Somehow time alone is never really time alone, is it dear
reader?
I see a sway
Sorting
through who I am, separate from other humans, is a confusing piece of work.
Rarely, if ever, are we free to have our own opinions, our own thoughts,
without someone coming along and attempting to change our minds. Even as I sit
on the red couch, I see a sway; someone is longing for me to look here and
there, notice this and appreciate that…I can, here in this space because with
every throw pillow and blanket, with every written message and picture on the
wall, kindness is on display. I am a guest in a home that feels filled with
love. If this is changing my mind, if this is shaping who I am, it is good. The
sun shone directly into the window as I typed the words "it is good"
dear reader. Truth is always light.
Take heart
What is
good is the question?
I have said these things to you, that in me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have
overcome the world (John 16:33).
Then there is this dear reader:
Do
not be deceived.: "Bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians
15:33).
If peace is available, then I want it. If bad company ruins good morals,
then I don't want the bad company. Sorting what is good for us, what gives us
peace and aligns with our morals is the work of being a human in this
world of tribulation. The voices in our heads, whether our own or belonging to
others, they can be stilled and muted. Hearing his voice can help us find our
own.
Red
couches and borrowed cottages, they are good.
