Red Couch

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.