There is what appears to be a queen bee
buzzing around my room today. She is looking for something, a place to nest,
something to eat, I don’t know. She appeared out of nowhere and her loud buzz,
buzzing disturbed my early morning devotions. I suppose eventually I will shoo
her out the window with broom in hand. Right now, she’s ok, peacefully sitting
on my ceiling looking down at me.
For me, I kind of feel like that bee.
Watching, waiting, only now, wonders of wonders, a door of opportunity has opened
up for me. I am waiting, ready to take the steps through that doorway. I am
amazed that soon after that prayer at the altar of week or two ago, the iron
brass of heaven has opened and prayers for my life are being answered.
I’ve grown used to waiting and it feels odd
to have the wait over. I have to keep
reminding myself that yes, God has answered prayers of myself and many of my
beloved church members. After commuting for four years 2.5 hours a day, I have
gotten a job 20 minutes from my home. A job that matched my salary, pays for my
medical, (I’ve had no coverage for several years), and has all kinds of
additional perks and bonuses. More time off, 401 K contributions, more sick
leave, more holidays, and four day weeks. That means, I’ll have 3 day weekends
every week.
I gave my notice at my current job, finding
it a little hard to do. I’m Union and way up on the seniority list. I know that
job, I know the people, it’s a difficult job, but I can do it. But……. I’m tired
and the cost of commuting - energy wise, money wise has been horrendous.
And so, 9 days from now I will go to my
first day at the new job. Thank you GOD!!
A new chapter in my life.
This morning I walked out and visited my roses. They are
valiantly putting out their blooms in spite of my neglect. My cherry trees are
full leaved and the branches the deer can’t reach are lacy barriers to the
predicted hot sunny day. My outside kitten, Skipper, (Skippy for short) eats
his breakfast in the morning sun, fresh morning air bathing our world in it’s
breezes.
This morning I’ve been finding things
I’ve lost for weeks, my office keys, my social security card, a turquoise
necklace from Mexico I love, the last of my checkbooks, the cord to my
keyboard. It’s as if a freedom has been poured into my life and the stuck
places are being unstuck. I know that’s
not a very philosophical explanation but that’s what it’s like I know God is
pouring out a blessing as a result of the prayers of my church. Yes I’ve
prayed, daily, but I believe that the persistence of some of my church prayer
warriors have helped immensely to open the doors of heaven. Jesus told us to pray
without ceasing and in everything let our requests be made known unto God. The
Bible is full of stories where people prayed and then waiting and then…… the
answer came.
I truly believe these last four years have refined my
character. Oh I don’t think I’ve arrived, but I do believe the combined
extenuating circumstances have helped sand out some of the rougher places of my
life. I know there will be new challenges, new adventures, but for now the
release from the burden of the commute, the financial impact, the daunting work
load are just a great source of relief and thanksgiving.
A holiday week is on the horizon and I chose to use my last
remaining vacation day to have a four day weekend. I am torn between going
camping up the Columbia Gorge and staying home and devoting myself to cleaning,
organizing and getting ready for the next phase.
I really think the
camping will win. I love cooking over an open fire a hot dog or two. Enjoying
the wood smoke, waking up to brisk morning air and the wealth of a day ahead
with water, hikes, trees, and lakes spread out like rich, green emeralds for
the taking.
I do have three more days at my current job. Busy ones
packing 5 days of work into 3; letting my clients know I’m leaving, saying my
goodbyes, packing up my small office and closing my files. This chapter in my
book of life is closing. I have prayed and tried to pour my life out into the
lives of the hundreds of men and women who’ve I’ve had the privilege of being
counselor to. I’ve prayed for them, my
church has prayed for them and I’ve worked very hard, (with God’s strength) to
provide them with lots of opportunities to change their lives. To dream a new
dream, to find hope, to connect with their Higher Power, to believe that with
God anything is possible, including staying clean and crime free.
Now, I’m off to my Weight Watchers
meeting, weekly shopping and a list of to-do’s.
I want to thank those of you who have
lifted up prayers for me. I want you to know our God is faithful and He has
provided a way of escape for me so that I can bear my load.
Thank you God,
Today,
I have joy in the morning.
Seek God, pray and be
blessed. Until we meet again….
Robin