Upside-Down, Inside-Out

My mind is in a bit of a muddle. Ever been there? When life feels-upside down and inside-out? Can’t make heads or tails of life’s situations? Knowing that God is in control, and yet you still feel like the gray days of winter?

A friend texted me tonight out of the blue. She asked about things here. Sent lovely photos of her day. And allowed my heart to share. That’s a blessing that we all need these days. Connection. Not isolation. Not feeling like our plate is overflowing and there’s no one to catch the overflow before it falls. To know we aren’t in this life alone.

I visited my favorite park several times this week. Two days I found the surroundings to be gray. One day, the gray was replaced with blue. The blue day saw me at the park for several hours…with a lawn chair and a good book. Sunshine and covers kept me warm. The view was beautiful. The book and time to rest were peaceful.

After a couple of hours of being still, the loop around the lake called to me. Walking and talking with the Lord is a great way to spend time, especially when you need to sort things out. He’s an excellent listener, you know. And by His listening, He encourages me to listen…to Him, the One who has all wisdom and understanding, the One who is peace Himself.

I’m not naive enough to think that I’m the only one feeling like I’m slogging through mud, pulling spider webs out of my hair, while trying to pretend that all is normal. Too much sickness and death, isolation and information, sadness for others or joys not celebrated, hurt and chaos all mixed into our new normal. My day at the park was just one way for me to allow my heart to quiet itself enough to hear. Whatever is going on in your part of the world, may our Father draw you near, give you rest, and allow you the joy of His presence even as He enjoys yours.

Maybe the days at the park are a picture of the way of things…gray days come and may stay awhile. But blue does arrive. And when it does, it’s often accompanied by a golden hue that lifts our spirits just like the sunshine that offers its light and warmth. Jesus is present in every color day. Sometimes stopping to remember that is imperative.

Our Father is good. Hold onto Him. Better yet, let Him hold onto you. Storms only last so long, and then sunshine arrives. God’s glory will shine through. His mercies are new every morning. And His faithfulness is great.

I was reminded this evening that God often uses people to bless people during gray days. Sometimes a message “out of the blue” from a friend is just what we need while we wait for God to bring blue skies to our part of the world. If you can be that friend to bless another, do so. And if you are one who is stuck in the middle of gray right now, may God send someone soon to bless you as I was blessed tonight. For all of us, may the Almighty fill us with His peace.

(Photos taken at Tribble Mill Park, Lawrenceville, GA)