Restful END of a busy Weekend!

 

What a great and wonderful weekend and EXTRA day off yesterday. But, it was busy. Sunday Services, and the exhaustion that brings led into another busy day on Monday. The day started off with a FAMILY REUNION. We got to the shelter house at 9am and the doors were locked. Stephanie and I were there with my mom and my older sister. There was no one in the entire park to help us. Eventually the police department got in touch with someone and two hours later they opened up the shelter. We rushed to set up the food, tables, and chairs, took a deep breath and enjoyed the next several hours with most of my brothers and sisters and their families. But even with the crowd of 32 (I think) we were missing about half of us. Most of my family was out enjoying Labor Day in California, Washington State, Mississippi, and Northern Indiana. LOL! It was fun reconnecting with my brothers and sisters that were able to make it. I had a couple of cousins there and also had a couple of DISTANT local relatives able to attend. Thanks for coming Larry and Rita. It was fun. 

After the rush of getting together with the family, Stephanie rushed north to sit with the GKIDS up in Garrett while they waited for Lindsae and Bobby to get home. Keegan rushed off to shop with her mom and Klayton headed to work. After the whirlwind of a day, I sat down on the front porch and took a quiet, and peaceful nap. The SUN felt great. I have realized, the older I get the more I ADORE WARMTH! The porch provided just enough shade in the 80 degree day to make it a perfect setting for napping and writing. I did a little of both and I loved it. 

The scripture this morning in Isaiah reminded me of my porch and the end of my busy weekend.

"Then the Lord will wash the filth from beautiful Zion and cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstains with the hot breath of fiery judgment. Then the Lord will provide shade for Mount Zion and all who assemble there. He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day and smoke and flaming fire at night, covering the glorious land. It will be a shelter from daytime heat and a hiding place from storms and rain." (Isaiah 4:4-6, NLT)

Isaiah starts off his writing with a lot of "fire and brimstone." Jerusalem has rejected God, they deserve his harsh words. But Isaiah is not without compassion and the anger of God does not last forever. Even in the chaos God will not abandon Israel and he will not abandon us. Earlier in Isaiah 4, Isaiah talks about the coming Messiah, the beautiful and glorious branch to come. 

We are a sinful people, but God is a compassionate and loving God. Yes, there is judgment we must face. But for those who call on the Lord will also see a day of RESTORATION. And in the promise of restoration God will provide shelter. Yesterday, my shelter was my front porch. It was my refuge from the sun. It also has been a pleasant refuge from the rain and the storms. 

I am thankful for the time of respite yesterday after a busy Sunday and Monday. God provides refuge, strength, renewal, and restoration. 

Heavenly Father, I come to you with praise as my refuge, my strength, and my ever present help in times of trouble. Even if I was not troubled yesterday, I still needed a place of rest. I thank you that I found that rest on the front porch, but I also found rest searching your word and listening to your voice in the peace and quiet of a warm afternoon. Thank you Father, for your patience with me and your wonderful compassion. Amen!