As I write on this first day of April there is only a short time remaining of my spring break in the Gulf Shores of Alabama. It has been my first time taking a trip to the ocean waters completely non-work related. Which means I had plenty of time for R&R.
Now I know what you are thinking, rest and relaxation, right? And yes, it has been. But today I am focusing on two other words - Reflection & Restoration.
Reflecting on God's goodness. I am so very blessed. Blessed by my friend Cindy who invited me and my daughter to stay with her at her Gulf Shores Villa. Grateful for great captains who know how to find dolphins, and ensure you see the wonder of God in a sunset over the gulf waters, grateful for baby kangaroos (yes, I got to hold one!)...first time experiences I will not forget.
I am also grateful for the people God is putting in my path...He is at work on my behalf, daily! Of this I am certain. I know for fact that the best days of my life are yet to come. Friends ask what is my secret to looking 20 years younger, and as I reflect...it is hard to provide an answer. Diet is a given, but honestly I think it is a zest for life. I feel good about myself, who I am, where I am going, how I look...and yes, I feel sexy again. I feel loved by God, family, friends...and I give love back...and it generates a glow from within. I guess that must be my secret...and it is available to anyone.
Yesterday I waded in ocean water for the first time. The waves were high, so there was no swimming allowed...but I have always loved watching crashing waves. For me it is such a tiny glimpse of the Creator who controls those waves. There was such an intense awareness of God while I was in that water and watched and felt those waves come in and crash around my legs. If I was not standing firm and steadfast I could have easily been swept off my feet.
And isn't that a little bit like life? Maybe you feel like the waves are crashing around you and are going to swallow you up. I have been there, especially after my husband died. This is where restoration comes in...not the restoration of our physical human body that comes with good food choices and exercise, but a SPIRITUAL RESTORATION.
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." Ps. 23:3
Jesus is the only one who can pull us out of the ocean depths and breathe everlasting life into us and restore our souls. If it were not for my TRUST & FAITH in God, relationship with Jesus, AND allowing the Holy Spirit to work inside me, the swirling waters of life could have sucked me down into the depths. But I chose to rise above death and uncertainty and keep my eyes on the eternal prize.
As I ready to return to Wisconsin, I can still feel those waves swirling around my legs, and almost toppling me into the water. It is an exciting time in my life, my firm foundation in faith is solid, He has blessed me with wisdom and discernment, and I have been given the path that allows me to serve others...and my soul feels very much restored!
I pray for each of you that you find your R&R...take time to reflect on His goodness in your life, and allow Jesus to restore your soul. I promise you will feel younger and a zest for life will return!
Peace,
Rita S.
Now I know what you are thinking, rest and relaxation, right? And yes, it has been. But today I am focusing on two other words - Reflection & Restoration.
Reflecting on God's goodness. I am so very blessed. Blessed by my friend Cindy who invited me and my daughter to stay with her at her Gulf Shores Villa. Grateful for great captains who know how to find dolphins, and ensure you see the wonder of God in a sunset over the gulf waters, grateful for baby kangaroos (yes, I got to hold one!)...first time experiences I will not forget.
I am also grateful for the people God is putting in my path...He is at work on my behalf, daily! Of this I am certain. I know for fact that the best days of my life are yet to come. Friends ask what is my secret to looking 20 years younger, and as I reflect...it is hard to provide an answer. Diet is a given, but honestly I think it is a zest for life. I feel good about myself, who I am, where I am going, how I look...and yes, I feel sexy again. I feel loved by God, family, friends...and I give love back...and it generates a glow from within. I guess that must be my secret...and it is available to anyone.
Yesterday I waded in ocean water for the first time. The waves were high, so there was no swimming allowed...but I have always loved watching crashing waves. For me it is such a tiny glimpse of the Creator who controls those waves. There was such an intense awareness of God while I was in that water and watched and felt those waves come in and crash around my legs. If I was not standing firm and steadfast I could have easily been swept off my feet.
And isn't that a little bit like life? Maybe you feel like the waves are crashing around you and are going to swallow you up. I have been there, especially after my husband died. This is where restoration comes in...not the restoration of our physical human body that comes with good food choices and exercise, but a SPIRITUAL RESTORATION.
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." Ps. 23:3
Jesus is the only one who can pull us out of the ocean depths and breathe everlasting life into us and restore our souls. If it were not for my TRUST & FAITH in God, relationship with Jesus, AND allowing the Holy Spirit to work inside me, the swirling waters of life could have sucked me down into the depths. But I chose to rise above death and uncertainty and keep my eyes on the eternal prize.
As I ready to return to Wisconsin, I can still feel those waves swirling around my legs, and almost toppling me into the water. It is an exciting time in my life, my firm foundation in faith is solid, He has blessed me with wisdom and discernment, and I have been given the path that allows me to serve others...and my soul feels very much restored!
I pray for each of you that you find your R&R...take time to reflect on His goodness in your life, and allow Jesus to restore your soul. I promise you will feel younger and a zest for life will return!
Peace,
Rita S.
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