Peace and new life

This morning I took all three dogs out on the patio before the sun came up. As I stood there with a blanket around me waiting for them to come back to the door I noticed our tree. It blossoms so beautifully when in full bloom. But just a couple of days ago I was sitting out there and the tree had not the slightest of signs it would even have leaves. It could have been weeks before it began to change. But this morning there are leaves – – bright green, fresh and vibrant. The tree is new again. It has sprung to life in seemingly a moment’s time. And in the days to come I’ll walk out there and it will be full of bright pink flowers, calling me to sit beneath it.

Yesterday was Easter.

The day we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. On Saturday there was no sign of life. But Sunday morning Mary stood at the empty tomb. Sunday morning everything was new. On Sunday what was dead had been revived.  And Monday? Can you imagine what was happening on Monday? The hope that was once dead and gone suddenly had new life! The dreams people had once set aside were now breathing again!

Everything changed on Sunday

And on Monday the world was a whole new place.

What would life be like if we could live on Saturday as if we knew what would happen on Sunday? What if we could live on Friday believing that Monday was up ahead?

Sometimes I get a peek into what God is doing in my life right now. I see that He is moving and working on His plan for me. I feel content and at peace knowing that it is good. But more than not, I see what is happening in my world right now, and I feel afraid. I wonder what lies ahead. I feel sad at what will no longer be.

I feel alone and invaluable.

How do I live less in the latter and more in the former? How do I rest, more often, knowing that His plan for me is good? How do I trust, all the time, where He is taking me? I actually do know. It’s honestly quite simple.

Stay close.

Just stay close to the Father. Stay in conversation, sit quietly, listen. Just. Be. With. Him. In His presence is fullness of joy. With Him there is a peace that passes all understanding. My favorite verse says it all:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5