“Learn to linger around someone of ease…” I’m finding there are less and less people I can “linger around” without it taking a massive toll on my energy and my soul- so I’ve been heeding these words more the last couple of years. I’m learning you don’t have to necessarily have to cut all the “vexed in spirit” completely out of your life (some I’ve had to), but definitely need to take them in smaller doses than I used to :)
Since June--a long time ago, these days!--I have been soaking in the presence of one of my favorite writers. His books have been a long-lasting, ever deepening joy that has been feeding my own relationship with a Being Who has exactly that! I have been finding that, instead of Someone Who is always disappointed in His kids, He is Someone Who always has kindness and compassion for my daily wounds and injuries.
The writer is John Eldredge and, since I am someone who lives with debilitating fatigue every day, I am most grateful for the support his books provide. Instead of a broken cistern that will eventually fail to deliver what I need, hos books have pointed me to the ultimate Source of life for me. I can't afford another investment in something that can't hold life, love and hope. I am grateful for what I have found: a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.
Living today just in reflection of yesterday where in the early morning, I had an unexpected out patient surgery and by early afternoon, got a text from my beloved daughter in law in the Pacific Northwest she was catching a flight here, as her Dad has just taken his last breath while in hospice care. So every line in that poem speaks, but perhaps the one that settles on me as I deep breath slowly is “letting calmness claim you”…in the silence.
“The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.” I find myself grieving over the magnitude of hatred and diverseness we are experiencing. My heart breaks and my spirit groans. My Jesus LOVES everyone, why is it so hard for us.
“Be excessively gentle with ourselves.
Stay away from those “vexed” in spirit.
Linger.
Mimic those who appear to be at ease with themselves and in themselves.
Take refuge in your senses.
Respect your heart.
Let calmness claim you.”
These words and more, are the cry of my heart…the every breath I take…the beat of my heart! SUCH a perfect and beautiful poem!
“Learn to linger around someone of ease…” I’m finding there are less and less people I can “linger around” without it taking a massive toll on my energy and my soul- so I’ve been heeding these words more the last couple of years. I’m learning you don’t have to necessarily have to cut all the “vexed in spirit” completely out of your life (some I’ve had to), but definitely need to take them in smaller doses than I used to :)
"Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world."
Since June--a long time ago, these days!--I have been soaking in the presence of one of my favorite writers. His books have been a long-lasting, ever deepening joy that has been feeding my own relationship with a Being Who has exactly that! I have been finding that, instead of Someone Who is always disappointed in His kids, He is Someone Who always has kindness and compassion for my daily wounds and injuries.
The writer is John Eldredge and, since I am someone who lives with debilitating fatigue every day, I am most grateful for the support his books provide. Instead of a broken cistern that will eventually fail to deliver what I need, hos books have pointed me to the ultimate Source of life for me. I can't afford another investment in something that can't hold life, love and hope. I am grateful for what I have found: a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.
Steve
Living today just in reflection of yesterday where in the early morning, I had an unexpected out patient surgery and by early afternoon, got a text from my beloved daughter in law in the Pacific Northwest she was catching a flight here, as her Dad has just taken his last breath while in hospice care. So every line in that poem speaks, but perhaps the one that settles on me as I deep breath slowly is “letting calmness claim you”…in the silence.
That’s a lot indeed. Sure hope for a good recovery and slow time to absorb this all. Blessings!
“The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.” I find myself grieving over the magnitude of hatred and diverseness we are experiencing. My heart breaks and my spirit groans. My Jesus LOVES everyone, why is it so hard for us.
“Now your soul has returned to take you back.” And at your most basic realties….your senses. Love that this poem truly describes times in all lives.❤️
Steve, your words describe what I also am currently feeling!
John’s poem:
“Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.”