This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--REPRESENT
Five minutes to free write about it
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My thoughts on this week's prompt may be a stretch, but I've already skipped several weeks and did not want to miss yet another one.
Yesterday was the first day of fall, and with it came a sudden and unexpected change in temperature. What started out as a hot, humid, rainy morning had turned into hoodie weather by the end of the day and me scrambling to get my outdoor plants inside when my plan had been to leave them out on my balcony for at least a couple more weeks.
One of the definitions I found for the word "represent" was to present a picture, image, or likeness of something. Yesterday's weather, and my life at this moment in time, seem to be good illustrations of not taking things for granted. One moment A/C weather, and needing to switch to heat the next; one moment living what seemed to be a functional life, and the next moment not.
The last several weeks have been a Job-like experience. One thing after another has been taken away. Permanently or temporarily, I do not know. All I know is that I do not know what the next moment will bring, and that I have reached the point of total surrender. There is a great peace that comes with giving up the struggle and trusting God to do what only He can do--in his perfect time, and in His way.
I can hear the anguish in what you are not saying. You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteFMF 12
Thank you so much, Barb. I really appreciate your prayers.
DeleteOh Sandra, I'm so sorry life is so tough at the moment. I'm glad you've reached a place of surrender, but my goodness, it's a tough road to get there sometimes. But like Job you can say, I know my Redeemer lives! I will be praying for you. There's a special kind of knowing Him that only comes in the valleys, and I pray that You will know His comfort. He gave me a huge, holy hug yesterday. I've shared it on yesterday's post. Hope it encourages you. FMF #5 this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words, Kath, and for your prayers.
DeleteI'm sorry you are having such loss. Trust can be hard, but so thankful for the peace you have. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mari.
DeleteHi Sandra - You will be in my prayers, Sandra. One of my favorite scriptures is, Proverbs 3: 5-6. I believe that there is nothing in this world that can defeat us as long as we trust in God. Blessings, Barb
ReplyDeleteAmen! (And thanks for your prayers, Barb.)
DeleteTotal surrender is really hard for me. It seems I try to take some things back and then have to start all over again.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are going through such a difficult time right now.
I have missed you and your posts for the last few weeks.
Sue
Thanks for the kind words, Sue.
DeleteIt's a tough place to be in, not quite knowing what the future holds, but you give me hope with your closing sentence: and that I have reached the point of total surrender. There is a great peace that comes with giving up the struggle and trusting God to do what only He can do--in his perfect time, and in His way.: Maybe that trust in God solidify your days. visiting from FMF21
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annette.
DeleteI'm so sorry you're having a rough time, Sandra! May the God of green hope draw near to you as you endure the changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anita.
DeleteI feel the pain coming through your words. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing one thing after another being taken away. In understand Job-like experiences and it's tough. Job's story didn't end with loss, it ended with redemption and restoration far greater than his beginning. So it's true for us too. Chapter 42 is coming!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm believing. Hope it doesn't take too long.
DeleteI will be praying for you, my dear Sandra, as I am sure you have prayed for me. Hold on and see how God will work everything out for your good.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your prayers, Linda.
DeleteThey romanticize Job's journey,
ReplyDeletesugarcoat the trouble,
say this side of eternity,
we'll be repaid with double
of that which has been taken
at such a fearful cost.
But as the heart is shaken
and as so much is lost
the glibness of that solace
shines out its plastic smile
from ones who have not had to face
that long and sad Green Mile
that even God's beloved Son
walked to be what must become.
Thanks for the sonnet, Andrew. You have a real gift that is much appreciated.
DeletePrayer is powerful!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteWishing you a very Happy Birthday yesterday... I do hope you had a wonderful day, Sandra... (:0)
ReplyDeleteSue
Thanks, Sue.
Delete