I am sitting here, waiting on the morning call from my mother, enjoying my coffee and listening to the rain falling outside. I’ve also been visiting the many blogs that I follow. Every one with something to share. Every one, gives you something to take away with you. A better understanding, with a touch more clarity of something you knew.Their words and photographs inspire me to write more, to try harder.
I would not call myself a teacher, my writings are not instructional or informative as many I have seen and read. It isn’t sharing about various wildlife, or how to write better. I cannot tell you the best way to publish, and I have nothing to sell.
I do have something to share though. Simple words, from a single lane, rather short, dead end, dirt road somewhere out in the county. I share, from the heart.
The year that shall not be named and even yet into this new year, we are still suffering and fighting. We are striving for an end to the battle that has waged from the beginning of last year. We are tired of struggling to survive.
The mental battle of trying to understand what is going on around us and how to deal with it. What do we need to do, what can we learn to make our lives and the lives around us better through this? How do we protect those important to us?
The physical battle of trying to stay healthy. Those who can get out, trying to find safe ways to hike, bike or other outdoor activity. Those who do not have that ability, seeking ways to exercise and move around better at home. Hint, it doesn’t take an expensive home gym.
The financial battle, especially for those who have lost their job. The ones who are really seeking other employment but not finding. The ones doing their best to feed their family under trying circumstances.
The emotional battle. When you have stay apart so long, the mind plays morbid games. The solitude bears on the mind and heart. The feelings of entrapment creating a struggle. The feelings of being forgotten, a dark hole difficult to escape from.
Yesterday I wrote about a biblical description of contentment. Which you can find here: https://rebeccasrevels.wordpress.com/2021/01/25/january-twenty-fourth-footnotes-of-contentment/
Here is an online description: https://passnownow.com/contentment/
Right now though, as I sit here listening to the rain, my thoughts are on peace. The rain falling is an easy rain, not a hard pounding downpour. The skies are that soft, singular grey color. No variation breaking it up in any way. I fed the feral cats while waiting my phone call and they have ran out and eaten and disappeared back under the house.
I’m looking out my windows at the world outside, while inside, at this very moment, my heart feels peace.
All of the above concerns are still there. We still have not defeated the battles that continue around us. I am not forgetting those that struggle every day. Those thoughts fuel my desire to use the ability that I am content I possess. That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But He also gives me peace. A calm within to understand that nothing will happen that He is not aware. Everything we are seeing has been foretold and must come to pass. In that peace, there is a calming strength.
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-is-the-peace-of-god-biblical-meaning.html
I am at peace with the fact I no longer work, meaning I can be here for my parents. I am also thankful for that.
I am at peace that though I can’t buy everything that catches my eye, my bills are paid.
I am at peace, with my status.
It isn’t just a curl up in a chair, before a fire or window or on the deck, with a good book and drink peace. It is more than an inner calm. It is more than the feeling one has when holding a loved one close. It is all of that and then some.
The peace that I have, I believe will give me a more clear head. Without the stress, without the fear, with out the depression, I can face things that come, better. I’m not struggling with all the anger and confusion that can come when there is an absence of peace. Peace fills that place in our heart, mind and spirit that brings a calm like none other. Peace that allows us to see the world around us, understanding the ugly, but still seeing the beauty.
I believe, when we find that peace, allowing it to grow inside to an overflowing, we then seek to do everything within our power and beyond, to spread that feeling. To share with others in the hope that they too, will find their peace.
Words from The Dirt Road 