I woke up this morning not really knowing what this day off work would bring, but open to any opportunity that God would present.
My initial “plan” was to spend some time walking on my treadmill in the basement, but before I did that, I craved some quiet time with God. True quiet time. No TV, no phone, just true silence. Yes, this still exists and can be found if you are truly looking for it.
I found it this morning.
As the silence enveloped me, I opened my heart and mind to God. I was not disappointed when God met me there. It can be overwhelming when His presence is felt. Tears appear without reason, but yet, you know why. He is with you and you just can’t not cry in His presence.
It didn’t end there.
As I allowed God to fill my heart, I opened my tear-filled eyes and looked around. I love this small room in the basement–it is where I write, where I read and where I go to find that quiet solitude I need. Shelves of books line one wall and I found myself scanning the books. Some are mine, but many were my mother’s books–a collection I am blessed to have. She was an avid early morning reader over coffee. I have had these books since her death, but it was as if I was looking at each book for the first time.
Friends, I love my Kindle as much as you do, but there is just something life-changing about holding a book in your hands that someone you love held in theirs. I found such emotion attached to this book I was led to and to know that my mother had read this book looking for peace and strength, just as I was today. I wondered if her tears of pain or joy fell on these pages, just as mine did today.
As time passed, time also stood still for me. I turned each weathered page of this book and found myself captivated by the encouraging words of others who have been exactly where I am right now and were willing to share what they have learned on their journey. Before I knew it, I had reached the end of this inspirational book. Words To Live By was originally published in 1947 and again several times throughout the 1950’s.
My take on this book?
Think about what was going on in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The people of this era had difficult and struggles that our generation just can’t touch.
Was I inspired and encouraged? Absolutely.
I feel that God blessed me tremendously this morning by allowing me to find what I was looking for in my mother’s library, this legacy she left me in the books she read daily, seeking peace and strength in her personal struggles in life.
This morning, I went purposefully to a place seeking peace and communion with God. He did not fail me. He gave me exactly what I was seeking and more.
I will be going back to that place.
Often.
Have a blessed day, dear family and friends. May God bless you and keep you.
~ Jill Hicks Lawson