Day is Done

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

It is Friday evening as I sit writing. I’ve had a busy afternoon and as I sat down to write the words ‘day is done’ came to me. And, I confess, I am glad this day is done as I am tired.

Day is done is also a phrase from a lullaby sung by the artist Honeytree. She came out of the Jesus movement and I heard her lullaby while I was pregnant with our oldest daughter. After her birth we sang a bit of the lullaby to her and then to her sister. We have also sung it to our grandchildren too. The title of the song is “Lullaby in Jesus’ Name” .

So, today is done. All of the thoughts, the problems, the activities are finished. Tomorrow will be fresh and new. Grace from our Lord will be new in the morning. Tomorrow will hold enough for us to deal with. Tomorrow Jesus will be there, just as He was today. “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)

So often at the end of a day I think, it’s time for dessert, for pajamas and for television. It is a habit now. Years past when we had young children, my thought process was different. I wanted them to end their day peacefully, singing songs like the one above, listening to their prayers and praying for them. It was our ritual. It was our way of going to sleep. Our songs revolved around Jesus and His love for our children. We prayed that throughout the night our Lord would watch over our children. It gave the night a quiet ending.

Later, as we sing this song to our grandchildren, a knot will rise up in our throats as we sing, “In His name we say good-night, but never have to say good-bye.” But, we will have to say good-bye sometime, if only for a bit.

My day is done. I have done my chores. I have finished my appointments. Pajamas are calling me. I am going to relax. But, in the back of my mind I remember my friend who is sitting by the bedside of an ill sister, praying for her to rally and be restored. I think of another friend who is in the hospital on the other side of the country, wishing I could be with her. Still another friend who is dealing with a serious illness in her great grandchild. The list can go on. Friends who have lost children too soon, broken hearts that are searching to be healed.

Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. He knows of each situation and circumstance. He is there in the hospital rooms, He is there in the quietness of broken hearts, He is there.

So, as I climb into my pajamas, my heart is with those in need and I pray that their day may be done so that they can rest.

The Dance of the Leaves begin

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

Fall began today. At least according to the calendar. We went to do our Costco run and the car temp read 95 degrees. It was miserable, but the sky was bright blue and the clouds were puffy and white. It was a nice, albeit, hot day.

As we were exiting Costco, it looked like it was evening outside. Considering we got there around 1 p.m., I knew we hadn’t taken that long inside. We got to the car, put everything in and put our cart back. The sky was dark and threatening.

Dale commented that he hoped the storm wasn’t going to involve hail and off we went towards home. The temperature gauge in the car read 85 degrees. As we drove down the interstate, there were leaves blowing around the sky. I had already had the title for this post and wondered what I was going to say about it. I realized I had a post.

The rain was strong as was the wind. There was a ballet of leaves and pine needles going on above us and in front of us. We drove past a farm called Walnut Grove farm and all of a sudden we heard thump, thump, thump, we were being hit by something. We laughed (well, I laughed) and told Dale that he had said he didn’t want hail, but he forgot to mention walnuts. The nuts from the tree lined street were blowing the nuts to the ground and we were in the way.

The dance of leaves continued as we came home. I guess this is just the beginning of the colder season coming upon us. Soon the leaves will be laying on the ground preparing a covering for the spring growth.

I loved our homeward adventure today, but, I have to say the walnuts were a bit of a surprise to us.

“Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem!  Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring” Joel 2:23 (NLT)

Quiet

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

Some synonyms of quiet are: muted, peaceful, silent, soft, hushed, reserved, still, low, soundless.

Today I have pondered quiet. As I walked today there was a muffled sound of traffic in the distance, the call of the birds in the trees, and the sound of my footsteps on the driveway gravel.

It was still, peaceful, hushed. We longed for quiet when we lived in San Diego. We were opposite the freeway. There was the constant hum of eight lanes of traffic. The steady rumble of vehicles traveling by at high speeds. The access road below our house sounded with the thump, the grating, the grinding of the machines in various buildings. In the sky above was the sound of jets landing and departing from the airport. Police helicopters swooped by sometimes instructing those below to remain in their homes for safety. Military jets and helicopters flew overhead, training or heading to a mission. There was no quiet. It was constant noise pollution all around us.

Now, we live in a rural place. Our home is surrounded by woods. We live on a quiet road. Rarely do we hear planes or helicopters. It is still, peaceful and our bodies have adjusted to the lack of noise.

So often we keep ourselves at such a hectic pace, it is hard to be still. We grow used to chaos, noise, activity. It wears us out, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I used to drive to the mountains when we lived in San Diego. The mountains offered quiet, stillness. I would leave early in the morning and spend time soaking the quiet while parked beside Lake Cuyamaca. Eventually I would head home a bit refreshed. By time I got home, though, fighting the traffic and starting to plan meals for the family in my head, I was once more unsettled and busy.

When looking for our forever home, the one thing we both readily agreed on was it had to be quiet. Our precious Lord answered that request in abundance.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Fall Shadows

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

Today the temperature is in the mid to high 80’s. Of course there is really no humidity so it makes the temp bearable.

As I walked out to the mailbox just now, the sun was shining brightly as I closed the door. I could feel the heat of the sun and the warmth it provided. By the time I got to the mailbox a slight breeze was blowing and I thought to myself, “ahh! Fall.” That glorious time of the year where you see the fluffy clouds in the sky and the leaves changing from green to yellow and red. It was wonderful.

As I walked toward the house, the sun went behind the clouds and the breeze felt a bit cooler.

My thoughts then went to how when we are walking with the Lord, listening intently to Him and reading His Word, we bask in the warmth of His presence. We can feel Him in all we do and we are covered in the glow of Him.

Likewise, when we drift away from the Lord, like hiding behind the clouds, our life becomes a bit darker, a bit colder, a bit lonelier. The estrangement isn’t noticeable immediately, but if we continue to drift away from His presence, the schism grows deeply.

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

Prayer

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” I Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

Father God, You see the whole world. Your eyes do not miss those who are ill or those who are weeping, those who are grieving, those who are frightened and unsure. Each person, each problem, each dilemma is being noticed by Your eyes.

Today I humbly ask that You allow those whose tears are falling to feel Your perfect presence. For those who are in lonely places, sit beside them and comfort them. For those in the hospital, speak healing and restoration to them. For those who are grieving, wrap Your arms of understanding around them.

Daily, Lord we hear of requests for prayer. Each one brought because of the weight that is being carried by those we love and care for. We can only offer ourselves as listeners, but You can resolve issues and pains.

Father, open our eyes to see Your glory, Your power, and Your presence. Alone we are nothing. Together, if we keep our eyes on You, we can stand, and hold one another up. Brace and embrace today Lord. I ask this in Your precious Name. Amen

“O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble and oppressed; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to hear,” Psalm 10:17 (AMP)

51 years, a brief look back

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

51 years ago, I never really thought of this above verse. It didn’t matter to me and because of that, I gave it no thought.

In hindsight, though, I think of all that was involved in bringing things to a point 51 years ago.

First a music director from our high school needed things moved to his cottage several miles away from our city. He hired two young men from the school to help him move those things. The two young men worked hard all day long and at the end of the day, he paid them for their work.

One of the young men went home and spent the night in with his parents and siblings. The other asked to use his mother’s car for a date. He then called a young girl who actually had other plans for the night.

The young girl’s sister insisted that the girl should accept the invitation to the date.

The two high school kids went to the bowling alley, bowled three games and drank a cola.

He drove her home, kissed her and they watched the 11:00 news together. He drove home.

All of these things worked together. The night went off without a hitch and that was that.

Now, I can look back and see the hand of God in all of this. Had Dale not worked for his music director, he wouldn’t have had the money to ask me out. Had my sister not insisted I accept the offer of a date, I would have gone to another fire-hall dance with my friend and gone home. I have no idea what would have been the alternate of that evening fifty one years ago today.

At the time I had no idea that it would be my last first date. I had no idea it would be my last first kiss. I had no idea that one date would be the beginning of my future. It’s funny how moments can pass innocently and we never think it was really a momentous moment.

Yet, God knew the plans He had for me. Plans for a future and a hope. Plans for good even when we goofed up and went on another path that could lead to disaster. God had a plan. I have often questioned this plan. When on my own with two young children and a deployment being extended several times over, when times were lean and months were long, when sickness or broken bones occurred and the Navy had my support system on the other side of the world.

Yet, today, I see that all of these plans were right for us. We have grown up together. We have stretched each other many times. We have challenged one another, each holding our ground firmly.

Through it all, God has seen us through. 51 years ago was our first date, thank you Mr. Runzo for that $40 you paid the guys. Thank you Mom for letting Dale use your car. Thank you Dottie for suggesting bowling instead of the fire-hall dance. Little did we know you were all part of a bigger plan.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT)

Pardon Me, My human-ness is showing

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23

Yes, this is my scripture for me today. You know those days where it is much better to go hide and tape your mouth shut? That’s today. That’s me. Full disclosure, complete honesty.

We all have those days, we all regret those days. I could blame it on the two Krispie Kreme donuts I had earlier, but no, I cannot. I really cannot blame it on anything except me being me.

On days like this, it seems my mouth engages and goes on and on and I stand and look at myself and wonder where that person came from. I thought when I got to be my age, I would have tackled and conquered these actions. Guess not. I can blame a lot of things as the reason for letting my tongue get the best of me, but that would not be correct.

But, what it does shake into me is my need for the Lord. I need to repent of my lashing out and I need to ask for forgiveness from Dale.

So, today I go to a scripture that I need to learn, “It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.” Proverbs 21:9 (NLT)

Boundless Renewal

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

God is steadfast. Each morning He renews the day. He touches the earth and fresh life comes upon nature.

When we look closely we can see the artistry of our Creator. It may be subtle changes or it could be so intense it makes us smile. Like the first snowfall, or rain and wind after a long dry spell, or seeing leaves raining down in the fall. Or, it could be subtle. Seeing the end of the black-eyed Susan’s and then seeing a fall flower peeking out between them.

I may wake up, and think there is nothing new to do or see. I may think I have done all that is new or exciting, but then, I need to remind myself to look closely.

As I walked today this scripture came to mind followed by the song. In my mind I sang the words, knowing that I often overlook and miss the hand of God in my everyday life.

The Steadfast Love Of The Lord Never Ceases,
His Mercies Never Come To An End;
They Are New Every Morning,
New Every Morning,
Great Is Thy Faithfulness, O Lord.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

A Quiet Day

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

Most of my days are quiet. With just Dale and I together, we live a pretty sedate life. We enjoy it and relish our time together.

Today, Dale was gone and my thoughts wandered back to other times when I would have a day just for myself. I was a stay at home Mom for most of my life. I started back to work when our youngest started school. I worked part time so that I could be with my girls and they could have a schedule. It worked for us.

Before our girls were born, I usually had every other day off for the most part. I worked days on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and evenings on Thursday, Friday and once a month on Saturday. During those days off I would wander down to the villages we lived near in Japan. I would browse the shops and enjoy our surroundings. Stopping at the fruit and vegetable market, I would buy our produce and head home, either by bus or just walking. They were peaceful days and I loved the experience of living overseas.

When the girls came along, quiet days were very rare, although occasionally we would hit on one. Times spent at a park or at the beach didn’t feel quiet, but in retrospect they were wonderful memory filled times.

I stopped working full time when Dale finished college after his military retirement. His job required him to travel and I once more had quiet days to myself.

I enjoy quiet times and once we both officially retired, time together was what we have shared. I do confess, though, there are times when I ask when the next deployment is going to be. Those comments are met with laughter and I think only about the closets I would like to clean out and have things ‘disappear’.

That is what I have found. Retirement is a wonderful time, but, as a housewife purging unnecessary things is difficult. Also, just watching mindless movies that are predictable isn’t common. I find myself being cognizant of what I watch, what I snack on, what I do.

Today, though, was a throw-back quiet day. A day to myself. It has been relaxing. I haven’t really accomplished anything. I have sat back and absorbed the quiet. I have eaten brownies. The closets are still cluttered, the floors still need vacuumed, the ironing is still waiting, wrinkled, but I am almost relaxed. The dinner hour is approaching and I am drawing a blank, but I know I will bring something together.

For now, the quiet of the house has given me a respite. It has been nice. I have needed a quiet day.

A Mother’s Heart

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

Recently I have been thinking about a mother’s heart. Not her physical heart, but that part of a woman that makes her Mom.

When a woman finds out she is going to be a mother, at least for me, it changes her outlook on everything. Things are weighed with safety, and logic. We are bound to the life within us and it is part of who we are and who we become.

When my daughters were young I worried incessantly. Was I doing the right things? Was I taking care of them correctly? Was I attentive enough? I continued to feed, change, bathe, clothe and hover as much as I could. The result? My girls became girls.

When my daughters reached the age of being girls, I worried incessantly. Did they have enough nice toys? Did they have a healthy meal? Did they have enough social interaction? I continued to watch their diet, their social lives, their wardrobe and I hovered close by. The result? They became teenagers.

As teens I worried incessantly. Were they safe at school and during social activities? Were they making right food choices when I wasn’t there? Were they comfortable in their clothes and skin? Were they happy? I continued to monitor and hovered from a distance (or so I thought). The result? They became adults.

As adults, I worried incessantly. Did they have enough? Were they happy? Were they safe? I watched from afar and tried not to hover. The results? They became wonderful women with husbands and families.

Now, their family is growing up. I see them doing some of the same things I did. I smile and try to reassure them.

But, now, my mother’s heart questions myself. Did I do right? Did I make a good example? Did I do it right?

I know all women think similar thoughts. For those of us with children, we realize they were gifted to us for a season and questions linger when we think of the season where we had influence on our children. A mother worries. It’s our nature. We want to nurture, but we need to learn when it is not our job to nurture all the time, it is time for spouses to take that place.

I think the hardest part of parenting now, for me, is to not push myself on them. My girls have families and commitments and duties that I am not part of. I think of them daily. I pray for them daily. And yes, I worry daily. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT)

I love this scripture, yet, I wonder, did I direct them correctly? With those thoughts I once more pray for them and yes, I worry, are they happy? Do they have enough? Are they okay? Did they laugh today?