As we wrap up our Windows of the Soul series, there’s one last window I’d like to show you:
May our home know joy, each room hold laughter, every window open to great possibilities
I remember finding these adhesive words at the store nearly 5 years ago and an idea hatched about putting them on an old window from our house. That little idea became a focal point of a kitchen makeover.
It was with great hope that I hung these words on the wall, because at that time there was little joy left in our house and no one was laughing about anything. We were struggling to just gather around our kitchen table, much less find joy in being together.
As God would have it, my seat at the table is directly across from this window; I couldn’t avoid its gaze. At first it seemed to be mocking me, shaming me with all the “less thans” I was experiencing as a mother. Then it became a challenge to meet.
It was HOPE that pulled me to pray that the longing in my heart expressed on my wall would come true in my home. My silent prayer became, “God, give us joy and laughter HERE in this place … and open up our lives to new things that are possible with YOU.”
Isaiah 30:18 says is well:
“But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right – everything. Those who wait around for him are (blessed).”
God’s waiting with me so He can strengthen me. Certainly I needed strength for the battle, but what I hadn’t noticed until then was I also needed strength for His MERCY. We are little dust people, as Anne Graham Lotz says, and we can’t hold up to the wondrous mercy of God all at once. It would blow us away!
Our loving God gathers mercy as we wait. Don’t misunderstand. We’re not waiting FOR God. (Peeve alert) I wonder if the Christian community can stop saying, “we’re waiting for God to show up”? How confusing that must be for those looking for Him! He’s right here, friends, and He’s not leaving. Can we agree to only wait WITH God?
Hand in hand, waiting by the window of my soul with my Abba–now that’s how I’ve learned His mercy.
Just a few weeks ago, from my seat at the kitchen table I looked up at that window again. This time all my boys were home, and for the first time in a long time (since before I hung that window, I suppose) there was JOY and laughter. God let us be part of opening a window of great possibility for our son … MERCY!
And I notice today that the mercy in that moment was not so much that our son finally came home, but that we could not begin to take credit for any of it. The waiting has given us time to relinquish our need to be successful parents.
But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
Do you believe that? How are you waiting with God?
Might I suggest DWELLIING? That’s the title and theme of our summer study.
Wednesdays in June, 7 – 8:30 p.m. / Lincoln Berean Church
Marlys & I will look at three women who made their dwelling place with Jesus at different stages and seasons in their lives. They shared joy and sorrow, waiting and glory. We can learn a lot from His way with them.
And we’ll learn from each other as well. Please come!
If you register by June 1, the class is FREE, so sign up as soon as it goes live online May 1st or at the Spotlight booth on Mother’s day weekend.
Equip Her 