Contrasting Color

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I wrote this short entry in my journal about a month ago and just thought I’d share it here on my blog. I hope you are encouraged by it.

I’m here in my very favorite “happy place”, in my hammock by Lake Harriet. Today I’m reading poems by Helen Steiner Rice. My mom loved her writings and they speak life into my soul as well. One poem that especially spoke to me today is called, “Never Borrow Sorrow From Tomorrow.”

It’s a beautiful, cool, crisp morning with some freshly fallen leaves on the ground. I enjoy gazing at the royal blue sky and the tranquil scene around me. Two kingfishers just had a disagreement in the tree in front of me and the crows are an ever present cacophony in the background.  I sense God’s presence through nature in this picturesque scene.

Across the lake are some lovely, yellow, fall flowers, brilliant in the morning sun. They are a stark contrast to the more somber tones around— painting a  beautiful tapestry of color.

Lord, I want to be like one of those blossoms, willing to stand out and be a bright spot in this somber, degraded world. From a human perspective my outlook and future may look pretty bleak. I want to be shining brightly of heavenly beauty in contrast to the drabness of this earth and its trials. 

I know I won’t always do it perfectly. Sometimes it may seem that there are more grim realities to focus on than joys and blessings.  Help me in each tomorrow be able so see the beauty of that day. No matter what the future holds, give me the ability and strength to demonstrate the contrast of Your loveliness to all the observers around me. 

Comments

  1. CarolNovember 19, 2019 at 5:45 AM

    Dear Sister Shelly - just wanted to let you know that I and my family continue to lift you up in prayer. There is a quote that I came across years ago in a book I read. I don't even remember the name of the book but I wrote down the quote as it seemed quite profound. I don't even have the author of the quote. Here is the quote:"As Christians we know, in theory at least,that in the life of a child of God there are no second causes,that even the most unjust and cruel things,as well as all seemingly pointless and undeserved sufferings,have been permitted by God as a glorious opportunity for us to react to them in such a way that our Lord and Savior is able to produce in us, little by little, his own lovely character". I see His lovely character in you and your trust and faith in God is an encouragement to us all. Thank you for sharing your journey.

    Numbers 6:24-26,
    Sister Carol Sowers

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    Replies
    1. Shelly PowellMay 23, 2021 at 10:04 AM

      Wow! Thanks Carol. Somehow I missed that comment earlier. So true! Thanks for sharing and for your encouragement and prayers!

      Delete
  2. UnknownNovember 30, 2019 at 8:10 AM

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  3. UnknownNovember 30, 2019 at 8:15 AM

    Dear Shelly,
    I recently heard about the challenges you face. I have been so encouraged by the trusting outlook you have chosen to have through it.

    As you mentioned Helen Steiner Rice, my mind went back to a patient I had at the San at LCA. On the wall just inside her door, she had a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that spoke to me back then and I decided back then to memorize it. It has been an encouragement for me ever since.

    Step By Step
    Helen Steiner Rice

    He does not lead me year by year,
    Nor even day by day.
    But step by step my path unfolds,
    My Lord directs my way.

    Tomorrow's paths I do not know,
    I only know this minute.
    But He will say, "This is the way,
    By faith, now walk ye in it."

    And I am glad that it is so.
    Today's enough to bear.
    And when tomorrow comes, His grace
    Shall far exceed its care.

    What need to worry then, or fret.
    The God who gave his Son
    Holds all my moments in His hand
    And gives them one by one.

    Praying that God will supply all your needs each day and give you the strength you need as you face this!

    As your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

    Love,
    Cheryl Hosford

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shelly PowellMay 23, 2021 at 10:08 AM

      Powerful poem! Amazing you memorized it back in LCA days. Thanks for sharing and for your prayers and thoughts. Another amazing poet that I have been blessed by recently (but not as well known as Helen Steiner Rice) is Annie Johnson Flint.

      Delete

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