Friends
What is your morning routine like? Is there a place you can go for a private retreat, a few moments alone to relax and consider the coming day? For me, that place is most definitely my front porch!
Below is a pic of my morning retreat this summer! My husband labeled it as my “little nest!”
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“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.”
Psalm 104:12 – NIV
only a faint glow marks the horizon as I make my way to my front porch perch. Cushions in place, my feet on my low footstool, I nestle in and begin to rock. The cicadas have their volume set on high. The birds to my left hit the first note of the morning playlist, and their partners to my right chime in with perfect pitch. The squirrels scamper up the old pine tree in front of me as if playing a game of hide-and-seek.
The trees in the distance remain in shadow, a line of tall sentries on alert, watching and waiting. With each passing moment, the glow on the horizon amplifies, Highlighting the thin layer of clouds that hovers just above the treeline.
As the light grows brighter, I let my gaze drift to the flowers encircling me like a nest. The bright green of my coleus glows in the golden light. The fronds of my asparagus fern stir in the gentle breeze. Geraniums surround me, their plethora of bright blooms weaving a tapestry of brilliant color. My coral geranium must have twenty blooms, each perfectly round and beautifully highlighted by its forest green foliage. The hot pink geranium on the table is smaller in stature, but covered in blooms, refusing to be outdone by it’s neighbors. The vibrant orange geranium cascading from the bright blue pot sits just inches from my toes, while its burgundy compadre rests a foot from my right shoulder, offering a centerpiece for my makeshift breakfast table.
My pure white vinca is spilling over the edge of its tall black pot, its blooms so plentiful that I can barely slide past it. There are tender pink blooms dangling from the stems of my dragonfly begonias. The pale pink vinca on the steps are framed by the dark green of more asparagus ferns.
My gaze shifts from one beautiful sight to another, and then out to the horizon. The clouds are glowing now, backlit by the rising sun, and I inhale a deep, contented breath. Beauty in the distance, beauty all around me, our gracious God beginning a new day filled with His glory.
Ensconced in my glider, enveloped by beauty, my heart is overwhelmed by the wonder of creation. It’s as if I am perched inside a cozy nest, a nest of flowers, peering out at the majesty of God’s morning miracle.
The words come to my mind, flowing in without conscious thought. “Held by His Grace.” I smile and speak the words aloud, “Held by His Grace. Yes, I am held by His grace.”
I am struck by the truth of those words. No need to fear, no need to worry. Simply receive His peace. Know His joy. Be awestruck by His majesty. Be secure in His love.
Seated in my cozy nest of flowers, my face alight with the golden rays of the breaking dawn, I am overcome with a rush of joy, a wave of peace. For I am held by His grace, never forsaken, never forgotten, always loved..
Always and forever, held by His grace.
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“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”
Psalm 104:33-34 – NIV
PRAYER
O Good and Gracious God, how You love me, how You love us. We are held by Your Grace, never forsaken, never forgotten, always loved. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for this love we can barely comprehend. To You, be all honor, glory, majesty, and praise.
In the Beautiful Name of Jesus, we give our thanks and praise,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
-APS 9/18/2023
Faith Beyond Sight 