SHADE OF GRACE — PART FIVE Be Still

THE RIGHT DIRECTION

I was headed over to one of my mother’s rental properties to open the recently vacated apartment. Instead of turning onto the street where the duplex is located, I decided to circle the block. 

Approaching the stop sign the thought of heading straight came to mind. A street at the top of the hill has charming older homes with gorgeous landscaping that never disappoints. 

When I stopped at the sign I heard, in my spirit, “Turn right”. Without hesitation, I did.

The next intersection required me to stop and yield to traffic. When I looked left, sandwiched between a green dumpster and a lofty cat tower—was a stately dresser. Blinking several times, then squinting I wondered if I was actually seeing correctly.

Steering toward the dumpster I thought it could be one of those made-to-look-old knock-offs. I parked and immediately checked out the charmer. 

Solid aged wood, fabulous drawer pulls, generous proportions, exquisite detailing, old—very old—and g o r g e o u s!

I checked all the drawers—nothing scary, just one of the missing drawer pulls. Score!

Totally thrilled I removed the sturdy drawers and began loading them in my car. I figured the piece would be less desirable without the drawers in case another antique lover came along. I needed time to figure out how I could get the rest of this darling home.

BEING KNOWN

The day before the dresser incident, I had been considering all this blog posting and writing stuff. With swirling insecurities and prideful concerns over how things would be “accepted” or received by others, I found myself experiencing some annoying angst. Keeping my recalcitrant thoughts at bay required serious, intentional effort.

As I meticulously cleaned the dresser—scrubbing it down and letting it air in the sun, I had time to think.

The gifting of a piece of furniture that is absolutely, totally me—for free, was like a hug from heaven. 

Realizing God led me to the heart throbbing, make-me-swoon beauty left me praising Him for His intimate love. 

I. was. euphoric.

You know me, Lord—my likes and dislikes, my quirky love to use the unlikely for decor, and my passion for pieces worn over time. Thank You! 

My heart is bursting with gratitude. I am touched by Your constant kindness and tender care for me. The intimacy of knowing You, knowing You see me, Your guidance, and profound provision through this dresser, has me singing Your praises. 

I am deliriously happy, God. Thank You for allowing me to enjoy You, experience Your love, and sense Your goodness through this incredible dresser. I am so grateful, Lord, so very grateful.

JUST AS I AM

As I tacked loose handles in place and straightened a bent keyhole plate, God weighed in regarding the previous day’s writing concerns. I understood that His acceptance was all that mattered. 

What I write may, or may not be “accepted” by others, but He wanted me to remember that I am already accepted by Him through Christ. 

It matters not what others think. 

Living before an Audience of One, relishing His love and ready approval is all grace. Being faithful to follow Him—one step at a time, one post at a time, is all I need to concern myself with. He gives the gifts, promptings, and guidance, and I steward them.

The freedom that came through the realization of His full acceptance brought relief regarding writing and “putting myself out there” or more accurately stated—being too focused on myself. Forgive me, Lord.

BE STILL AND KNOW

The fifth verse that came to mind the day all of this SHADE OF GRACE business occurred was Psalm 46:10.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

English Standard Version

Recognizing God’s voice and learning to respond instead of dismissing His promptings has been life-changing. 

Being still enough to recognize His voice has been a process. 

When I heard, “turn right” I had no idea the blessing He had in store. If I had ignored the prompting I would have seen the quaint homes, but missed a lavish gift.  The dumpster would have obscured the dresser if I had gone up the hill, the way I initially thought of going. 

When I am truly still—settled, with a quiet confidence in God and His goodness, my soul is enlarged. Spacious real estate replaces the cramped, crowded, and often chaotic mind that used to be my normal mode of living. Hearing that still small voice is easier when by faith in God, I am still.

KNOWING

To know Him, His love, and the delight of being known in such an intimate way through the gifted dresser compounds my love for Him and prompts endless praise.  

Now every time I enter my front door or head out, I see a physical reminder of His acceptance. I’m humbled by the glorious reminder that He has already accepted me and I need not seek acceptance from others.

I intend to live still—trusting God. I do not want the trash of distractions to obscure the treasure of knowing and exalting in my good God.

Are you unsure about a specific decision or direction you should take? Do you need guidance? BREADCRUMBS has a fresh Word from Mr. Spurgeon about navigating life with all of its potential pitfalls and perils.