In the mist

I just returned from a 4 day get away to the Hampton Beach area of Long Island, New York. Upscale restaurants, Boutique Shops & huge private estates seem to dominate the quaint little villages and charm the senses.

We'd been blessed by a relative who shared their summer home with my sister, brother in law, husband and I. The house was all ours! A beautifully restored historic "Gate House". It was situated on a full acre of property,maintained impecably by gardeners, a housekeeper and other various laborers. The inside was exclusively appointed by a professional designer. The guest rooms were charming and luxurious. The pantry and refridgerator were stocked with anything and everything one might desire to eat or drink. We were welcomed to share in all the hospitable provisions of our dear hostess.

God called me to fast!! Can you believe it? Well it's true. I felt lead to abstain from eating from sun up to sun down. (We had dinners at about 8;30 pm) .I was also called to retreat to a quiet place alone and search out scripture, pray & worship. I never stepped foot in the sand or shopped or even dressed on one day there. But I did however enjoy the greatest retreat of my life.

The men went fishing, or sight seeing as my sister & I shared our meditations each morning.
The word was opened up to us and spoke directly to our spirits. We were more hungry and thirsty for the things of God during our time there than for food or drink. And I understand how Jesus went to a garden to pray,even plead on behalf of the weakness of human struggle. A garden makes time stand still, it empties you of distractions in view of the delicate way God himself reveals His mysteries. It is a place that grows your ability to renew faith and trust. It's just you and The King of all the universe. Everything shrinks before the majesty of His creation.

The last day there, I awoke to find a fine mist rolling over the area. I went outside far behind the house to the private pool. The mist covered me with a cool and refreshing touch without leaving me damp, the air was humid and warm like a towel right out of the dryer. I listened to the water bubble in the pool next to me and I just rested in the whole and Holy presence of God like a weaned child on it's mothers lap. I was filled up with tender love. Gods love. The kind that after emptying yourself out finds enough room to make a home. The kind that causes you to love yourself as God does. The kind that brings strength into the weak places of your body , soul and heart. The kind of love that we were meant for! Not just for a moment but for eternity.

It is hard to fathom how the Lord moved on my behalf to place me in such a location for nothing, at such a time when I could not have done this thing for myself. To recieve true riches in the land of the "rich and famous". To be satisfied beyond food & drink, to have His peace as a reminder that this is "living the dream"! Waiting on the Lord-Knowing his goodness toward us extend to the farthest reaches.