What can I give Him?

 When I was a little girl in my Catholic grammar school, I was asked by a sister to recite a poem for the school Christmas performance. It was simple and she was excited to have me to do it, as I was for the privilege. It was almost like our secret.  She practiced it with me, and I recited it with all my heart. Because that was the point. This, she knew that I knew, was the point!  

"What can I give him, poor as I am, if I were a shepherd, I'd give him a lamb, If I were a wise man, I'd do my part. What can I give Him; give Him my heart."

 ( It turns out that this was only the last stanza of a well know Christmas song:A Christmas Carol    by Christina Rossetti - 1830-1894.  But that's a post for another day!)

 Today, this song, this video, recaptured that heart-giving for me!

View from a Hammock

 Here I am, back again, after many years and many miles.  Too much to fill in, but a new life in a new city has begun. I have been still trying to carve a sanctuary spot in this place for my quiet times, and in a very large back yard there is lots of potential. But this blog is about giving thanks, which our hammock rekindled as a fitting re-entry into this blog world.  (Actually my new hubby's "double hammock". one of the many amazing gifts he brings into my life.)

First of all, I give thanks for my daughter's wonderful friend, Jared, who found the time, the place and a great view in my new back yard to hang it. Then I want to say thanks for the beautiful mini-forest my over-the-wall neighbor has grown. And for the birds that are chirping and for the wonderful weather- in the shade. I thank God for the amazing property we  found and wonderful neighbors, and most of all, close proximity to our kids. 

In learning about Interactive Journaling with God, in learning to be still and sit and listen to that still, small voice, the silence, if you will of just BEING with Him, this hammock seemed to send me to that place of peace much like the waves of the ocean. Something so beautiful, majestic and relentless in the constant gentle roar of waves rolling in and back. Something so huge that we really can't envision it entirely- this is that Peace, that peace that passes all understanding. That Peace in which I suddenly, again, find myself  resting. And  letting those words from the old hymn sink in, "It is well, it is well, with my soul."

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Just to say, this is not in callous disregard of the many  personal calamities and of the  effects of the worldwide virus that rocks our world.  It is the miracle of being able, if even for 30 minutes, to totally disengage from it all. This is that Peace!  He is our Peace.