Monday, July 28, 2014

In the Valley of Shadows

I finished reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark last night. Reading her books refreshes my soul, like a drink of cool water on a hot Texas afternoon refreshes my body. Life has been too full of dark times recently, and I feel weighed down by worry and sadness. I find I have to remind myself to take slow deep breaths rather than panicky sips, and also to remember that life will be brighter again. In the midst of the shadows of illness and death of family and friends, I am comforted by God’s presence. Taylor’s book is a timely reminder that much as I do not like the dark times in life, by God’s grace I have survived them in the past, and through those dark times, I have learned some things about life and about myself I would not have learned otherwise.

As I wait for life to circle back to sunny times, I am trying to continue to care for myself as best I can. I’m finding ways to celebrate life and reasons to laugh with family and friends, and I’m trying to be faithful to my usual devotional, prayer, exercise, and healthy eating and sleeping habits. I’m grateful for my family and friends and for my church family.  I’m especially grateful for those who are patient with me right now, and who are praying for me. The news from around the world of people who suffer from horrific violence and dislocation is a timely reminder to put my problems in perspective. My life is richly blessed in so many ways in spite of the present darkness. God is indeed good, even in the shadow times.

Grace and Peace,

Donna