By Rosie Preston
A couple of weeks ago, I had several reasons to ask people to pray for me. It had been three months since my allergies had been keeping me down. Even though I was taking enough antihistamine to stop the symptoms of drainage and coughing for a few hours, it would come back. I put off going to the doctor until this past week, because now my left ear is hurting. I should not have waited, because I felt much better the next day after a visit to my doctor.
I decided to do what my PawPaw always believed in, which is to get out and get some fresh air anytime you are sick. I decided that it sure couldn’t hurt, so I stood on my front porch one recent morning to breathe and relax.
Within a New York minute, I witnessed the most beautiful experience of nature! I stood dumbfounded and could barely take my eyes away while watching hundred yellow, orange and brown leaves drifting slowly along with a light mist of rain. I accepted this beauty of nature as a sign of hope and healing. I would have recorded it to share with you, but by the time I thought about it, the leaves were fallen.
I’ve heard many times in my life that God has granted us the most beautiful scenery. The feeling I had in my heart after witnessing this event will remain in my memory forever. The swirling leaves and the hazy mist of rain felt like an answered prayer. I went back inside and felt a peace that passes all understanding.
The Bible verse that teaches about peace is found in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” It does not matter what religion you follow or what church you attend – this is a verse for the turmoil and confusion that all of often experience. How many times since I was in grammar school have I read my Bible while knowing the words of wisdom and promises would be found there? The answer is many times, because it does not stop there. It is the manual that begins with the Old Testament and ends with the New Testament and contains stories and parables that all of us can relate to. I have to give my mother the credit for consistently taking me and my younger sisters to church for as long as I can remember.
So, do not give up when you feel like you cannot go on because of some bad news, whether it be a terrible situation or finding out something about your failing health. During my senior years, I’ve noticed that I’m not moving around as fast because of back pain. I now cannot perform some types of housework that when I was younger did not think twice about.
My family and friends are in agreement with me that we should try to live each day to the fullest. I have it in my DNA that I must accomplish certain tasks each day or feel lazy. I make lists so that I can mark off and keep track of upcoming events. It sure feels good when I can mark off taking time for myself during the day. Last, but not least, it is okay to take a nap!
Keep smiling, Rosie
Contact Rosie Preston at rosie.preston@yahoo.com.