Like A River Glorious

Happy Sunday, friends. I hope you had a great week, ours was filled with so many great moments. A major highlight was when my Mom finished her radiation treatments. She wheeled out the door from her last treatment and was greeted by balloons and fun lunch for my son's birthday at the old Pizza Ranch! It was a great way to celebrate. SO so thankful for these moments.

This week we want to share some songs that speak about peace. It started last week when we were heading to a cherished family spot on the river for Memorial Day. As were packing to leave I started playing a favorite song, “Like a River Glorious.” The first line says, “Like a river glorious is God’s perfect Peace….” We talked how the song reminds us so much of Big Sugar.

There is just something so peaceful about this little cabin tucked away in the woods. As you wind down the path to the creek it feels like all worry seems to melt away. The clear, cool water sweeps over the rocks with a gentle melody. The sounds of kids splashing about brings such joy. The best part? Lounging in an old inter-tube and closing your eyes for just a moment as the sun warms your face and wind rustles through the trees. Ah. I'm taking a deep breath just thinking about it.

Of course there was that one time my Mom was sitting in a tube in the shallow part of the river. We gasped in horror as a big ole snake floated right underneath her and did NOT come out the other side. I don't know how she remained so calm because I certainly did not. HA!!!! Great memories. In fact, 53 years ago my Dad proposed on this very bluff. Of course we had to recreate that shot.

So many wonderful, wonderful memories. We love this picture of my daughter there... a beautiful moment when she threw her arms out and breathed in the fresh air. A perfect picture of peace.

In spite of all that has happened recently, my mom has spoken so often about having great peace. The radiation has taken its toll and brought some tremendous fatigue. Over the past week and a half, she has experienced a significant decline in her mobility and also started losing some hair. One night, I was brushing out the loose pieces and thought how difficult this would be to face. Yet, I haven't heard her complain one time. I looked down at all the hair in my hands and thought about all the sudden changes she has had to face: a brain biopsy, loss of mobility, heavy conversations, and difficult news. Yet, not one negative word. I looked at her and said, "Mom, I don't know how you are doing this." But as soon as the words left my mouth, I stopped. "Actually, I do." I DO know how she has this magnificent, supernatural peace. It is the product of years and years of what she would call 'bootcamp'—learning to walk and depend on the Lord, learning that HE alone is our strength and source of contentment.

In the midst of a painful moment, I had to smile as I pondered this beautiful secret she has passed along to me. This world would love to tell use that peace can be found in a multitude of places, and yet the powerful Word of God tells us there is but ONE source - JESUS.

I love this quote by C.S. Lewis:

“Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.”

I will say… I’m not as mature as my sweet Mom in my walk with the Lord. I still have many moments where fear or worry start to creep in. I'm thankful for His great love to walk with us as we grow, and I'm thankful for my Mom who has patiently showed me over the years to recognize when my peace is gone. The culprit? Usually I have taken my eyes off the only One who can give it.

Peace. It’s priceless. We all need peace. Our prayer is that you know the One who gives it abundantly!!!

Songs today:

It is Well

Like a River Glorious

Wonderful Peace