Restored, Renewed, Refreshed = Transformed!

A Special Blend of Tea -
     Today while sitting on my porch, I had a cup of tea!  It was a special blend of Tranquili-tea and Sereni-tea!  I was resting in a state of calmness and peace, free from disturbance, all was quiet and very calm.  It's a different kind of morning for me as I have nothing on my agenda but to sit.  Sit, rest, and be still.  The past would have made me believe that that kind of behavior is irresponsible, slothful, and non-productive!  This is how I was raised and it is difficult to change 50 years of behavior.  Seldom have I taken time to "do nothing" and when I have, I've always felt guilty.  I do remember the first days of summer when I was teaching,  carefree days of unwinding from the crazy event and program filled year.  Even on those first summer days, I felt like I had to hurry up and rest so I could fill the days with fun and play catch up with friendships.  Today is different as the rain splatters in the puddles and on the walkways.  The rhythmic drops and various timbre's of the rain-fall produce an extraordinary wet symphony.  A musical work of art that I would have missed if I had not taken the time to sit, rest, and listen! 
     As I ponder the sound of heavy drops and drops of lightest fall, I equate them with mournful moments of when sorrow came to call; or perhapsthe weight of a burden of which I simply had to bear.  No matter the size of the drop, one thing is certain for sure, it's rippling will continue until much time has passed or a barrier ceases its speed.  The ripple... a time of healing a wounded spirit, a dream unfulfilled, or a burden now released.  Sometimes those ripples merge with other drops ripple.  It is now shared by two, three or more but still must travel its path until its time is complete.
     So no matter the size of the drop or the speed of its ring, remember this:  He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul, and He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Ps. 23: 2-3)
     As we cross from 2012 to 2013, there is much to learn from a puddle or the rain.  So sit and rest with nothing on your mind. A good rain clears the air, waters the ground, and refreshes the soul.  Take the time to enjoy life's little moments and listen to what the Spirit speaks as you sip on my special blend of Sereni/Tranquili-tea!
Sherry Barron

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