Surrendering to Sabbath – Week 18

by | May 11, 2013 | Uncategorized

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H and I hold hands along the foot path, stopping every few feet to capture what is new to us. There is something beautiful about misted color and the wisdom of trees holding time in the hollows of their trunks. Vines twist upward, gnarl around her branches creating a holy haven for fowl in winter.

The unmanicured canopy of creation, it lays out like a pile of pixie sticks falling exquisitely random and untouched by human hands.

Canal boats drift steady, snoring sleepily between banks flush with green moss and upside down teacups hanging from stems like crooks of tiny folded umbrellas.

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We’ll remember our twenty-third wedding anniversary in England. The quiet Sabbath stroll we took down the lane, next to a meadow of dandelions. Where we realized we’ve been on a grand adventure with God at the helm since we said, “I do”.

And it’s been a good ride. I’m leaning in. And waiting.

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May you look back today and realize that God is and always has been with you, in the silence and grief, in the adrenaline rush of joy fulfilled, the promise of tomorrow, and in the hope of future dreams. He redeems the weeds and makes them beautiful.

Happy Sabbath Friends!

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11 Comments

  1. Lynn Morrissey

    With your every comment, Shelly, I’m longing for England more and more….this exquisite, lush land of verdure and misting rains. I remember seeing the little boats lining the canals. I’m thinking we saw such sights in Oxford. I’ll be looking for those hanging teacups in July; and I’ll be drinking from them, too. There’s nothing I love better than teatime in England. The British are the only people I know on the planet who how to serve a proper (HOT) tea. And there is something Sabbath-like about taking tea…..the boiling, the brewing, the waiting, the sipping *slowly*, savoring, savoring. And that is what you and H are doing….savoring a rich, flavorful relationship that has brewed over the years, one that has taken time to sip, one that is fragrant, steeped in the Lord, and I daresay one that is “hot” –not tepid–with the passion of Him who called and united you. I’m so excited for you both in so many ways. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR SHELLY & H!
    Love
    Lynn

    • Shelly Miller

      I had three pots of tea before lunch the other day with the two blogging friends I met in London. And a pot with my best friend LuAnn who happens to be here too with her family. I love it here.

      • Lynn Morrissey

        Three pots! I love it. Somewhere I saw a photo of you and LuAnn, and now I can’t find it. I wondered if she were there? It’s amazing that that happened (or maybe she belongs to the same church?) At any rate, what an utter joy to share England with H and with your best friend!!! I can’t believe it. Wonderful. And we have invited my friend from St. Louis to join us on the 2nd week of our journey. We;’ll visit w/ our British friend the first week, and then Jo will join us and we will likely visit more in England and then travel on to Scotland, and maybe Wales (have never been there and would love to go)! CAn’t wait to hear more about your adventures, Shelly. Give LuAnn my best! I loved meeting her.

  2. Jillie

    Well Shelly, it appears that Lynn has said it all, and very eloquently I might add. Oh to be in England in the Springtime. What a blessing, straight from the hand of our Loving God!

    What is your actual Anniversary date? I’m curious. David and I just celebrated 36 years on the 7th!!! Isn’t it a mystery to have this one who knows us so completely, yet still loves us. The one we share that ‘knowing look’ with, the one who knows our touch, our tears, our passions, our quirks, our hearts. All is grace.

    “Thank you so much” for these postcards from England.

    • Shelly Miller

      Our actual date is May 5th on Cinco de Mayo (we got married in Arizona). It’s been beautiful here. Rained a bit, but not enough to intrude on our sightseeing.

  3. Elizabeth Stewart

    This post is quotable! 🙂

    • Shelly Miller

      Thanks for quoting me and sharing Elizabeth, appreciate you friend.

  4. Jody Collins

    “He redeems the weeds and makes them beautiful…” I think God uses them, pulled out, passed over, cast aside into the compost as the soil to grow something altogether new.
    Here’s to more happy years for you and H. Congratulations!

  5. Nancy Ruegg

    Steve and I have been married 42 years, and you are so right: When we look back we can see the evidence of God’s loving hand in the prodding, guiding, provision, and protection. Yes, he’s even redeemed the weeds! Thank you for describing the adventure of marriage so memorably.

  6. Deidra

    Happy anniversary, friend! This is lovely. Truly. Thank you for the reminders here. I needed them today.

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