Hi! Sorry to be so late, but our fruits of the Spirit word to work on this week is "quiet." Be quiet, or to lead a quiet life.
This one you would think would be easy to do, but I’m finding of late, what with all of the stresses of trying to finish our new house up, that it is a most difficult fruit of the Spirit to engage.
In fact, this past week has been most stressful, with a few more yet to come.
So how does one lead a quiet life do you think?
I think that it means to be quiet in spirit within ourselves as well as leading a quiet life as presented to the outside world. I know that for me, I can appear to be leading a quiet life to the rest of the world, while in fact, my soul and spirit within are in turmoil.
The past three days have been a perfect example. You see, we experienced someone breaking into our new home to steal most of the items we had stored out there now that the house is locked in preparation to moving. We lost to theft about $1,100 worth of goods sometime during the night the night or two before Friday and Tom and I both are just absolutely sick about it.
We need all of the things lost and are going to have to replace them as we move in, along with all of the other moving expenses. It is a great loss to us, although all monetary in scope.
The scripture that has been going over and over in my mind ever since Friday morning when we discovered the theft and called the sheriff is that admonition by Jesus that we should be laying up our treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not corrupt and thieves do not break in and steal.
What comfort those words have been. What solace. Even in all of the grief over what has been lost that it going to be costly to replace. After all, in the end, it is just money, right?!
So . . . I understand the admonition to Christians to lead a quiet life. That admonition is imperative, I think, to being satisfied – content through all things – in this life.
So when I ask you to work on this word – this fruit of the Spririt – this week, I know wherewith I speak.
So, think about these things and take heed. Our father in Heaven watches over us in all things, so we should, of all people, lead quiet lives in dedication to Him.
Blessings to you all today! Dee
Dee,
I just read about your loss. I have an ache in the pit of my stomach and tears in my eyes. May you be encircled in His consolation. They were “things” but the theft exhibits our broken world.
So sorry to hear about the burgulary. I imagine that, in addition to feeling monetary and material loss, you may also feel violated and have some fear. I appreciate your attitude about finding your solace in Christ during this–I have no doubt that your example will be a shining one to many!
Dear Bobbie & Lisa -
Thank you SO much for your comments and sympathy in what has been a most difficult circumstance. We DO feel very violated and fearful. We had to go pick up some things this afternoon at Home Depot that we had ordered for the house and could not take them out to the house as we had planned when ordering them to do.
We were afraid.
Afraid of having even more things stolen and afraid or having someone come into our home, even though we might not be there, to commit felony theft. It has been a most disheartening weekend, to say the least.
But we spent time today in I Thess. and Phillipians remembering Paul’s words to our fellow Christians that he had learned to be content in all things, no matter what he endured in this life. He also said that we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. We are in desperate need of His strength and diligently seek it.
Thank you, dear friends, for your thoughts and kindness and prayers. They are all much appreciated by me and Tom both.
Dee
So sorry to hear about your loss. I think I would be feeling anger as well. It angers me that people think just because they can, they take others things. What is our world thinking? Only of themselves and that is what angers me. It angers me, even though it didn’t happen to me, but angers me for you!
Fear and anger are two of the feelings that I would have the most of and I am praying for peace for you and Tom. Take care and thanks for remembering they are just things, even in the midst of having to replace them.
After we were burglarized last year, I was unable to relax and sleep well for weeks. Kept feeling like I needed to stay awake to “protect” us. Sorry to hear about your experience. There are few violations like that of being burglarized. You want to lash out but there’s no one to hit. And police? Out here they could not care any less and certainly don’t do anything other than log it in their computer for their statistics.
I am so sorry, Dear Dee. The world is such a hard place. Sometimes I forget that until I am reminded. Sorry you had a reminder.
I will pray.
As far as living a quiet life, I think it also has to do with minding our own business, with not letting our minds and our mouths wander into the affairs of others.
Have a safe day
peace and prayers
neva
I’m so sorry to hear about the break-in and theft. Like most of the others we have experienced the same kind of violation. Keeping “quiet” in these kind of circumstances is tough but no doubt another way as you said to focus our attention on “things above.”
I, too, am sorry about the break-in. And I’m thankful you’ve turned the bleak situation into a experience from which you find reason to praise God. Very encouraging!
I wish you had your stuff back.
Ben