Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord!-Fresh Vision

When winter decended last December in a wicked snowstorm of record breaking proportions for No. Va. it left me relieved to be snowed inside my home. Spending a winter just doing the basics of mothering and life that makes us the Coombs Family gave me a sense of peace and comfort to try and tackle our rebuilding efforts inside our home. Lit candles, bread baking, tea on Monday nights with the Cub Scout moms, piano practice, school work, snowmen, hot chocolate and long talks with John were what my heart needed to begin a strengthening process. Yes, I received every flake of snow with gratitude this winter. I must admit, I longed for more those last storms of February. Just a few more days inside, being us, snowed in before the rebirth of Spring sounded heavenly, but alas, did not come to pass.

During this last winter season I attended a Bible Study on Sunday Nights on the Psalms of the Ascent, Stepping Up. Beth Moore wrote this Study and it was just made for our family in it's rebuilding efforts. I found myself planting my family firmly on each step of the Psalms, learning and leaning more on the Lord than ever. Becoming fully committed, once again, to serving my family and bringing the burdens of sorrow to Him to be used for His Kingdom. Once the final step was reached in my Bible Study, just as the Jews did at the end of the Feast in Jerusalem, I could clearly picture Christ standing up and saying for all to hear: ALL that you've just asked of your God is completed in Me! I am the drink offering! I'll pour myself out to you if you only come to Me when you thirst! When your land is dry just as when your soul is dry. I'll provide the Living Water needed for your restoration!

The last day of the Feast, at the end, was the breaking down period, you know the one I'm talking about. The clean up crew is restoring things to order in the facility you've just used and you can't bear to tear yourself away from the heart to heart with a friend you're having or in my case, the seeking of Fresh Vision for my family. I have a clear picture of myself, seated amongst the remnant that's not started back on the road to home yet,hearing from Him, being taught by Him, shown by Him, filled by Him.

As I sit, patiently before Him, continuing to cast off layers of sorrows, burdens, cares, anxieties I'm finding myself asking one thing of the Lord: Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord. Help me/us to see this Goliath in our lives as You see it. Help John and I to have the heart that longs after You and sees the Victory that only you can provide over such a behemoth in our land. Just as you did for David and the Israelites so long ago.

Spring is almost upon us. The weather is warming, trees are budding a smidge and John and I saw yellow crocus sprouting out of the soil yesterday. We are feeling strength blossom from the safety of a winter's rest in our home. Just as the crocus will slowly and beautifully spring forth to open its petals to reveal Your beauty, do the same in our hearts, Lord. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Keep us on the Pilgrimage to Joy, found in You and You alone.

Fresh Vision. Newness, rebirth. This coming Spring is filled with your Promises, Lord!