Shade t\Tree Wisdom 10/30/07, The Secret

So, what’s the secret of finding this happiness you mentioned in the cheese factory visit, some of you have asked?

It really was a relaxing sort of day. One item. When we stopped for our lunch, Kay had called the restaurant to tell her we would be there, and how many to look for. So the place had tables arranged for, utensils placed, tea glasses ready for sweet or unsweetened.

As it happened, mine was the first order the waitress took, and mine was the LAST meal served. In other circumstances and times you may believe I would have been ready to see about this lack. But this time, we were so relaxed, enjoying each others company, no sweat. Besides, no one would be leaving till we were all ready to go.

But the real secret in such a life, I believe, you will find in Psalm 131.

Let me try to explain. Remember when you visited with family at Thanksgiving. You visited, ate, chatted some more, while the children were playing around. Then it was time to go home. You got in the car and drove the 20 or 30 miles, and when you got back home you said, “We’re home. Time to go to bed.” And there was no answer. The children were sleeping. So you carried them in, undressed them, and got them into bed and they never woke up. They had complete trust in your skill with driving, finding your way to your home, and doing that all safely. They trusted you.
Psalm 131, one of the Palms of ascending sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, writes:

“O Lord, I don’t feel proud or look haughty,
Nor meddle in things too great and wonderful for me.
No, I’ve calmed down and silenced my ambitions,
Like a child to its mothers bosom.
My spirit in me rests like a weaned child,
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
Now and forever.”

And there, friend, lies the secret.
Faith in God. You must believe there is a God who is over it all. It’s just as simple and straightforward as that.

GPD 10/30/07