He’s is waiting
Georgie ShawOur dog died recently, of cancer.
Today is the first day when I have been in the house on my own since he left. It’s very quiet.
He loved me to bits and followed me everywhere and would go to extraordinary lengths to get my attention.
Back in January, I tried “Follow” and it suggested that I explore silence and solitude. Having procrastinated for six weeks, today, I decided to give it a go. Having disengaged from all things electrical – TV, phone, washing machine, the kettle and fridge, I found myself feeling increasingly agitated and anxious and well…
…naked.
Asking myself the question what will be left when I have disengaged from my to-do list? And having to be honest about the realities of my head and heart with nowhere to hide.
That person who I find it hard to forgive… the hurt that was caused that will not go away… the broken bits that just won’t fit back together… hopes and dreams that have been lost… why does God make it so hard to follow Him…
Then an old chorus comes to mind.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of earth
will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
I’m reminded that this discipline is about space to BE with Jesus and to HEAR his voice.
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine”
Matthew 26 : 36 & 39
Reading his last recorded time alone with Our Father in Gethsemane, I hear Him - Jesus - absolutely knows the cost of forgiveness, and the hurt we cause each other.
He was broken, naked and his life on earth cut short at a young age. He also found it hard to be obedient to his father and had to practice surrendering to His will.
Suddenly, I am no longer alone. Looking into His face I realise that He totally gets it, He’s been waiting to get my attention because He loves me more than I can imagine – a bit like our dog, and suddenly it’s OK. Words are unnecessary.
This is the power of solitude and silence.
Today whatever your alone time looks like - in the shower, driving, walking or waiting for the kettle to boil – turn your eyes upon Jesus – He is waiting to grab your attention.
