Joel 3:13-14
Swing the sickle,
for the harvest is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,
for the winepress is full
and the vats overflow—
so great is their wickedness!”
Multitudes, multitudes
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision.
This is the point where we must make choices. The time is nearer than when the journey of Christian faith began. Nearer to the sound of the trumpets and the Lord appearing in the skies. What will you have decided by then? To be happy in the world or to be happy in the ways of the Lord?
My daddy's last apartment was sparsely furnished and he had a view of the swimming pool. My sister Diane told me he used to like looking out at the pool while drinking his morning coffee. He had a few dishes, pots, pans - just enough to fend for himself. He was poor as a man in the world but rich in faith. When his life was taken by a drug dealer on parole, he was ready to be harvested as is described in the above verses of Joel 3.
Daddy was going to church, aiding anyone he could, sharing whatever he could, loving and praying for anyone he could. My daddy was inspired to walk in light and on a path that was laid by the Lord. At the time I thought he was flaky, until now. Because I have joined him in that walk.
On May 1st, I will move into a one bedroom apartment with little furnishings, a few pots and pans, some dishes - just enough to fend for myself. It overlooks the swimming pool and I will most likely be drinking my morning coffee and looking out at it. Maybe even going over to the poolside to drink my coffee.
I am fixing to be alone again, just like I was when I first separated from my ex-wife. Only now, I don't need booze or pills to take away pain. I have learned to fill myself with the Lord. I have a torrent of woes upon me that I must soon face. It is going to be a difficult task but it is possible to be dealt with.
Two years have passed to bring me back to a place I have been before. I find it a bit eerie but I know the Lord is with me. Whatever happens, He is going to help me in the end. I am a bit shaky as my trial comes to me. I have prayed that this not come my way, but it is most definitely forming.
I will be posting thoughts and sharing stories from where I dwell alone. Even the cat will be gone. My son is taking her with him to his new home. I hope I continue to be of use to you for inspiration. I feel myself changing and want to keep my faith strong. I have loved having good passion and sincere love for the Lord. I want to continue to do so.
I want to stay faithful no matter what comes my way. This is my personal valley of decision right now.