07 November, 2016

Cultivating Calm

Today I am sowing, not sewing; my studio has been transformed into a cultivating ground for calm. I am diffusing Holiday Joy (a soul-warming, spirit-lifting scent: wild orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove mixed with Siberian and Douglas Fir) and listening to beautiful music while working on next Sunday's church bulletins. The news has been banished from my "garden space" for the time being, if you live in America you know why.  I remember the first presidential election I ever voted in, the year was 1972; I was a college student and embraced the opportunity, and the privilege, of voting that year. It was only the year before that the voting age had been extended from 21 to 18. Voting for me was a really big deal back then. It still is. The climate today is different, however; it literally breaks my heart to witness the civility that has gone missing in our country. The memories I have of friendly, and informative, debates over candidates and issues where two holding opposing views could agree to disagree, shake hands afterwards and remain friends are seemingly just that-- memories, distant ones at that. The serene environment I have cultivated begs for extended prayer time today. Join me if you will.  "O, God,  as a citizen of  your Kingdom I pray that my vote is right and truthful according to your law, recognizing that to be above any human law, that I may be a faithful citizen on earth."
Life is Good!
On this, the seventh day of November, I lift my heart in 
gratitude to God for granting me the privilege of voting. 

7 comments:

straythreads said...

Well said!!

Quiltdivajulie said...

The news is banished here as well. Thanks for a lovely post.

Janet O. said...

Amen!

NanaNor's said...

Hello dear one, I've got to go back and see the label on your music; as I was lifting up the election this morning I got quite anxious, but then remembered that it is our privilege to pray and we need to trust that God is still sovereign and holds the world in His hands. I pray those that have had prophetic utterances about the outcome are correct. I love the prayer at the end of your post. Trusting Him still to have mercy on us and keep His people safe.
Hugs,
Noreen

cityquilter grace said...

i too grieve for the loss of civility and pray that this is not the new norm....and am channeling your calmness on this a quasi-Pharisaical day....but still grateful in spite of more than a few glitches and annoyances...

jude's page said...

I hear what you are saying, and as someone living on the other side of the world, and seeing it from this angle, I share your concern and will join you in prayer.

Quilting Babcia said...

Well said. We are children of another Kingdom, and our King has this election and all others well in hand. His ways our not our ways, thank the Lord!