The Bench

This is the bench at the end of our street.

We call it "our" bench.

And that's truly how I feel: like it's a gift from God just for me.

We've sat upon that bench many, many times.

My husband and I have dawdled over coffee there---just the two of us.

When our boys were younger, we'd meet there for muffins and our family read-aloud.

After September 11, 2001, our family gathered there with my parents to pray for our nation.

We've met there with our high school kids for laughs, encouragement, and prayer over early morning coffee.

Individually, we've sat there all alone, watching the sailboats glide across the water; squinting as the sun shimmers off its ripples. It's on this bench we've been still before God, poured out our hearts, and felt Him quiet our hearts with His love. It's there we've been put in our rightful place as we see the vast waters, the morning sunrise, and the full moon. Our Father God is so very big and we're so very small. We've received perspective there as we embrace the truth that life is not about making much of us---it's about shining a light on Him.

As I see this very small bench overlooking such a large body of water each day, I'm reminded, not not only of the memories made there, but of the fact that this big Creator God knows me personally. And He, my loving Father, is simply waiting to hear from me and fill me.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8