Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
The pond you see at the top of my blog was and is a special place for me. You can read about it at the top as well. It sits on 28 acres behind my property, belonging to someone else, old neighbors who left it in it’s natural state, but mowing paths for us and the other two neighbors we have out here to be able to walk through the woods and fields all leading to this “special” pond. I think the pond was only special to me because God led me there during a time of broken heartedness on my part and meeting me there every time. Out at the pond is where my stories began and because of this, my blog was born.
Those neighbors have since moved away and I heard recently that they sold the 28 acres to a farmer who is going to bush hog the land and put cattle on it. I wanted to cry like a baby when I first heard. My special place was going to change, blackberry bushes that I picked from every summer will be torn down, fences will be put up and smells I would rather not smell may be drifting towards my home that I don’t want. I went out onto my deck and had a talk with the Lord. And just like Him, he met me there too and put my heart at rest.
He brought Ecclesiates to mind and I smiled. There is a time and season for everything and my time and season out at the pond was several years ago. I needed that place. It was a sanctuary for me at the time, a healing place, a place I felt was just for me and the Lord. He gave me a new opportunity out there, my writing. After about two years, it wasn’t so much a place of need anymore, just a fond place to go to. This season of the pond is over for me. But will always be a fond memory and I have the book I put together, Ponderings at the Pond, to always remember it by.
God reminded me once again through the book of Ecclesiastes, that there are cycles of life, and all experiences are appropriate at certain times. He gave me my season at the pond to grieve a prodigal son, to weep, to mourn, to search to embrace, to be silent and ponder, to heal. And then came the time to praise once again, to laugh, to dance, to speak, to write.
I know full well, that God will meet me wherever I am. He met me here on my deck this morning. He has met me at so many places, I may have to write about those seasons too sometime. But isn’t it so loving of God to give us a special place when we are needing to “get away” sometimes. I’m thankful for my season out at the pond and will never forget those times with my Lord.
The land is now for someone else who needs it to put their cattle on. I will let go of it and give those cows my blessing. Who knows, maybe I will be able to go out there and practice my stories on them.
As I look out past my deck, I see another place I love. . .my backyard. . .an acre full of trees, birds, rabbits flitting here and there, a neighbors cat and a dog or two. It's peaceful here also complete with a swing I sit in and ponder with another swing at the very back in front of our fire pit. The Lord gives and takes away. . .the 28 acres may change but I have a little piece of paradise right out my back door.
And the best thing of all. . .no matter where I am, He is there too!
Have you ever had a "special" place that was just for you and Him?
Even if just for a season.
I'd love to hear about it.
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20 comments:
I am so sorry to hear your special place will be removed! Could you ask the owner for some plants or bushes to replant onto your property? I hope you can recreate an oasis on your land.
I have two special places where I find clarity. My front porch swing and at the sink washing dishes. I know it may sound strange, but I have my best "talks" with God while I'm busy with house work. Maybe that is why I don't mind it.
Many blessing and love to you this week!
Ruth
Love this! I once blogged about a special large rock I used to sit on and talk to God. It was during a time of brokenness and a time I was in need of some serious healing. So thankful for places like this that God leads us to.
Kristin, I know how much that must have hurt.. but isn't he a gracious God? He gives us the strength to let go of the earthly things/earthly spaces because He is omnipresent.. in everything. If we are truly seeking Him He is to be found..any and everywhere!
How blessed you are to have your lovely backyard.. and how blessed to be able to surrender to Him. I'd love to read your book someday.
Love & Hugs
Just posted on the idea of "dwelling" and belonging today. There are special "places" where we feel at home and nurtured. It's that sense of "place" that that goes with you were ever you are.
There is a time for everything. I've been meditating on that scripture as well. Praying that God progresses with his plan for your life. Blessings on you today.
Is that a picture of your book? Who published it and is it ready for purchase?
I have had almost exactly the same experience...and then was reminded of Christians in prison in other countries. Where is their "special place"? And then, an epiphany! My inner sanctuary can never be taken from me. And this brings joy!
What a good idea Ruth! I'll go find something and bring it back.
Eileen, I wonder if I could haul a big rock back from the land:) Maybe get my strong son and a wheel barrow!
Lisa Maria, God IS gracious and I love Him so! Love you too! :)
Debbie, we dwell and belong to Him wherever we are. . .He reminded me of that and I can now surrender the pond. And I also meditate on that scripture many times for many reasons. God is so good to give us His wonderful words!
Anonymous, yes that is my book but it is not published, sigh. Praying that if it is God's will, He will allow that to happen some day. Thank you for asking!
Journey, I love what you said, "my inner sanctuary can never be taken from me." Hallelujah! :)
Kristin, I love that God gave you this place to meet you. Because He is faithful I know He'll give you another!
Lovely post, Kristin. :-) I also feel sad when a place that has a sentimental value for me has to change, or the beauty you once knew about that certain place where certain memories reside, has to fade.
The special place here inside our home is my favorite rocking chair. That is where I sit when I pray, meditate, reflect, and ponder on things I would like to share on my blog. When I'm in the city, it is the church at my university. :-)
Your place is so beautiful, Kristin. God must have led me here to learn the things that He taught you. :-)
Take care and God bless! :-)
Irene
Kris,
I'm sorry to hear about losing your pond. My special place was the route around the lake here that I used to run and take walks and such. I always took the same path through the neighborhood and around the lake and God met me there more times than I can count. Now that I've moved to the other side of town, I'm looking for another place like that. But He is faithful and will provide you with another, if he hasn't already and you just don't know it yet! :-)
I have a friend who always knew she would be a pastor and from the time she was small would take her Bible to the pasture and preach to her cows. You may just find a whole new audience to read to. Thank you for sharing, to many of us mope around when we lose things! Blessings!
Oh, I know this sounds weird, but my special place was a cemetary close to my house when I lived in Colorado. Big, big beautiful old trees. Peaceful, and knockout views.
Can't wait to have you at my place next week!
When we lived in Alabama hubby,
his brother and their father had a cattle farm. The cows grazed in the pasture across the road from our house. Our small children would watch the cows from the front porch. The cows had peaceful lies and gave us many entertaining glimpses into their lives. I remember watching a cow give birth and my eyes filling with tears for her as she instinctly cleaned her baby. We can remember our family dog touching noses with the calves and then us watching as the dog and calves played chase. We saw the calves chase butterflies and laughed at the many who wedged their heads in the fence to eat the grass on the other side.
I know you hate for your pond to change or disappear; but, you have new fodder that will give you a different perspective. Not all change is bad.
Deborah
As I read this I'm sitting in my chair in my office with the windows open and a slight breeze blowing in. This is my favorite setting. But I'm so thankful that God is with me wherever I may be - I can meet with Him at anytime.
Who knows -- maybe the cattle will end up being a blessing? God does have a sense of humor. I love how you have taken loss and created a sense of hope. I'm excited to see if God shows you yet another special place.
Ponderings from the Pond… what a peaceful place, your own Walden, your own piece of paradise. Your writing still reflects that calm.
“The land is now for someone else who needs it to put their cattle on. I will let go of it and give those cows my blessing. Who knows, maybe I will be able to go out there and practice my stories on them.”
Acceptance with joy girl! Amazing sweet attitude.
Kristin, I've always longed for a place by the water like that. Our backyard was my heart's resting place. With great old trees giving shade and a feeling of comfort, I loved it...until the large, old oak died and we have to remove some of the older, lower limbs on the other trees. I lost my cozy corner. I still long for it! Great post!
The "taking away" is so heart wrenching...we can either choose to accept the change or resist...either way, we break, but accepting it as from The Hand of GOD gives Him Glory, as you have chosen to do.
This has been so hard for me. Realizing that there is only a short season for everything. Great post! Thanks for sharing!!!
It's hard but I am glad to read your thoughts.I wish you a worthy farewel of this favorite place. Fortunately you can cherish the memory!
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