It is quiet at her house. It is a place that is not my own, but somewhere I love to be. Sometimes, when I want to get away, I think about her home. I’ve often wondered what attracts my soul to her place. The weekend she invited me to come, visit, rest, and explore is the weekend I realized it’s the things unseen.
Feel At Ease
I have been there many times. Always with John, her husband, and sometimes extended family and other mutual friends. Sometimes there is an agenda but often we just make it up as the days move along. We bring random foods and somehow combine them to create some of the best meals we’ve had in a while. The kitchen always smells of warmth and welcomes anyone who drops by. There aren’t many places I can think of where I feel at ease to help myself, stay in my pajamas, or simply sit and be quiet for a bit.
Things Unseen
Gazing out any window never grows old. I could sit for hours watching the water. Hawks, sparrows, woodpeckers, and the occasional egret continually offer a treat for the eye. From the upstairs window, I watch clouds shift and glide past effortlessly and continually, ever-changing. A sudden rain shower is never resented. It sends the fresh scent of nature and offers stillness in a way only rain can provide. Sometimes the things unseen are recognizable and soothing. They surround us without us having to make great efforts. These things belong to God; I want to recognize them and give Him praise.
Listen For Things Unseen
Her home is beautifully decorated and is a joy to experience. It tells a story of family and travels, and lets you know what they cherish. However, that isn’t what gives it such a restful feel. Until my last visit, I’ve had trouble figuring out why I foster such a calm demeanor as soon as I walk on the porch, greet her sweet puppy, and listen for the things unseen, for the quiet. Today, it hit me. The lack of clutter is powerful. The house is full and precisely decorated, but everything has a place and there isn’t anything in the way of the home’s purpose. My mind and my eyes are given continual opportunities to rest, ponder, and reflect. The “not seeing” is peaceful. The things unseen add more than the things on shelves and tables.
Anna and the unseen
A recent Bible reading introduced me to Anna. She was a prophetess of the tribe of Asher. Anna remained in the temple night and day. When Jesus, as a child, was brought into the temple courts, she was there. The prophetess spoke of things unseen- joy, peace, God, and was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Consequently, she knew there was more to living than what her daily life presented. This resonated with me and reminded me that when I look around and become overwhelmed, I should simply take a deep breath. Most of what we see is temporary and will one day be irrelevant. This is not something to dwell upon. I choose to see this as freeing because I know that what is lasting are things unseen. The unseen are of God and are eternal.
I Know It Is Real
Many things bring me comfort and calm. Like Anna, I believe in God and the resurrection of His son, Jesus. I believe there is a place called Heaven and I will go there one day. Is this place in the sky beyond the clouds that glide past effortlessly? I am not certain. This is one of the things unseen. God’s forgiveness is authentic. I cannot see it, but I feel it and know it’s real. My heart becomes calm, and His mercy allows me to forgive myself. Forgiveness is not seen but it is eternal and therefore, life-changing.
Longing For Things Unseen
Unlike how I feel when I visit my friend, I often become overwhelmed by clutter in my own home. These are material things that jumble my mind, my space, and my thoughts. I admit to being a collector and loving “things”, but they too are temporary. I will work on getting control of my physical clutter over time. For now, I seek to uncover the quiet and calm in each day; to be an Anna in a loud and busy world. I long for things eternal, things unseen.
Stay Curious,
One Response
My being longs to hang with the curious one! Love 💕 to you all!!