Heart Yearnings...

Good morning Precious Ones,

What are you yearning for today?

My good friend Mr. Webster has defined the word “yearn” as:
To have a strong desire or longing.

I’m well acquainted with the concept. How about you?

Much of my yearning has centered around where I live.

As I mentioned in my second post, during my childhood
my family lived in several fascinating places.
Maybe that’s how I caught a “wander lust.”
We moved many times, always with the promise that
things would be better in the next locale.
Often my Mom would say, “I’ll have more time for you

when we get through the move.”

Well, after I graduated from college in Pennsylvania (back in the dark ages)
I had the privilege of visiting Seattle, Washington,
where Mom had relocated.

After experiencing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest,
I yearned to live surrounded by mountains and evergreens.
So, I returned to my Dad’s condo in Connecticut,
packed a couple of suit cases with clothes and books,
and trekked across country. My high school sweetheart

found me out there and we married on Bainbridge Island,

across Puget Sound from Seattle.

Eventually we were blessed to live on the Island, commuting to the city by ferry boat. Misty rain, Orca whales, ferns and fog horns

filled my days and I put down roots.

Then, after my children were born I began to yearn

to be closer to family.
Eighteen years passed before God led us out from our beloved Pacific Northwest.

Suddenly life changed dramatically!
My husband changed careers, going into the pastorate,
and we buckled our seat belts for the ride of a lifetime!
Our adventures included mission work in Mazatlan, Mexico

and our first church in Austin, Texas.

Unexpectedly in 1999, God’s great providence led us to

Central Florida, finally to be closer to family.
Now, ten incredible years later, with my children both settled in Kentucky,
my yearning is “off the charts again!”

How I yearn to move closer to my children and grandbaby.
Sometimes the emotion is overwhelming and
a consuming loneliness overtakes my heart.

Yet, one thing keeps me rooted. The love of God.
Despite my struggle, His desires and purposes

for my life are what I seek above all things.
Though I could force my will, I’ve learned that

I would forfeit His peace and joy.

He still has things for my husband and I to tend to

right here in the Sunshine State.

Help me LORD to be content where I am…
To learn to rest in You, allowing Your love and comfort to quell my longing.
Give me Jewels for my Journey.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6