Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Firm Foundation

A common question around town this past week is, "where were you when the earthquake hit?" My family was in Washington, but it is interesting to hear the various reactions to the 5.4 trembler that rocked our area.

The other night I was talking with my friend LaLaine, and she shared with me what it was like to live through a 7.1 earthquake when she was a young girl living in the Philippians. She remembers her house shaking violently, but the house had no major damage. LaLaine said, "when my parents built the house, my mother insisted on the thickest and firmest foundation they could get."

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1,2

When your life is rocked to the core, what is your reaction? Do you panic and run? Do you duck and hide? If you trust the foundation of your relationship with God, then you can stand firm and know that there is hope. You can seek refuge in Him.

I have also noticed that when it comes down to our "stuff" versus the safety of our family, there is no comparison. Sometimes life's quakes make us look at what is unnecessary in our lives, and it brings it all down to what is important. Often times it is a way to get rid of the clutter that fills our days, and makes life more meaningful.

I had some clutter that I had to get rid of because cancer slowed me down last year. I hate to say it, but I could probably go for another reminder that I need to keep things simple. It is very hard. I have not mastered that yet. I over commit, and walk around my house wondering how I am ever going to get all the little projects done. I can't believe summer is almost over, and I did not do all the simple things I wanted to do with my girls. Watch a movie in the middle of the day. Swim at night. I really don't want to experience another "quake" to remind me to do these things.

This all reminds me of a praise song:

Jesus is my firm foundation.
I know I can stand secure.
Jesus is my firm foundation.
I put my trust in His holy word.

I pray that you are standing on God's firm foundation!
God Bless,
Sandy