I was cleaning out some boxes tonight, trying to downsize and I ran across this article I printed out while we were in SC. We felt so alone there (as Hannah was fond of saying, “living on an island”). I do believe I printed this off of Guideposts Magazine. It gave me such great comfort and taught me a lesson in patience.
The Magic of Three Days
By Patt BarnesIt was a beautiful spring day, and a sense of peace stayed with me as I left the cathedral on Easter Monday morning. I paused for moment on top of the steps leading to the avenue, now crowded with people rushing to their jobs. Sitting in her usual place inside a small archway was the old flower lady. At her feet corsages and boutonnieres were parading on top of a spread-open newspaper.
The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with some inner joy. I started down the stairs – then on impulse, turned and picked out a flower.
As I put it in my lapel, I said, “You look happy this morning.”
“Why not? Everything is good.”
She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so very old that her reply startled me.
“You’ve been sitting here for many years now, haven’t you? And always smiling. You wear your troubles well.”
“You can’t reach my age and not have troubles,” she replied. “Only it’s like Jesus and Good Friday…” She paused for a moment.
“Yes?” I prompted.
“Well, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the whole world. And when I get troubles I remember that, and then I think of what happened only three days later – Easter and our Lord arising. So when I get troubles, I’ve learned to wait three days…somehow everything gets alright again.”
And she smiled good-bye. Her words still follow me whenever I think I have troubles. Give God a chance to help…wait three days.
Don't worry
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (New Living Translation) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
5 comments:
It's true; to wait 3 days is best for almost everything. It's funny; one of my best friends has this rule regarding sending a letter, when you've poured out your heart, or are angry, etc. She says, "wait 3 days, and then re-read it, and if you still want to send it, go ahead." That's saved me from sending some letters that I needed to write, but that didn't need to be read by anyone but me.
On another topic...my ex and I are going to Tucson this AM for Parents' Weekend. Woo hoo! I can't wait.
:)
Judi
This was great, De; I'm going to remember it and share it with others who are going through difficult times. I got Guideposts for awhile; I was always inspired by the writing in them.
betty
Oh, I love that... That's so sweet.
~Lily
That is so good thank you for sharing:)
Deb
Three days huh. I might have to copy this so that I can read it whenever. Inspiring.
Dianne :)
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