A huge chunk of my favorite childhood memories is centered around weekend visits and summer vacations spent in the country with my grandparents. The rambling pre-Civil War built home with the original tin roof, gas heaters, fireplaces and oscillating fans to cool down by in the summer was my safest haven.  Life there was simple and love was unconditional.
     During the winters, I still recall warming up as much as I could by the gas heater before jumping into the feather bed, piled high with comforters for the long, cold night ahead. Once I had heated up a snugly spot, I dare not move lest the cold invade my space. The weight of the comforters, frequently drifting off to sleep to the sound of rain pecking against the gray tin roofing, reflecting on a day spent with my grandparents…that was joy, that was peace not known in any other area of in my life.
     Our Yorkie, Max, inspired my recollection of those days gone by. His favorite place to be in the winter is in our dryer after it has finished drying a load of clothes.  He loves the dark, warm, quiet moments spent inside until the sheets or towels cool down. He looks as though he has found heaven as he settles in for a cozy nap!  He jumps to the ready every time he hears the dryer door open. That is his safe haven.
     Years of my life have transpired since those days with my grandparents. They have gone on to be the with Lord where they are truly experiencing the ultimate in peace and love. Life has come hard and fast at me on many fronts, just as I am sure it has for you. I assumed that once you were a “grown-up” you no longer had the luxury of experiencing that degree of peace and safety again. That was reserved for heaven, or so I thought despite the many Sunday School lessons and sermons I have been privy to. I never fought to find the truth. I chose to live life in the driver’s seat.
     The past several years as I have invested time in building my relationship with the Lord and studying His word. Those many verses of “peace and joy no matter what the situation” have finally come alive to me. I always knew they were there, but I never let go and focused on the availability of that “weight of the comforters” love, safety, and peace that Christ died to give me. Have you? If not don’t waste another day carrying your burdens and feeling alone. Choose peace, choose unconditional love, choose joy! Choose Jesus! Spend time with Him and allow His promises to come alive in your heart and life. Oh, what you have been missing! I am here to testify. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
     May your day be blessed! To God Be the Glory!