His Mercy is new each morning. How thankful I am that when faced with a life “collision,” His mercy and love never fails! | Sandi Herron | Life at Spring Meadows

Hanging on my bedroom wall is a framed print of the Scripture, Lamentations 3:22-23. It is in a place where I can see it as I come and go throughout the day, reminding me of biblical truths: The Lord’s mercies are fresh each morning, His unconditional love never fails, and He covers me with grace on a daily basis. God uses people as His hands and feet and has placed those in my life who follow the example of Christ by showing mercy, love, and grace.

While reading this Scripture, friends come to mind who have been loving, gracious, and merciful, helping me through major events over the last year like a wedding, and other occasions. His mercy is new each morning!

Each time I read this Scripture, friends come to mind who have been merciful, loving, and gracious to me. Late one summer in 2016, a collision with my golden retriever, Callie, caused a knee injury that changed my daily routine. It was not critical compared to health issues or injuries others have experienced but still a challenge for me. I struggled with pain while planning and implementing major events such as my son’s upcoming springtime wedding. My friends, living out Lamentations 3:22-23, became the hands and feet of Christ. Their support and involvement made the wedding a successful event. Everyone needs a Kay, Teresa, Wendi, Cindy, and Linda in their life!

After the wedding, being the active and busy gardener that I am, I kept pushing, trying not to give in to the pain in my knee. I had very few pain-free days. According to my doctor, surgery was inevitable, and with his orders, I finally did a “shut down.”  I missed out on things I wanted to do. Weeds flourished in the gardens, projects were left undone, and no July Celebration as we normally do!

From the onset of my injury, our granddaughter Katie never failed to ask about my knee. While attending a summer event at our church,  XLR8 Sports Camp, during prayer time each day she prayed that I would get better. But my pain did not get better! In fact, at one point it was as if my body was falling apart. Not only my knee, but this normally healthy, busy go-getter faced other health issues that needed attention. Even though it all seemed to come at once, these unexpected things slowed me down enough to start taking care of myself, allowing my knee to begin the healing process.

Slowing down is a challenge, even if you know that life will be better when you do. When targeting areas of healing that include bone, muscle, cartilage, and ligaments, for full restoration it takes time and patience. Our bodies need time to recover both physically and mentally, and the healing process is often slow. A poem I first read in my teenage years even today addresses the need for a slow-paced lifestyle. The poem, “Slow Me Down, Lord” has graced my refrigerator door at different stages of my life as a reminder to slow down!

Now, at last, I am on the mend. Katie’s prayers made a difference. It was God’s timing, not mine. The collision with my dog turned into an encounter with my fast-paced lifestyle. Always eager to start another project, now I may be saying the word “no” to myself. A year ago it was not part of my vocabulary.

While recovering, the focus is on projects that keep me out of the garden except for evening walks and pulling a weed or two along the way. One project includes designing and sewing American Girl doll clothes with my granddaughters. I believe this will be ongoing, and we will spend enjoyable hours together while creating.

Living life to the fullest while making every day count is one of my life goals. I will read the poem “Slow Me Down, Lord” often and let it sink into my soul, body, and mind. From day to day, I will apply the message of slowing down. Fortunately, but yet unfortunately, this is something that only I can do for myself.

Are you where you need to be at this very moment? | Sandi Herron – Life at Spring Meadows: Gardening, Living, Creating

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me a simple, but powerful, question.  I was sitting in the Bird Garden, enjoying a telephone conversation with a long distance friend. She asked the question, “Are you where you need to be or doing what you are meant to be doing at this moment?” She explained in detail that it didn’t matter where or what; it is important to know that whatever you do is what you are meant to do, even sitting on a bench enjoying the beautiful weather in the Bird Garden. Sometimes it is acceptable to be busy while other times are meant to enjoy moments alone, taking care of ourselves. I find myself asking that question many times now without a second thought. It helps me focus on the “where, what, and when” times of my life. In many ways, because of that one simple question, it has simplified my life and helped to slow me down. Often the brakes are applied and things come to a screeching halt when I realize what I am doing is not God’s design for me at that particular time and place.

Is there a possible “Collision with Self” in your future? Are you ready to slow down? Download the Free Printable of “Slow Me Down, Lord.” Print and place it throughout your home or office as a daily reminder to slow down and enjoy life. Maybe print a copy to place in your vehicle!

Slow Me Down Printable

#thankfulforfamily #faithfulfriends #lifeisgood

Note: The poem, Slow Me Down Lord, is similar to an old Hittite prayer widely known in Turkey. Research indicates that the English author is either Orin L. Crain or Wilfred Arlan Peterson. For the sake of giving proper credit, I choose to leave both names until credit can be attributed to correct author.