Present Help




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 20, 2002 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" ------------------------------------------------------------ During a bitter-sweet time in Mary-Ellen's life, God reached out with the comfort and awareness that only He can give. ------------------------------------------------------------- A Very Present Help By Mary-Ellen Grisham ------------------------------------------------------------- On the way to St. Louis for an anniversary dinner, my family and I stopped at Portage de Sioux. It is a tiny village on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, and the town has picturesque houses, stores, boats, and a marina. The main tourist attraction is a tall representation of Jesus' mother Mary by the river, with a long walkway to it featuring historical information about the town, buildings, and Indians. The Sioux Indians used to meet at this place on the river for conferences and for travel further west. In the early days of the town, the flooding Mississippi threatened to destroy Portage de Sioux, but the villagers prayed, and their homes were saved. I had mixed feelings about this "last" outing with my husband and son, but the gorgeous view of the river with the boats, barges, sailboats and other craft improved my spirits. The river travelers were friendly, waving as they went by; and the view of the River Road and tree covered cliffs on the opposite bank was picture postcard perfect. The day was clear and cool with puffy white clouds, a light breeze, and deep blue skies. I was keenly aware that this side trip and special dinner would probably be our last outing together for a long time. In two weeks, my son David would be leaving home to go away to college, and his new independent young adult status would cause a shift in our relationship and in our lives. Even though we are thrilled for him, there is always the subtle, sad awareness of change. As he nears completion of his professional training, there is the good possibility that he will be starting a home and family of his own. It is a poignant time of joy and sorrow, beginnings and endings. As we stood looking at the sparkling river with the wind whipping up waves, we decided to make pictures of us, the scenery, and the huge statue of Mary looming above. While we were climbing on the restraining walls and seats for poses, a young couple on bikes came around the base of the statue. They were bike riding a six-month old baby boy and were very much enjoying their day. It was a little like seeing a younger version of my family, a mirror image of David's childhood. The couple was very friendly, unassuming, and kind; and as we talked, I picked the baby up and held him, playing rocking and "boo" games with him and his mother. For a baby, he was very observant and bright, nodding at suggestions, smiling, and quickly picking up appropriate responses. Standing there in the shadow of the statue, I had a sense of blessing, as if I could deeply feel the special sweetness of being human. The joy of loving, appreciating God's good world, being satisfied with one's own blessings and not asking for more than one's share of anything filled my being with peace and contentment. It must have been this humble sweetness of day-to-day living with faith in God that Jesus so approved in human life. The nurturing closeness of family and Christian friends would provide comfort for each of us. As we said our goodbyes to the young couple and made our way back to the car, I felt a new hope and optimism about the days to come. The many patterns of human living are continually changing, and when one pattern ends, somewhere else for someone else the pattern only begins all over again. Nothing good is ever lost, and changes with faith in God's guidance for living can bring new growth, new opportunities, and new joy. As the villagers trusted God in their time of trouble, so we too need to be aware that God is our very present help in time of need--for all the varying needs and stages of our lives. I had some moments by the river "to be still and know...God" and to remember that He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1,10) © 2001 Mary-Ellen Grisham meginrose@empowering.com (You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Mary-Ellen Grisham is a Christian teacher and writer living in Godfrey, Illinois, with her husband and son. She enjoys writing for inspirational sites and sharing with the readers and writers. Most recently, she has been appointed temporary editor for Eternal Ink, a bi-monthly Christian Ezine and newsletter: http://www.eternal-ink.net/frameset.htm -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- I enjoyed the story of Bonnie's child and his playmate. Very inspiring : ) Robin Bayne Cougar Lake, Sept '02 www.trebleheartbooks.com *** I's so glad Bonita didn't react with anger to her neighbor like most people would. Her soft words spoken from the heart reached out in a way that they will always remember. Lynn *** Cheryl, My calendar came in the mail today. Thank you! It is so delightful with the little angel on the front. How nice of you to consider your authors in this way. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Annettee --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner I'm getting a new stove Saturday! I feel like a kid at Christmas. I have been nursing my old stove along for over two years. I knew it was time to do something when I heard a big bang in the oven. When I investigated, I found that the inside top of the oven had pitted and the vent pipe ad fallen out. So, just in time for Thanksgiving cooking, I will have the smooth surface electric range I have always wanted. God Bless Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2002 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. 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