In the Still of the Night

“God’s peace is joy resting.

His joy is peace dancing.” - F. F. Bruce

At the beginning of this week I found myself in a “quietness” which I related to “being in the presence of God, rather than the absence of sound.” My quiet time has continued throughout the week and here it is Friday already, and I still feel surrounded by an unexplained “quietness.”  This doesn’t happen to me very often, usually it’s just the opposite.... chaos, chaos, chaos.

I love the quiet evening hours... it is my “peace” time. Some nights it is about quiet time to write, some nights it’s quiet time with God, and some nights it’s quiet time to curl up and read a good book. Tonight my quiet time has turned in to a time of reminiscing. I started writing and soon I was looking through some old family pics. Before I knew it, I was thinking about a quiet evening many years ago in the stillness of a wooded campground, when a “snore” turned a quiet, peace-filled night in to a “joy-filled memory.”

My mom, dad, and all seven brothers and sisters, along with their families (and some stray friends) had just hunkered down in their respective tents and campers after a long day of family activities. I have to set up the scene by saying that our half-a-dozen campsites were all within “hollerin” distance. Most of us had stayed up telling campfire stories and chatted long in to the evening (like an episode right out of “The Waltons”), so when we finally turned in, none of us really cared if we hit a comfy bed or a sleeping bag on the ground. Not a peep had been heard from anyone for about 20 minutes when all of a sudden a loud snore came flowing out from my parents tent. The chain of events that followed is hard to describe.... you almost had to be there... but here it goes. First there was a giggle from one tent, then a “shush” from another, then a louder laugh, then someone said “goodnight John Boy,” and everything went downhill from there. We all started laughing so hard, and one by one we came back out of our tents and gathered around the campfire... more stories, and oh, so much more laughter. All the while, dad was still snoring!

The best part of reminiscing is the feelings that bubble up when I ponder such precious moments. For me, when I think of the laughter of our family that evening, I also remember hearing my dad saying “Don’t worry, be happy” as he hiked around the campground early that same day. He had said it so many times, that every time one of us heard him say it again, we would all start laughing. What a legacy to leave the family.... togetherness and happy times!

Each of us remember our experiences in our own unique ways, but I believe God gives us the gift of these cherished moments.  I think He wants us to enjoy reminiscing and to also share our memories with the younger generations.  It is a special way that we can stay connected to family members who are no longer with us on earth, or those who live far away.... keeping us close at heart until we can all be together again someday.

It’s Friday, Let’s Sparkle... action required...  When was the last time you shared one of your cherished memories with family, or friends? Is there a special moment that you have been meaning to share with your children or grandchildren? Don’t put it off... take the time to find some quiet time to reminisce and share your heart with those you love. Do it today!

As I close this post, I have to laugh because once again my dad’s humor has surfaced... you see, he is probably looking down from heaven and saying, “What are you talking about, I don’t snore!”

Thank you God, for the blessing of a loving family.

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children,

and their children to the next generation.” - Joel 1:3