Hand in Hand

It's nestled underneath a few trees that offer it shade when it's hot and a blanket of leaves when it's not. Everyday I drive past it I see so much potential and productivity out of it. It radiates beauty in my eyes and gives me a feeling that there could be angels all around it. It stays this way except for a couple times a day that I'm certain of. During these times it is surrounded by laughter and chatter from children waiting on their bus to come. It offers a place to rest for the weary and something to climb on for those who need the exploration. I've learned about being a better wife/parent from reading books while on it. I've had wonderful conversations with friends while standing nearby it. It's just amazing how it's not a resting place or a place to talk to friends or a place to read things until we show up and present ourselves to put it to use. Just driving past only gets us a glimpse. This BENCH is a representation of God and his beauty and radiance and the fact that He is always there with open arms waiting for us to rest in Him. But, until we come into his presence we can not take part fully in what He has to offer us. We can learn so much if we just open up his WORD and begin sitting with Him and reading it.
It might just be an old bench but when I see it I see a place of comfort and healing and I'm so very thankful that God placed it there to be used. Somedays I drive past it and imagine an elderly couple sitting hand in hand praying with one another. It's amazing what we can see if we just open our eyes to our surroundings. I've had mine closed before and missed out on so many opportunities to lead someone to "the bench".
Lord, I praise you for being our resting place and healing comforter. I thank you for your beauty you give us in nature and scenery. thank yo ufor this simple reminder that a bench that we sit on to wait on a bus can be so much more to us just as you can be so much for us if we just take that step towards you and let ourselves fall into your arms. May I never stop leaning on you for my strength and my rest. Allow me to glorify you in all I say and do. Keep my eyes opened to the truth and give me direction concerning certain worries I am having. I pray that I utilize the bus stop bench indefinitely. Thank yo for creating me and for the friends you bring into my life on a daily basis. bless each one of them in a special way Lord. I ask all of this in your name, Amen.