A PORCH SWING ON THE VERANDA OF FOREVER

Practice for Eternity

• John 16:33 " These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

• This dear Earth-place is training wheels…

• Some people are so tied to this material realm, they put deep roots here, as if this realm is all they have. Stuff: cars, houses, clothing, furniture, rewards, vacations, educations, influence, money, power, showing off...STUFF.

• Stuff is heavy! Stuff take precedence. Stuff demands your immense focus, fealty and attention.

  Remember " keeping up with the Joneses"??? Social climbing, to benefit whom?? No thanks.

• I have never chased "things".

• In my childhood, my parent's next door neighbors had a porch swing, a magical thing that transfixed my attention in the summer. We were formally cordial with our neighbors but not close friends, so the occasions that we were invited over for a game of croquet and a barbeque, were infrequent. When we were there, I made a dive for that porch swing, a wide couch-like seat that was attached to a swinging frame that gently rocked forward and backward. It seemed that time slowed down in that swing.

• With the slow pace of the porch swing, this was not running, not acquiring, not climbing, not achieving, just gently, peacefully swinging forward and backward. As I no longer live in big cities, I can even more embrace the slow pace, especially as an Elder of 72. I do have the soul of a poet, the introspection and simmering of quiet observation, deep thought and consideration.

• God is gradually changing me from a sharp tongued cynic, still with the " head down in survivor mode " template...to a more calm and trusting mode, not easy with my blunt and worried temperament. Papa knows each of us so well, He knows where our difficulties are and where the gems are buried...usually deep within, at the back of the "closet of unworthy." He is relentless...and He is more stubborn than you can imagine...with the Refiner's Fire.

• The Refiner’s Fire, as I have experienced it and as one of God’s great teachers, and gradually brings the deep changes that are needed in our psyches and hearts. It's not an easy task, not fun, not much enjoyable and in a sea of tears...and yet refined, I am being. I have no choice in the matter, as I no longer want to leave things to chance and be left behind. I tried that rough-hewn rebellion road... and I am not returning to that chaotic Wendy mess. Being a Prodigal to my Christian faith was hard enough and I have no desire to tempt "fate " again. 35 years, long enough in the ditch.

• I have lived my whole life in retreat, living by improvising, never fully feeling "unpacked", most often in struggling financial lack, not a part of the formality of marriage and parenthood and structured work. This is survivor mode and not easy to release. Survivors sometimes maintain a " grip" mindset, struggling to trust. This is also a core concern of those who follow God and His Son, learning to trust in Their love, protection and provision.

• The earthly realm is essentially a place of practice, a learn by doing and direct, if blunt experience in what works and what does not. When one partners with God and His Son, we have as our Advocate, the One Who created us and seeks family and relationship. Since God knows things we do not, in addition to knowing each of us as incredible individuals and not just a mass of humanity, He can guide us out of ditches and muddy places. What we learn here on Earth, does travel with us when we leave this place. I want my Eternity to be with God, not eternal separation! Even as much as I struggle here and long for Home, this place is my training experience. The important things I learn here, despite the pain and difficulty, will travel with me into Eternity.

• As I consider the slow pace of a porch swing, it is a template for my Heavenly Home. My future Eternal Home is a spacious, light and airy country cottage, with a wide front porch, a beautiful lake at my feet and snowy mountains across the lake.

• On my porch swing, I can sit and quietly rock. Papa God and His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, have welcomed me here and now sit next to me, as we gaze out over the beautiful, tranquil lake. This place of tender belonging is a heart-filled experience. The struggles and sorrow and suffering of this world are over...and I am HOME, to serve forever in Heaven. Heaven for me, is a place of service, a place of fellowship and belonging. I already have an assignment from the Lord Jesus, to bring my love of fabric, color, texture and shape and work with Him in what He calls "The Hall of Bolts", a Creation hall like the bolts of fabric in a sewing store!! I already have a Servant's Heart and this place is just my place...and I plan for that day.

• My exhortation to you? Plan ahead past the current moment... repent and turn away from sinful behavior, ask for help and partner with Papa into Eternity, as one of His beloved children! He longs to share Eternity with each one of His family.

  Wendy Elizabeth Williams Friday, March 7, 2025

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