Refuge.
That’s the best word I can think of to describe this place. It’s been nearly 6 years since my last visit. After only a day, I felt completely at home. I stayed in a beautiful room that has bits and pieces of my family’s history all around me. A 106 year old wedding gown worn by my great great great Aunt Isabel Peterson, hung delicately on the wall at the foot of my bed. Family pictures dating back to the early 1900’s, and a gorgeous blanket that was lovingly hand sewn by my Great Great Grandmother, were neatly displayed.
For someone like myself, who loves all things vintage (especially those related directly to my family history) the room was perfection.
The view is incredible.
My room leads to a deck that overlooks part of the 13 acres that this home sits upon. You can faintly make out Ch-Paa-qn peak, a part of the Rocky Mountains, just beyond the trees that line the property. Sipping my morning coffee on the back porch, surrounded by Gods beauty, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratefulness…and awe. Surrounded by the cool, crisp mountain air, listening to the sounds of nature waking up.
As I read my Bible, chipmunks ran here and there. Birds flitted all around, and bunnies emerged from their evening resting spots. Deer watched from afar, waiting for me to retreat to the house, before they hopped the fence to search for food.
I have been given an incredible gift.
Significant, quality, quiet time with my Lord. I had a chance to speak to one of my dearest friends yesterday, and she said she could hear the peace in my voice. I feel like God has been waiting on this. Waiting to get me alone with Him. And I had no idea how much I needed it. Until now. Tomorrow, I will board my 5:40am flight out. I’m truly not looking forward to my early morning wake up call…but I am so ready to see my family. To hug their necks, and tell them how much I love them…but most importantly, I’m excited to begin living my life. Really live it.
I feel for the first time in a long time, I have my priorities where He wants them. During this time away, God has given me a peace that I’ve never felt before. An overwhelming sense of peace, that I am, even at this moment, finding very difficult to describe. Do I know the plans He has for me and what lies ahead? Nope. Not even close. But I do know that whatever it is, it’s going to be great.
I am a work in progress…and God is not finished with me yet.
I know that no matter what happens in my life, God’s got this. After all, I am a daughter of the King. “God is good. His plans are good. His requirements are good. His salvation is good. His grace is good. His forgiveness is good. His restoration is good.” – Lysa TerKeurst
I’m ready, God. Let’s do this.
You are beautiful my sweet daughter inside and out. I love how you have grown and how you seek after God with all your heart. I am so glad that you have had this wonderful chance to get away and be with the Savior and experience “The Peace that passes ALL understanding”