How did we get to March? I seem to have missed the memo. Just like some friends across the pond are still deep in snow, waiting for the melt, for a season of spring to show, I seem to have been hibernating in stillness, a needful slowing down on the inside while taking on extra physical and mental busyness.
I need a soul sanctuary. It’s here—borne on the wings of prayer, coming to me as I wait patiently before God, learn to still my restless heart and find my deepest peace in faith and trust, as I navigate through life’s hard places with His guidance and support, His energy and strength given whenever it’s needed.
It’s a holy breath, a whispered answer to prayer, a divine call to come aside for a while and rest deeper in Him. Our soul sanctuary is available for any season of the soul or season of life. There is no place where we can fail to meet with God’s grace.
Fresh rain sanctuary
This pure night frost, blanketing winter
tendrils beneath soft moon peace, leaves
deep cloud, cold air we breathe; and a
thick, moist, fresh rain sanctuary cycles
like wild, sacred water song, murmuring
long summer secrets of our Eden rest
©joylenton2017
While I wait for my husband to be fit enough to leave hospital following his spinal surgery, the clock inches ever closer to a significant birthday for him. I don’t know how, when, where or if we’ll find an opportunity to fully celebrate it, but my hope and prayer is for us to have a season of togetherness, joy and celebration soon, instead of a season of separation, sickness and pain. Hence the poem below…
My wild desire
Coffee is my liquid magic
It’s good to wake and make time
here for remembering my wild desire:
to embrace, be healed, eat cake and
celebrate this life with champagne kiss
©joylenton2017
When we take our needs and wild desires to God we can trust Him for the outcome and all He plans to do with them. Things might not look like we expect or hope they will, but it will be the best fit for you and me, because God knows the innermost secrets of our hearts and is able to bless us beyond measure in meeting those needs in a way that also serves His overall plan and purposes.
How is this season speaking to you? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
*NOTE* ~ My poetic memoir, ‘Seeking Solace’ is free for a few days on Kindle, from March 7th to March 11th inclusive! If you’re seeking solace yourself, or know someone else who is, then my story of discovering God’s grace in life’s hard places may well aid the journey. You can get it here… There’s also a paperback version available if you prefer. 🙂
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy,
What a sweet offering for your husband! I hope that you are able to show him these words of yours, and your beautiful poem with image for your “Wild Desire.” I believe that your desires and longings are being lifted as prayer for his benefit as well, my friend! And these words touch my own heart so deeply too: “God knows the innermost secrets of our hearts and is able to bless us beyond measure in meeting those needs in a way that also serves His overall plan and purposes.” What incredible hope to cling to, as these days of stillness are lived with Him. You have my prayers, daily, as I ask the Lord to bless you and your husband with deep strength and healing! Blessings, Love and Hugs! xoxo
Dear Bettie, how I love your thoughts here: ” I believe that your desires and longings are being lifted as prayer for his benefit as well” and all they imply of God’s tender heart and ever-listening ear! My beloved man isn’t privy to this poetry. He’s unable to focus for long on reading things and I rarely share my words with him. But he has seen some of the poetry in my book and wondered if he ought to read the rest!
I’m so glad we don’t have to rely on our inadequate energy and strength, especially when we go through tough things. It’s a huge blessing to be prayed into healing and wholeness too, and we are both so thankful for your faithful, daily prayer, sweet friend. Deep strength and healing are just what the doctor would order and our Chief Physician happily supplies! Blessings, love and grateful hugs to you. xoxo
I love the soul sanctuary Joy! I will hold onto that image as I go forward in Lent.
Thank you, Nancie, your own words have inspired me today! They’re an honest, refreshing look at how Lent could be perceived, and your words: “It is the desert experience of discernment that is most precious to me” are true for me, too. Bless you, friend. xo
Your sweet words region such solace and renewal. I have been paying for you and your husband as he recovers and you seek strength to be there for him. Your offering today gives us a glimpse into your heart and love for your husband.
Thank you for gently pointing us to God in all your words.
Mary, it’s always a pleasure to see you on the blog, because your smiling face alone is enough to make me feel happy! And then you write such soothing, encouraging words, just the right thing arriving at the right time, as God gives you utterance. Your thoughts and prayers are truly welcome by my husband and I as we revisit this rather scary territory and wonder what the final outcome will be. Your words are also a solace for my weary soul. Bless you, sweet friend! xo ❤
Sorry I didn’t check my comment before sending. It should say bring and not region! 😄
No problem, Mary, I wasn’t quite sure what it was supposed to be, or I would have tried to edit it for you! 🙂 xo
Hello Joy. Beautiful poetry and post, as usual. I’m sorry to read that your husband’s in the hospital. I hope he heals 100% and returns home soon. ❤ xx
Hello Vashti, thank you so much for your kind words and support. Yes, we’re hoping “he heals 100% and returns home soon”, though not so fast it’s unsafe for him. Following his previous surgery eight months ago, they sent him home even though he’d collapsed in the shower that morning, such is the demand for beds in the NHS! Then he did the same thing on me in the morning when attempting to stand up. 😦 It was the beginning of months of problems, frequent collapses and severe pain. The surgeon was pretty reluctant to say this fresh procedure would actually rectify anything but that is our hope and prayer, nevertheless. Bless you for caring, sweet friend. xo ❤
I pray your husband will be able to come home soon with renewed strength and decreased pain, Joy. And for continued daily sufficient grace and rest or you, too. This really encourages my heart – “God knows the innermost secrets of our hearts and is able to bless us beyond measure in meeting those needs in a way that also serves His overall plan and purposes.” Amen! Love and hugs to you!
What a beautiful prayer! Thank you so much, Trudy, for your caring thoughts and encouraging words. It pleases me to have also been a means of speaking to your heart today. I appreciate you being here, my friend. Love and hugs to you! xo 💜
Love this: “It’s a holy breath, a whispered answer to prayer, a divine call to come aside for a while and rest deeper in Him. Our soul sanctuary is available for any season of the soul or season of life. There is no place where we can fail to meet with God’s grace.”
Tara, I love how you draw out the salient parts that speak to you each time you read my words. You’re such a blessing to me. Thank you, friend! xo