I lift my eyes up

I find that I am thinking much about God's grace, and of God's opinion of me vs. man's opinion of me. I know I can think back to situations and dealings in my life where I wish I would have handled things better, frankly in a more godly, loving way. I cannot go back and magically alter my responses-but I can walk forward in God's grace and in newness of life. It is a sobering thought to know that beyond how my fellow man may judge me, that God knows the motives of my heart.
Funny, how despite my often state of wretchedness, that God could say this:

"Indeed I have loved you with an eternal love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
Jeremiah 31:3

It seems that death often causes us to halt in the midst of the busy-ness of life, I find this is true in our household, and the breakaway from our normal routine had given me much time to think and consider.

This hymn is a constant companion for me, particularly these words...

For Thou to me art all in all;
My honor and my wealth;
My heart's desire, my body's strength,
My soul's eternal health.

Burn, burn, O love, within my heart,
Burn fiercely night and day,
Till all the dross of earthly loves
Is burned, and burned away.

I realize anew, many times a day, that I desire a "well done!" from my God- and that I desire to shut out the distractions and focus on Him as my prize, my goal. I desire to be held in the index of His eye...to see that look of love, His gracious smile as my reward.

Heather at especially Heather wrote a post here that hit a chord with me, go on over and be blessed as I was by her words. And while you are there, rejoice with her that her Emma Grace gets to leave the hospital and go home.

"I lift my eyes up unto the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1,2