[Thursday's Devotional] - A Spacious Place

A Spacious Place­­ I love God's humour in my life, amidst our trials there is always humour.  I remember almost 28 years ago sitting in a hospital room awaiting the results of my son's Cystic Fibrosis test, if positive this is a life-threatening condition for which there is no cure.  Outside the room the doctor who was about to convey the results was telling a joke about cricket to the nurses, I don't remember the joke but I remember thinking the results must be negative, how could he joke if it was devastating news he was about to deliver.  I was shattered and angry when he told us of the positive result, yet later in life I fully understood how humour was probably the only way medical staff can cope with the traumas they encounter every day.  Witnessing the incredible work done in the hospital here on-board the Africa Mercy only affirms that, in the midst of despair there is joy as the workers sing and dance every day in the wards, it is indeed an uplifting tonic for those lying in the hospital beds.   As I prayed about a 'spacious place' the Lord reminded me of the verse I used when setting up my blog home-page from Mozambique in 2008, and the particular translation I used, I love it:   "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 [MSG]   As I rolled with the unforced rhythms of grace I was offered a transfer to Ward Admin Assistant, the role being the same working hours and days as Chris and indeed a 'spacious place' to finish our last few weeks here enjoying time together as we serve.   When going to the ship-shop I again experienced the Lord's humour - I was drawn to a bottle of washing up liquid affirming that 'spacious place' - the Lord has one waiting for us all.   Dawn Milward Twitter Website Copyright © 2017 St. Matthew & St. Oswald's Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to the Daily Devotionals Our mailing address is: St. Matthew & St. Oswald's Church 1a New Street Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 7BE United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Want to be added to our mailing list? - sign up here!