Wednesday 28 April 2010

REST

The garden continues to come to life after it's long, cold and wet Winter rest, something new everyday














Rest
There is no music in 'rest', but there is the making of music in it.
In our whole life melody, the music is broken off here and there by 'rests'
and we foolishly think
we have come to the end of the tune.
God allows a time of forced leisure, sickness, disappointed plans,
frustrated efforts that make a sudden pause
in the choral hymn of our lives,
and we lament that our voice must be silent and
our part missing in the music
which forever goes up to the ear of the Creator.
How does the musician read the rest?
See him beat the time with unwavering count and
catch up the next note true and steady
as if no breaking place had come inbetween.
Not without design does God write the music of our lives -
but be it ours to learn the time
and not be dismayed at the 'rests'.
They are not to be slurred over nor to be omitted,
nor to destroy the melody, nor to change the keynote.
If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us.
With our eye on Him,
we shall strike the next note full and clear.

24 comments:

Susan said...

Beautiful, Barbara.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

The pictures and the words are just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Lovely words of comfort Barbara. Beautiful garden too- I love the pink blossom against blue skies.

I couldn't let my bestest-old-friend down on top of not joining her. It was good that work ready to sew too - some traced blocks will follow as BOMs for May. Sewing helps keep my mind off my back etc. fortunately. I couldn't do without it.

Thank you for sharing.

nikkipolani said...

I like this comparison, Barbara. And your garden shows it has certainly rested well. Wonderful anticipation.

Needled Mom said...

Beautiful - the garden and Rest.

CIELO said...

Lovely garden.... so good to be able to be out in the garden again after the long winter.... oh, the house in the roses is having a “Victorian Teacup Party” on Mother’s Day and I’m inviting you.... come see!

cielo

talesfromagarden said...

Your garden looks lovely, I have that pieris forest flame and red robin too, they never let you down! Love the tree in the first pic, can you tell me the name of it please?

Susan said...

Thank you for sharing such beauty.

Susan
http://susan-chicdaisy.blogspot.com/

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

"...the music of our lives..." What a beautiful and inspiring message here, Barbara. Psalm 131 comes to mind; I have been learning how to pay heed to the rests this year. Thank you.

Your garden is marvelous right now. That first shot with your pink tree...so very pretty. And I like the new plantings around your pond.

Balisha said...

Beautiful splashes of color in your yard. I would like to know about the first picture...what kind of a tree is it?
Balisha

Patsy said...

Wonderful to set and rest in peace.
Patsy

Anonymous said...

I love your garden. Mine is very small and I dare not plant more 'cause I can't hardly keep it cared for as it is.
Also like the writing very much.

Mary H

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Just spectacular pictures, the colors are bretahtakingly beautiful.
I love the words to your post.
So relaxing.

JCelestial said...

Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest” - Ashleigh Brilliant quote(English Author and Cartoonist, b.1933)

a woman who is said...

Rest...it hits a true note in my heart. Our pastor always would tell us that rest was a weapon. I am beginning to understand that more and more as time goes on. It is a bit hard to wrap you mind around, but I think it so true.

Was this your poem? It is so beautiful.

I can't believe your border of bergenia! Spectacular! Who does all the shrub trimming? Very lovely.

Knitting Mania said...

Simply beautiful and ministering.
Thanks for your visits Barbara!

duopastorale said...

I like the peiris..(I think?) Mine is nice too... and the red robin :)

Bishop Stone said...

Your garden is looking lovely. I could not find a way to email you personally. We are very excited about heading to the uk. I hope we can reserve some good weather for our trip.

Unknown said...

Beautiful flowers and trees, its one of the things I most look forward to is seeing spring in the West. Happy weekend.

Tea Time With Melody said...

Sometimes you come across a reading that just pulls you in and this was it for me. Glad I stopped by.

Willow said...

My piano teacher taught me to give the rest its full count and not rush it. Pushing on to the next note too quickly made the notes sound out of balance.

Betty said...

I am so glad I found your blog again. I love your garden it so pretty.

Willow

Unknown said...

I came from Melanie's place and I must say wow! absolutely beautiful garden. Enjoy the wonders of spring and summer :)

Sue said...

I came for a visit from my friend Vee, and I must say how truly blessed by the thoughts and photos you have shared.
Sue