Yes, I am moved into my new flat. Some say I am in the pent
house, but I call it my Eagle’s Nest.
Many years ago I was
given a card by one of my students at the Apostolic Bible College, where
I was lecturing on children’s work.
Now it has a place of honour. Titled ‘Eagle Christian’, it
is of an eagle, standing alert on some rocks, as it views the land, while the
text is, ‘The glory of the Lord shines out as one rests in him.’
So here I am, resting in the Lord, in this beautiful
apartment God has provided for me, and asking him to teach me to live as an Eagle
Christian.
Firstly, I am trusting him to renew my strength so that I
my rise up each day with wings as eagles, for
moving house is certainly exhausting, and takes courage and strength.
A lovely cosy home, - almost too warm first thing in the
morning, I open a window for a few minutes and breath in the sweet fresh air,
then switching on a lamp, I open my
curtains even though it may still be dark, in faith that the morning is coming,
and ‘as surely as the day dawns’ as Hosea says, open my heart for all God has
for me for this new day.
Once the morning is here I look away, above the back yards
that are down below, over the roof tops, to the strength of the mountains
beyond. Even if I cannot see them through the mist, I know they are there. I am
told an eagle is able to turn his head full circle, but I have to wait to see
the sea until I walk along the corridor, and passing the lift, look from the
window across the harbour to Ogmore.
We admire the eagle for its nest- making skills in the
bleakest of places. And of course the purpose of a nest is for raising young.
God is reassuring me that with him, I am never too old, and he is continuing to
anoint me with fresh oil in my various ministries.
God has made me so sure that this move was his best for me.
He has appointed the places we live, as Paul told the people of Athens. And I
have been filled with joy as I have been ‘playing house’ with my limited, but
more than adequate space. I am amazed to be living in such luxury, but then I
remembered that I had just as much joy in brightening up some of my little
homes, such as they were, when in the Highlands of New Guinea. I am proving the
words of Madame Guyon,
‘While
place we seek or place we shun, the soul finds happiness in none,
But with
my God to guide my way, ‘tis equal joy to go or stay.
Quietly I am getting to know all these wonderful senior citizens who like me, have moved into Stoneleigh court, determined to maintain independent living, all so brave and positive, and friendly. But we all have deep deep needs, though we may strive to keep them hidden, and I pray this Eagle Christian, with those others already here, may be used to spread God’s wings of love so that none of us may need to fear the time when we are leaving earth, but have assurance of the mansion Jesus has gone to prepare for his own.