LIKE AN ART NOUVEAU CHAIR

I was reading the book Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life by Kenneth C. Haugk the other day when I came across an interesting observation from the author. He was talking about God's presence in caring relationships. He once saw an art nouveau chair. It was soft and comfortable and had an outline of hand painted on it. He said it seemed to invite you to relax in it's palm. This is exactly how God's presence is. He provides all of the comfort of your favorite chair. He holds the whole world in His palms. Deut. 33:27 says "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms". As you rest under the comfort of God's presence you experience His wholeness filling your being. And don't forget that John 10:28 says that "No one shall snatch them out of my hand." This is comforting and we should hold fast to this promise and remember this Irish blessing:

MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU,

MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK,

THE SUNSHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,

THE RAINFALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELD.

AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN,

MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.

UNTIL NEXT TIME.- THE GREAT ONE