peace chimes

"Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." James 1:20



My head is in full compliance with this awesome Bible verse . . .

But some days my heart wants to punch a few lights out!

I knew I was in a bad place a few weeks ago when I was out sanding our back deck. At one point, I found myself day-dreaming about sanding the smile off the face of a certain person who'd offended me.

Scandalized by the ugliness of my own heart, I called a friend and confessed my angry thoughts. Naomi listened patiently and said she'd pray for me. I felt a little better after 'fessing up to my stuff, but still sensed a lingering bitterness in my soul.

The next day I was out running wedding errands in the miata. Shopping completed, I hopped in my car and found a present in the passenger seat. I unwrapped it and found a beautiful cross-shaped wind-chime.

Intrigued, I opened the card that came with the gift.

"When ever you hear the chimes sing, forgive . . . love, Naomi."

As soon as I got home, I hung those chimes in my backyard, suspended over our well-sanded deck. Within moments, a breeze kicked up and the chimes did their thing, filling the yard with their sweet music.

Before my heart could clench itself into an angry fist yet again, I took a deep breath and prayed. I prayed blessing over the person who'd hurt me. I asked for God's forgiveness for my own bitter heart. I prayed for healing of relationships. I prayed for God to bring glory to His name.

And everytime the wind blows around here, I lift up those prayers again. And again and again and again . . .

Magic chimes they're not. But forgiveness is supernatural, and the more I pray, the less angry--and more restored--I feel.

So, thank you Naomi, for obeying God's voice and blessing me with such and amazing gift! Those chimes have brought music to my ears . . . and healing to my soul.