The Happy Place
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
When I see myself in the picture in Brussels (1984,) it puts me right back at the happiest time spent with my husband; young and carefree. We were married just a year; we went to Brussels for our honeymoon. Oh, we could have gone to any place in Europe, but we both wanted to spend our honeymoon there.
In 2008 I wrote the following on one of my scrapbook pages, featuring the above photograph (I apologize for the poor quality, but it is scanned and 29 years old): “What a wonderful time we had on our honeymoon. We have seen some really cool places. We also had a lot of fun. Especially the gyros we found in one of those little places. They were the best gyros I ever had. I hope that one day we can tour Europe once again…”
Even though I wrote this 5years ago, lately I remember the time we had on our honeymoon. When I start smiling and my hubby asked me why I am smiling, I just say “Brussels”. Yes, Brussels for me personally is a happy place.
When we go through hard times this side of heaven, we like to go to ‘a happy place’ in our minds. I know I do. But Paul is telling us in Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV):
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
My sweet friend, let me tell you that we are made for heaven. This is not our home. God put us in the place we are in, for a reason. I know that through every trial we become stronger and the person God wants us to be. It may not seem that way, but trust God that all will work out for the good and His glory.
“Lord of Mercy and Grace. Sometimes we don’t know why we have to go through another trial, but You have promised us in Your Word that we can trust You with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. Lord, help us in our unbelief and trust You. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
I’m trusting Him today, Iris! Thanks for the reminder to focus on what is good and right rather than the troubles in our day.
Blessings, Joan
APPRECIATE THIS POST.
Love that you can still remember your honeymoon so vividly and that it’s still your happy place. Thanks for the reminder that God placed us where we are for a reason.