Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/77

Contributor - Engelina Van Essen

Title - Women's Page

Topic - Women's Page

It is quiet in the house, - quiet after the busyness of this summer, when the children were home and all sorts of things were going on; things to be explored, inventions to be made, working out projects with friends, and yes, the effort also to make them do their chores. But how nice it is to have them all around and see them play and learn and grow

It is not only quiet in the house, it is also quiet outside' It is a dark land wet day, although it doesn't rain. There is no wind and the clouds are hanging low. The washline is covered with drops of water. Once in a while, when 2 drops meet, it seems hard to hang on, and down they go. How nice it is to have a window above the kitchen sink, with a view as wide as we have, and let your eyes and thoughts wander away while doing dishes . . .

I feel very quiet and peaceful inside, and also very thankful, when I think about the time we spent with our family, away from home, camping at a quiet spot. Much of our time was spent in getting wood from the bush to keep the fire going (we had a cold and rainy vacation), reading Christian books and sharing what we read. We all learned so much of what God can do in our lives when we trust Him . . .

Thanksgiving is almost near. I'm reminded of it when I look at the sunflowers in the garden, dropping their heads heavy with seeds; the bean field, which I also can see from my kitchen sink picture window, is yellow and ready to harvest. But thanksgiving is not a once-a-year affair, although it is good to have a day set apart. Thanksgiving and praise come from a thankful heart shouldn't that be a daily affair ? When I look at the fruits of the field, I take a look at myself. Do I produce fruit ? Am I growing spiritually ? Just as much as I need the quietness and the family relationship during the holidays, I need to relate in quietness toward, and with my God. Not once in a while or at intervals, but daily, to draw strength from Him and to praise Him.

"I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all thy wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in thee, I will sing praise to thy name, 0 Most High". Psalm 9 :1, 2.

In Him,

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