I’ve been contemplating what exactly it is that draws me to old barns. I thought maybe it had something to do with spending the first few years of my life on my great grandparent’s farm. Smelling the smells, bottle feeding the calves, watching grandpa on his old tractor. It probably does have an influence. But what I realized tonight astounded me. Beyond the memories associated with an old barn, I looked closer and found myself identifying with its story. Just like this barn, I have been through many a storm. I’ve felt the wind beating and thrashing against me, but I have stood strong. This barn may look empty, as sometimes I feel. But, it has been a refuge and safety for living beings needing a place to keep them safe and dry until the storm had passed. I have been that too. It has seen new life, and also death. How many seasons have I been through as well?
When I step up close and see the old, weathered barn, I don’t see it as abandoned. I see it’s beauty. I see a storehouse of memories. Just waiting for someone to listen. In the moss that now grows on the outside, I see a new story being painted. Not one of youth and liveliness, but of a hushed calm. A satisfactory sigh. A breathing out of one story, and breathing into the next. A waking to a new purpose and meaning.
Although at times, I’ll admit, I feel alone and empty, I am still able to see that my story is not done yet. It may not look like what I dreamed it would look like. I still have more storms to withstand. But I know that the beauty that God is painting through my life story will calm someone else’s storm. I will use it to comfort and shelter others. I will be a shelter. I will be that faithful, weather torn, full of memories, never stopping til I’m dropping type of old barn. So, bring on the rain! And add to my weather streaked beauty.
Relentless Rise 
What a lovely demonstration of vulnerability. This was so wonderful to read. You really have a good writing style. Super relatable! I can see many people feeling like, “she’s talking to me,” when they read your work. I look forward to reading more of your work.
God Bless
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Thank you Michael! I’m so glad that it blessed you! You are never alone, and your story isn’t over either. Be encouraged my friend! We have an amazing Heavenly Father that has great plans for you.
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Thank you so much for sharing this! There is a lot to be gained from contemplating an old barn. Peaceful strength and steadfastness for sure but also the “new story being painted” from the moss. Not often do we get to witness, or in the case of old barns, appreciate, the fact that we are all living in an ongoing timeless story with so much depth of meaning if we just stop and observe for a moment. Thank you for reminding me to do that! With Jesus, we get to live forever and every seeming end is just the foreshadowing of a new beginning.
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Yes, absolutely! Where we see a mess, He sees a masterpiece! I’m so thankful to have that perspective. It’s a solid hope. And we can rest, knowing that every detail has a purpose. Thank you for sharing your heart Aaron! You’ve blessed mine today.
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So wonderfully said, you have a way with words. You truly have a gift. Please don’t give it up❤️
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Thank you so much for your encouragement Kathy! It means more than you know.🥰 I will do my very best to continue telling my story so others will find courage, comfort, and confidence to rise up and live life to its fullest potential!❤️ Much love!
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