Wise words from a wise woman.

"The real blessing is in here," Linda explains as she places her hand over her heart.

This fire-cracker of a woman is sharing wise words with me on a sunny, winter afternoon. We're talking about how often we look for God's blessing in the external parts of our life, when, as Linda puts it, God's real blessings are in our personal times with Him and in the transformation of  our heart.

I've gone to Chinchilla, a rural Queensland town about four hours from Brisbane, to visit Linda Lawson and her husband Allen.

I met the Lawson couple last October, when I was in Chinchilla during a week-long YWAM Brisbane outreach. I spoke at their tiny - and greying - Presbyterian church.

Linda and her library.

I immediately clicked with Linda then - and again now during this personal visit. She writes Bible studies for the Australian-founded Christian Women Communication International (CWCI) and its Know Your Bible (KYB) program. Since my first encounter with Linda, we've corresponded regularly via email. She writes a weekly update to missionary friends she has around the world. As part of her role with CWCI, Linda travels a few times a year to remote towns in northern Queensland. This usually involves flying thousands of kilometres in small planes, visiting outback and Aboriginal communities, and connecting with women there. It's remarkable that in her 70s, Linda goes on these "safaris" with so much energy and encouragement to offer these women.

Charming views in Chinchilla, Queensland. Pop. 6,000

Linda grew up in a tiny town herself, was trained as a teacher, and moved to a remote, Aboriginal settlement for her first job. Somewhere along the lines she connected with CWCI and the rest, they say, is history.

I got to go through that vault of history with Linda this past weekend, asking her about her childhood, taking initiative and following God's leading. We sat for hours in her sunny backyard, wandered along the Condamine River and strolled the town.

Not only that, but I was genuinely spoiled by Linda and Allen, as if I was one of their grandchildren. It was a real blessing to stay with them and learn from Linda.

The big takeaway, are these words from the lady herself:
"Delight in God wherever you might be. That's the goal."

A valuable lesson. One I hope to live out.