Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.
Dr. Suess
Pushing Tyson through the crowd at the zoo, trying to keep up with Chuck and the girls, a lady came zooming around the corner, pushing her own stroller. She ran over my foot, hit my side, and knocked me out of her way with a snarky “Sorry” and kept moving. I was in utter disbelief as to what just happened. “Chuck. She ran me over!” He stood there shaking his head, a smile growing across his face.
Confusion and crowded thoughts made me feel like the woman who ran me over at the zoo. I could not make heads or tails of any decision we needed to make!
What about when you can’t trace Him? Will you trust Him? The hardest part of following is following in the dark. Yet, God will require it. If He speaks, our concerns notwithstanding, our job is to listen to His guiding voice. I don’t have to see, but I must hear him.
Interestingly, a kangaroo cannot back up. They have only forward movement at all times. Our job is not to question God’s voice but to follow.
NOW AVAILABLE!
HOME SWEET HOME BOOK FOUR
Order Personally or Have It Signed and Shipped!
In Exodus 33:14, Moses expresses his utter dependence upon God when he says, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He didn’t want to go anywhere God wasn’t. The same holds true for us. The most blessed place we can dwell is smack dab in the middle of his leading. Life will change directions before you see it coming, but the puzzle pieces will fit beautifully as God draws the landscape.
Not long ago, my husband was presented with a wonderful opportunity. It had all the bells and whistles and an obvious YES stamped on the package, but we could not find peace about acceptance. No matter what something looks like or how pretty it is packaged, if God leaves a question in your spirit, listen.
Matthew Henry said that though both the promise and the threat are designed to bring and hold us to our duty, it is better that we be alert to what is good than frightened to it by a severe fear of God’s wrath. Obedience pleases best and comes from a principle of delight in God’s goodness.
Not many weeks ago, my family went camping and trail riding. I was so excited until I saw the cliffs others called “hills” we would be going up and down. I saw myself as the picturesque cowgirl, but the actual picture looked different. My knuckles were white as I trusted my horse to take me down these steep inclines. I looked over at my dad, who was not holding the reins but looking at a map. His horse, Smoothie, took step for step at my father’s guidance by his leg pressure. I shook my head in amazement.
I could hear my nephew Ben and my daughter Eva giggling as they enjoyed each mystery of the trails. There was never any fear or hesitation. My sister came up beside me while we let the horses graze near a serene waterfall. She sympathetically said, “If you let fear hold you back, you will miss the waterfall.” My legs were shaking, but I knew she was right.
The kid’s horse, Jacks, knew when we were headed out. Dad held back and let the kids take the lead. They didn’t know North from South, but Jacks did. He knew the way home; he never checked up. He led us out without one slip. A horse cannot get lost. If you will trust them, they will get you home. Why can’t we be like that with God?
There was a man from Virginia, Peyton Randolph, who had already been elected to the Second Continental Congress. He, however, got sick, and another man was sent in his place. He was a young, fiery man by the name of Thomas Jefferson. Funny, he was never originally supposed to be at the Second Continental Congress, yet he played such an impactful role in shaping the beginnings of this great nation, even before he was honored with the title of President. God goes before us and orchestrates pieces we know nothing about.
Walking my kids through the candy shop, Charlotte was loading down her little shopping cart, bumping into things, and giggling with delight at each piece of a child’s dream world. I asked the owner how they ended up in a small town like this. Her eyes lit up, and she remembered, “I met a tall Texan out in California who was looking for open space, trees, and stars. My original roots were here in Tennessee. I made the suggestion, and after eleven years of trying to find a place to call home, we finally found it – piece by piece.
Her daughter looked up at me from behind the counter and said, “We have four generations raised right here with small-town charms and values, a place where everyone knows our name. My folks owned the grocery store that used to be next door. I grew up running the aisles and going in and out the back door.”
Before I left, I had to change Tyson from a blowout and gather Charlotte from her candy infatuation. Eva remained at my side, thankfully handing me the only diaper I had left: a pink Mickey Mouse pull-up (head bow). The mother looked back at me from under her gray hairs and reassured me, “Keep going. It will seem like forever, but it goes way too fast. You’re doing just fine.”
God will fit the pieces. I will follow the peace.
The Lord bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24
