Come for a walk with me?

 

I took a little walk this morning around our condo complex. With my iPod in my pocket, I grabbed the camera on my way out thinking that with the overcast sky I might find some interesting pictures. It always fascinates me to think that on the other side of the clouds, it is blindingly bright. The sun is always there, even providing light through the clouds, whether it is visible down here or not. There is beauty all around... whether I stop and enjoy it or drive right past it.

As I enjoyed the flowers and the grey sky, I also started noticing all of the signs around giving directions about parking and not parking, stopping and slowing. All over the place. I mused a bit about how this current new mini-season of life feels fast and furious in many ways. There are short months left (likely) before we leave for Peru.  There is much, MUCH work to be done to prepare. Sorting belongings (do we take this? store it? sell it? give it away?) and getting things in order to be gone, keeping track of names and numbers, applying for visas and still visiting churches and people to share the vision and dreams, touching everyone a few more times before we leave... Much to do. It can seem in some ways like there is no time for parking until we get to Peru.

And yet, in many other ways there is a great need for slow. Slow enough to listen to my husband and dream with him and stay in love and as one during this season of stretching.  Slow enough to watch my children to see how they are really doing and to provide a sense of security for them that everything really is going to be okay because we are okay. Slow enough to sit and really BE with our friends and family and whoever else we are spending time with so we can all know that we love and are loved by each other. Slow enough to savor the joy of being on an adventure with God. 

But there is not just a need for occasional slow in this sprint to the finish. There is also a need for stopping.  Stopping to rest with God. To listen to Him. To gain His perspective. To find shelter and comfort in His arms when I am grieving. To be renewed and refreshed and restored when I am weary. To seek His guidance and wisdom.

And we need God, the Sovereign Lord of our lives, to continue to show us where to go and when to move. We need Him to continue to open and close the right doors and gates and keep us on His path as He has been so faithful to do for us so far. It is wonderful to be able to say that we know so clearly that this is the way God is leading us. We know that we know that we know this is His leading for our family and we are so thankful for the way He is making the path straight.

Strength and endurance. Communion and connection. Shelter and rest. Provision and guidance. I need them all. We all need them all. And He will graciously provide it all as we walk with Him, follow His lead and trust Him. Forever and ever.

From Psalm 31...

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 

4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

14 But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Strength, Peace & Endurance to you from our grace-giving heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit for whatever you may be facing this week...


With Much Love,
Melissa