When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.Psalm 142:3
Thank you for all the encouraging comments on the last post. Mom also appreciated the thoughtful and loving words which were shared. I spent a lot of time this week updating concerned family and friends and experienced the rollercoaster of emotions between despair and hope which all people go through when they receive bad news. Mom is still dealing with the after effects of two big surgeries in a month and decisions about future treament are yet to be made.
I walked along the river on a cloudy morning a few days ago and took a side path from the gravel trail as I looked for the source of a Yellow Warbler song. The narrow foot path wound around large willow trees at the water's edge and soon I was a good distance from the familiar open trail. The path divided and I noticed a white marker on tree trunk which led me on the correct route to where I needed to go. It wasn't important to know where the next marker was because it was sure to show up eventually when I needed direction again.
Change brings challenge and we can resist it or move along in its flow. It is human nature to seek information about our future even if the source is speculative and unreliable. It is harder to live in the moment as if each day could be our last. How different the world could be if we didn't leave the most important things in life... being patient, forgiving, loving, unselfish, expressing appreciation to others... for another day.
So we follow the path chosen for us, not sure of what is around the bend, but knowing the next marker will be there when we need direction.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself...
Matthew 6:34
Matthew 6:34
We so much want to be "in control" don't we? Hard for us to "rest" and to not try and manipulate our tomorrows. Hebrews 3 talks about entering into rest ... the Hebrews couldn't do it and we seem to have just as hard a time.
ReplyDeleteSo hard to take every "worry" thought captive when family members hurt. Hard to hear the still small voice that gives the best kind of direction when anxious thoughts are whirling in our head. I know all too well. Again, I pray for you wisdom and quietness of spirit in the days that lie ahead.
Such a beautiful post. I didn't get to church today because of toddler "stuff"...the scriptures you shared caused me to reflect and your words are wise. Thank you. Thinking of you and your family still...
ReplyDeleteYou can only live in the Now, and let the future be what it will.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures that bring the words into focus.May you be encouraged to know that I,along with others am praying for you and Mom.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
So this is a warbler, she is so beautiful. Last night, our Biblestudy group celebrated the 80th birthday of a member, an ex missionary. She has a group that sings and called themselves the Grey Warblers, and some one teased them to be grey wobblers.
ReplyDeleteHope your mum is resting well.
Indeed those markers do appear Ruth. And you and your family will be led down this path enveloped in love and warmth. Blessings to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteWe follow our path, but I think on this day, you took the one less travelled, and surely that has made the difference. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt's so difficult to deal with an uncertain future, but sometimes all we can do is move forward and trust that a marker will show the way.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mother can find some peace and hope as she comes to terms with her illness and future treatments.