YOU MAKE ME BRAVE

Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, you are with me.   Psalm 23

Today, I am facing a rough time.  Courage eludes me right now.  It is scampering through a forest of tall strong oaks and is peeking out from behind the rough trunks of these sage trees. My skin tingles and I have the sensation that a huge predator is tracking me, while I stand here unarmed and unassisted. 

This predator comes at me attempting to steal my peace and joy.  I cannot sit in quiet meditation without fear hissing in my ear, interrupting my solitude.  I draw out my sword to defend myself from the attacks, only to have courage come and go when I need it the most.

Then, a comforting voice gently whispers to count it all joy.  Trust.  It is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that you stand against the predators of this world.

I lift up my hands to the Heavens and exalt the name of the Lord.  I am so grateful for his constant presence in my life when all others follow the ebb and flow of life.  Too busy to notice or just not able to comprehend my struggle. I am meant to lean on the one who gave me freedom from these illusions of lack.

The Lord is my Shepherd.  The Lord is my light and my salvation.  Whom then shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life. 

What could I ever lack with God at my side? Who is there like our God?  

So with a grateful heart, I thank him for the times that force me to cling tighter. The times that thrust me into the position of trusting more. Sweeter and dearer is his faithfulness to me.  Never alone. Never forsaken. I sit here resolute. He completely understands me: free, capable, and loved.

SIMPLICITY

My granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Alicia Markley.

People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Luke 18:15-17 (MSG)

So I wonder... is my heart and mind open enough?  Am I humble enough?  Do others see the kingdom in me?

The simplicity of a child speaks of the exuberance of a child as they discover the world around them. Energetically pursuing the next new thing and following their curiosity.

Bursting with excitement at every new encounter from a tiny bug on a leaf to finding out how old their mother is.

Keep me simple as a child.  Eyes and heart wide open.  Hands outstretched and giving.  Overflowing with discoveries everyday.