Fear not, for I am with you

A walk with Dad
A young girl goes on a journey with her father. She walks closely with him because she is unfamiliar with the way. There are times when the path ahead seems dark and too dangerous so hides behind her father for protection. She wonders how they will ever overcome the obstacles that she sees towering over the path ahead. But as she continues on, trusting her father to lead her, she watches him effortlessly remove each obstacle along the way. He only removes the ones that are necessary in his timing. All the others are left for her protection.
One thing the girl can be sure of, is that her father can see everything she'll ever face and knows the details of the entire journey. He knows each turn and twist and he also knows the final destination. His main delight is that she enjoy his presence with her. He is not so much concerned with the path or the places they go, but his delight is in his relationship with her and her heart towards him. The journey too, is building trust in the small girl's heart towards her father as she continually experiences his loving protection, guidance and provision. There are times when she is disappointed in his direction and wants to go another way because it looks more appealing to her, but choosing that path would mean separating herself from him. She is much more afraid to go any place without him now. Besides, he knows her more intimately than anyone can and delights so much in being her daddy. He most of all desires for her to return that affection. He knows there is still so much she doesn't understand about his love for her. And, that she is fully incapable of loving him as much and as perfectly as he does her. He is teaching her how to love as he bestows his love on her. The more she is loved, the greater her capacity will be to love others. That is just how it works on this journey.
We tread one step at a time with our heavenly Father because we know that he is right here to guide us. He sees all the paths ahead. He knows which turns to make and which obstacles to remove. All of that is already determined by him...who sees all and understands all. We as precious and chosen children only need to stay by His side and follow, trusting in his ways. (Inspired by Proverbs 3:5-6)
Father, that little girl is me. I am so incredibly dependent on your guidance. I do not want to go off and choose my own way. It is too scary and it leads me away from you. I only want you to hold on to me tight and keep me in the shadow of your wing. I have no need to see the road ahead. I only want to enjoy where you have brought me today and seek to discover all the hidden treasures you've placed along the way. You know me so incredibly well that I don't have to question why or how. I just need to be open to receive what you have for me. I want to be that little girl who is so pre-occupied with loving her daddy and receiving his love that she forgets to look ahead for the next step or where it is taking her.

Savor the Season

It is so much easier to look at the future with eager anticipation while forgetting to enjoy the present. I've made it a point to remind myself this year to savor the moments of each passing day. God has a purpose in every minute detail of our lives. We can accept from His hand whatever he gives with thankfulness and joy because we know that He is good. He'll never give anything that will not ultimately be for our good and His glory.
I'm thankful for this season of life and all the blessings around me that I easily take for granted. Some are disquised as trials and heartache and some are obvious blessings that bring me joy and happiness like family and friends. If I'm not careful to rest in His plan for my life each day and savor the moments with family and friends, I will lose them forever.
There have been challenges this year with my transition back to the United States and there are questions still about what direction my life is heading. However, I choose to relish in this season for the time I have to spend with my brother, my mom and my grandparents. After four years of separation, it seemed as thought we were starting from scratch. Although I have changed into a strong and independent woman, I appreciate my family for who they are individually and as a whole more than ever before. I have learned, in order to love and appreciate others where they are, it is important to accept them unconditionally. We are only able to accept others as broken individuals when we come to terms with our own brokenness. That, I am learning, is a life-long process.
All of that leads me again thinking about my longings for the future. Why is there a constant ache for something more. It is because I wasn't made to be satisfied completely with anything here on earth. I will only find what my heart longs for when my savior comes to take me home. That is where all these unmet longings are leading me. "Here" is only a foretaste. I'm thankful for the hope of an eternal home where the table is set and preparations are being made for the homecoming banquet! I can't wait!! A glorious wedding day that will be!! All the pain and suffering we are experiencing now will vanish. The days are fleeting and heaven feels closer than ever. Some days I just want to be there already, but the work here isn't done. No, we must stay strong and focused so we can be a part of His kingdom coming...home!!
It is a great thing to appreciate what I have. I never want to lose sight of the blessings God gives each day.
Inspite of all my unmet longings and dreams for the future, I choose to claim this day as one the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. If not, I'll be the one to miss out!