Forward and backward. Round and round. I thought I was going here and now I’m going here.
Sometimes life blurs the path, doesn’t it? I’m such a look forward person — planning my garden for the spring, or what we’ll do at the lake, or thinking about what math we’ll do in the fall, or what we’ll do for Gracie’s birthday. I want to keep moving, keep running forward, meeting the next goal. Then often, I’m stopped. In my tracks.
Then I spin around, in circles, not knowing which way to go and not even knowing what tomorrow will bring.
But, despite the spinning, life still moves ahead of me. Instead of looking weeks ahead it becomes about the day. Two feet walking forward clinging to the truth in Jeremiah 29:11 — For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It takes courage and strength to keep walking forward even when the path is hard, or messy, or blurred, or confusing. The beauty of moving, and pressing forward is that even in those harder times that there are moments of joy that can be found. Little joys — kids laughing, hot coffee in the morning, frost on the trees, Samuel snuggling, a clean living room, sweet emails — no longer overlooked, but aware and thankful for those everyday simple things.
That garden of mine that I dream about in the long days of February? It will be planted. The soil that’s waiting right now, rich and dark and cold, will soon bring life and beauty and joy. But, I have to wait. Wait until it’s ready, and having faith in the growth that will come even in the midst of winter when the path seems blurred and the world frozen.
How about you? Do you have a favorite verse that you cling to? Yesterday, on my facebook page, I asked that simple question and was so blessed by the verses shared – a treasury of truth.
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It seems like God has given me a new verse to cling to every few days, but here are the two that come to mind right now:
“Don’t be afraid, just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you” Exodus 14:13 NLT
“…a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112: 6-7
Prov 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” it’s been a lifelong favorite. I pray it over my kids.
Praying today for you, my precious friend. Get rest. xoxo.
I think you wrote this for me today. 🙂
Our family road has been slippery and twisted for a year now … seemingly without a plan.
After a year of on and off unemployment for my husband, a job fell into MY lap this week. I don’t want it. I want to stay home with my kids. I want to be the one homeschooling the 6 still left at home. I want to be snuggling … going to the park … bandaging the owies. But … we also need to pay the bills.
So frustrated today, at so many things. Praying for CLARITY and DIRECTION this weekend.
Laurel
I really enjoyed reading this post 🙂 I’m an avid planner myself, always planning and looking forward to what is to come. Every now and then, reality snaps me back into place and reminds me that it’s not my timing, it’s His.
I needed to read this today, too. My life path is very confusing right now, too. Sometimes it really is about getting through the day, or the hour. I’ve felt bogged down with a myriad of problems, some big, some little. But all of them can create a big ball of pain and discouragement. Trying to cling to Scripture during this desert time in my life!
I needed to read this today, thank you! One of my favorite verses is Psalm 91:4–“He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.”
It makes me feel safe as I strive to stay in each confusing blurring moment.
Hugs!
I am so busy planning, thinking, or worrying about the future, I rarely see what’s happening right now.
Lately, I’ve been encouraged by Isaiah 9:6,
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I love that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
One of mine: Romans 5:1-5.
Faith, grace, perseverance, character, hope… a hope that does not disappoint. – that is the condensed version I keep in the window part of my wallet.
I have been where you are more times than it seems possible, or fair. I try to keep my eye fixed on the goal, and remember none of that will follow me to heaven.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Praying!
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Prayer Bears
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