DebraBee

 

Psalms 119:15 I will study Your teachings and follow Your footsteps

The scene surrounding him only confirmed the loneliness he felt in his heart. He stood on an island in the middle of a dense traffic fairway. No one stopped to ask him why he was there or if he needed help. He had searched the faces of those behind the wheel and the passengers. They all seemed to look through him with mild disinterest. At random the cars either zipped by speedily or crawled along slowly, none turning aside to offer him assistance.

This was the world he lived in; one of suspicion, of busyness, people living all for self. The bitterness within him grew aggressively, churning up an acid in his belly. The loneliness pounded in his chest and he hurt with the ache. Anger began to wrap itself around the pain. Reaching into his pocket for the gun he felt something beside it, paper? Pulling it out he could see it was some kind of news clipping. He unfolded it to read. Taking in the headline he didn’t even notice his own tears until they started dripping onto the print causing the ink to smear. The story details didn’t matter. The headline was all he needed.

She looked at me with desperate eyes. Her needs were so great and I could sense her desire to believe, to know she was really loved, to rebuild trust again. Leaning over to hug her seemed to break a crumbling dam. I didn’t pull back, letting her hold on as tightly as she wanted to. I could feel her warm tears dripping onto my shoulder. After a couple minutes she finally was able to speak, “I really needed a hug”.

In the aftermath of voting for another president, our nation will now move into the next season of purpose. In a country where free speech is allowed, we will hear boasting and lamenting both. I have but one response, “prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”.

* 1 Timothy 2:1-2

As the leaves fall off the trees I recognize my need to follow You into a new season again. I breathe deep into my lungs the air You alone provide.

“Sometimes, all that I need is the air that I breathe, and to love you” *

* Lyrics by Hollies, The Air That I Breathe

Walking down to the lake-shore Heather turned over one of the canoes on the shoreline. Pulling it into the water she stepped inside the small boat. While still standing she picked up the wooden oar using it to push against the rocky sand below the surface, propelling the canoe forward. Heather did this until the oar could no longer reach the bottom. Sitting down she began to use the oar to paddle the canoe in an easterly direction.

The morning air was crisp. Setting the oar down in her lap, Heather pulled the zipper of her fleece hoodie up to her chin. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her sunglasses and put them on. The sun’s rising orb reflected off the water’s smooth surface like a mirror, doubling the brightness. Looking at the shoreline she saw majestic pines and could smell their refreshing scent. She marveled at the beauty of her surroundings.

Once more she picked up the oar and began paddling in a smooth rhythm. Humming she began to pray without words. Nothing needed to be said, only enjoyed.

Sitting still, I closed my eyes listening to the soft playing of a piano. While resting, I began to see faces in my mind of people I’ve had the privilege to pray with. One man in particular came to the forefront of my thoughts. He was homeless at the time and his name was William. I met him in San Francisco years ago. During a heavy rain storm he came under our tent asking some of us to pray for him. Afterwards while hugging me he spoke something into my ear; he asked me not to forget him.

It’s been five years since that meeting and I have not forgotten William and still pray for him. My heart feels an emotional pang understanding how much he means to my heavenly Father. When I think about William I hear, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

A great ache I carry in my heart is the desire to see William walking with Jesus in conversation, and that William would hear Jesus say, “I heard when you asked not to be forgotten, and you never were.” I carry that desire for all who have been prayed for by others.

*Scripture reference from Heb 13:5

I put my feet upon the stairs, each step taking me higher. Eventually I make my way to the upper room; it’s here that I meet my eternal family while still upon this earth.

The invitations come to celebrate a birth, a marriage, a dinner gathering, a church service, a ball game and limitless others. With diligence we put them upon our calendars, even shopping beforehand to bring a gift. As good as all of these invitations are, they pale in light of the important invitation. That quiet voice which invites us to follow Me. The voice which says draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.

* references from scriptures in James 4:8, Matthew 4:19