February 20
“When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.” Proverbs 4:12
After the Northeaster, the sun danced off the blanket of white snow and through the crystal-like, ice covered branches, shooting bursts of light in every direction. The sight is breathtaking. But underfoot, things are treacherous! The ice hidden under the pristine, sparkling snow is a menace to be reckoned with. Without the aid of storm boots, walking is difficult at best and the neighborhood is abuzz with activity as people struggle to clear areas to walk on and drive safely through, and to help those who need assistance getting around. I am reminded that things are not always as they appear to be.
Although my jogging days are long past, I still remember keenly the glorious feel of the wind, even the rain in my face when I ran; the feeling of utter freedom and then extraordinary peace that would follow after that run! I was certainly careful when the snowy New England weather was upon us, but I never stumbled. I never so much as twisted an ankle, but over time random aches and pain appeared and worsened, eventually limiting every movement. What I didn’t know? All the while, little by little, damage was being done to my body that was destructive; a disease that became my life’s battle was making itself known.
We are often deceived by something at first glance. How many times have we felt frustration when various situations are hampered by unexpected obstacles, unaware that at that moment the stumbling was an opportunity to stop, take our time and reorganize our thinking? Without a doubt, when we stumble in any situation and look more deeply into it, unexpected information and help is right before us. God has provided these opportunities for us to discover something we would never have given a thought about, pertaining to some area of our lives that needs attention.
God knows where our feet should be placed and how quickly they should move. He knows the obstacles in our way, and the direction we need to go in. He knows the difficulties we all face as we walk on this journey, and He reassures us that we will not be hampered; we will not stumble when we are one with Him. Whatever obstacles create separation, loneliness or pain in our spirit, mind or body, with God we know we can move forward with both feet on the ground. And I know that I for one am grateful for the days I can walk without stumbling.
Heavenly Father, thank you for watching the steps in all areas of our lives; hold us in your loving arms when we stumble.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
“When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.” Proverbs 4:12
After the Northeaster, the sun danced off the blanket of white snow and through the crystal-like, ice covered branches, shooting bursts of light in every direction. The sight is breathtaking. But underfoot, things are treacherous! The ice hidden under the pristine, sparkling snow is a menace to be reckoned with. Without the aid of storm boots, walking is difficult at best and the neighborhood is abuzz with activity as people struggle to clear areas to walk on and drive safely through, and to help those who need assistance getting around. I am reminded that things are not always as they appear to be.
Although my jogging days are long past, I still remember keenly the glorious feel of the wind, even the rain in my face when I ran; the feeling of utter freedom and then extraordinary peace that would follow after that run! I was certainly careful when the snowy New England weather was upon us, but I never stumbled. I never so much as twisted an ankle, but over time random aches and pain appeared and worsened, eventually limiting every movement. What I didn’t know? All the while, little by little, damage was being done to my body that was destructive; a disease that became my life’s battle was making itself known.
We are often deceived by something at first glance. How many times have we felt frustration when various situations are hampered by unexpected obstacles, unaware that at that moment the stumbling was an opportunity to stop, take our time and reorganize our thinking? Without a doubt, when we stumble in any situation and look more deeply into it, unexpected information and help is right before us. God has provided these opportunities for us to discover something we would never have given a thought about, pertaining to some area of our lives that needs attention.
God knows where our feet should be placed and how quickly they should move. He knows the obstacles in our way, and the direction we need to go in. He knows the difficulties we all face as we walk on this journey, and He reassures us that we will not be hampered; we will not stumble when we are one with Him. Whatever obstacles create separation, loneliness or pain in our spirit, mind or body, with God we know we can move forward with both feet on the ground. And I know that I for one am grateful for the days I can walk without stumbling.
Heavenly Father, thank you for watching the steps in all areas of our lives; hold us in your loving arms when we stumble.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson