A Goldilocks Life

Workin’ it Out

A friend made plans to move to a new place, and her house sold in record time. The date was set for her to move in, and she spent all her free time packing and downsizing. We all rejoiced as we watched things seemingly fall into place. She texted that the new place didn’t work out. Our hearts were heavy, and we all prayed asking the Lord to open the door that seemed shut. We just couldn’t understand why and wondered where she would live.

A week or so went by, and suddenly the phone blew up with text notifications. My friend shared that a wonderful place opened up nearer to her family. They gave her a firm move-in date, and she and her dog would even have a patio along with many other amenities. We all rejoiced in this surprising answer to our prayers.

Have you ever felt like God doesn’t hear your prayers? Or maybe you have waited for the answer that still hasn’t come and feel like giving up. Don’t lose heart, because God promises that He listens when you call. Psalm 145 says, “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes to all who call on him in truth.” He reminds us to “Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed…” Psalm 105. As you await His answer, listen to what He says in Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” God is workin’ it out in His time.

What’s Around the Bend?

Besides chirping birds, the only sound I heard was the crackle of gravel under my bike tires. I sensed the Lord leading me eastward rather than north on the circular trail, and I felt inspired by a different perspective. Praises flowed from my mouth as I passed the old oak to my left and admired the clouds overhead.

As I wondered what would be around the bend, I watched a deer and its fawn leap into the tall brush when they spotted me. Around another turn I scared off three bunnies. I only had to call out “Good morning, I’m passing” once as I started off a bit earlier than usual and beat the crowd. As I took the last turn toward home, I sang a little made-up tune, “It’s a beautiful day.”

We literally don’t know what’s around the bend on any given day, though we usually have plans. One day we felt great, the next we woke up with a weak leg and ended up in the emergency room like my husband did last week. It wasn’t serious, but physical therapy is scheduled. We may let the unexpected twists and turns stress us out, or we may choose to say it’s a beautiful day.

Jeremiah 10:23 “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”

Happy Fourth!

Today, I pray you’ll enjoy a cookout or picnic with friends and family, take a walk in the park, attend a 4^th of July parade, or watch a concert and fireworks in your area. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago on July 4, 1776, established the United States of America as a free country. Celebrate!

Our freedom does not come without responsibility. The Bible says in Romans 13, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Our national laws are to be obeyed. We as followers of Christ are charged with respecting authority.

In the USA we are free to share our faith, vote, worship at any church, and pray in public, among many other rights. These activities are not a given everywhere in the world, so let’s be thankful for our freedom and for the men and women who have fought to keep it that way. Have a Happy 4^th of July!