Backseat Driver

              Part of my parents’ summer agenda included vacations which my brother and I always looked forward to. Since my dad with his business partner owned and operated a grocery store in our small, Western Kansas community, they each scheduled for themselves a one week vacation which in our case meant a trip to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.

              Our family loved going to the Rockies.  Each vacation Mom and Dad would plan different places for us to visit there, and every year seemed better than the last.  We never came home disappointed.  However, there was one part of our trips that did frighten me as a youngster --- those hairpin curves as we drove through the mountain passes.  In the 50s, there were only two-lane highways and not much extra space on either side of the roads.  At times, my heart would jump as I glanced out the window to a steep incline below.  Fortunately, my dad was a very careful driver, but that didn’t stop me from expressing my concern.  In fact, I admit I was a backseat driver.

              As I reminisce, I don’t know how my dad endured my continual directions.    Leaning directly behind him on the edge of the backseat (no seat belts in the 50s either), I would say, “Curve, Dad, fifteen miles an hour, Dad,” and on and on.  He never responded angrily or told me to be quiet, but Mom did. J  So I would sit back, try to relax, and return to watching the landscape through the windows.  Eventually, I learned to let go of my fear of the curves and trust my dad’s driving abilities.  After all, he was in complete control without my help.

              Now, today, I need to follow my childhood’s pattern of letting go of my fears and trusting my Dad, my Heavenly Father, to safely drive me through the curves of life.  Like my earthly father, my Heavenly Father doesn’t need my backseat driving. He knows what curves lie ahead of me in my life’s journey, but He has given me a choice: to trust Him to handle the roads ahead or to sit on the edge of the seat and give directions.  As my dad would gently say, “It’s okay, Vicki,” while keeping his eyes on the road ahead, so my Heavenly Father gently nudges me and says, “It’s okay, Vicki; lean back and trust me.”  This I must do daily!  Thank you, Father, for being a patient “DAD”!!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  Prov. 3:5-6

A Walmart Incident

            It’s through those simple, everyday occurrences that I have drawn closer to my Heavenly Father. He is always ready to assist me, no matter what!  I only need to recognize His assistance.

            For instance, God came to my aid once again while shopping in Walmart. As I was reading the label on a fruit cup pak, I accidentally knocked one pak from its shelf.  Landing on the floor caused all four individual cups to scatter and break. In the brief seconds it took for me to gather my wits to what had happened, a Walmart clerk appeared immediately in the aisle and took care of the entire incident. As he knelt down to pick up the leaking cups, I told him he was a “God thing.”  He chuckled and left to get supplies to clean up the mess I had made.  As for me, I stood in awe as I knew God had placed that clerk in my aisle at that precise time.  After all, where in Walmart do you find a clerk when you need one?  Not only that, but my husband and I were the only two in the aisle to witness my embarrassment.  Now, that’s a thoughtful FATHER!!!

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help (emphasis added) in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Be on Guard

When spring arrives on the farm, so do snakes. At first, two snakes (a bull snake and a rattlesnake) made their appearance on our premises. Showing no remorse when the opportunity presented itself, I drove my car over the bull snake until it had died. Then, as if it were making paybacks, several weeks later two more bull snakes lay sunning themselves in the cool grass in front of our dining room window.  When my husband, Larry, went out to check on them, they quickly slithered out of sight.  Despite their disappearance, I remained cautious every time I left the house until…a few distractions caught me off-guard.

               Late one morning I was tending my two flower pots in our back yard when I noticed a small space in the so-called foundation of our house.  Foundation?? That’s a chuckle because our house, over 100 years old, doesn’t have much of a foundation.  In fact, only by God’s protective arms it remains upright. (possible blog piece) J Anyway, when I spotted this space, I took action. I remembered seeing some bricks lying in an area that once contained a vegetable garden. Larry had just mowed this section so the walk was free of weeds and tall grass. When I neared the site, I spotted a brick immediately and picked it up. Just as I started back to the house, I saw Larry’s pickup pull into our parking lot and at the same time I felt a rubbery, wiggly sensation coming from the bottom of my tennis shoe.  Glancing down, I jumped several inches to the side as I had stepped on a thin, grey/blue snake.  I’m not sure which of us was frightened the most, but I didn’t wait around to see where that “dude” went.  By the time I ran to the house, I was breathless and my heart had to be racing as fast as American Pharaoh!  Whew!!

               As I reviewed this experience, there are many incidents in life which catch us off-guard, especially when things seem to be going smoothly. These unexpected distractions can cause panic, create fear, and leave us with a sense of hopelessness. But that’s just how the ole devil works.  That’s why Peter in his first letter warned us about the devil. “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.  But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong and firm.  God will be in control forever! Amen.” 1 Peter 5: 8 – 11 (Contemporary English Version)

               After that unexpected “snake” encounter, even though it’s a daily challenge, I am trying to be more aware of my surroundings as I venture outside.  However, a more important lesson that I’ve learned through this confrontation is the fact that I must not lose myself in fear but to rely upon God and trust Him through each and every distraction in life, whether it be natural, physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. This, too, is a daily challenge.

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3

Flight Tracker

               Ever since a friend of mine told me about Flight Tracker, I enjoy using it, especially when members of my family or close friends take to the sky for travelling purposes.

               For some of you who might not be familiar with this online flight service, it’s a website where airline flights can be followed. All you need is the name of the airline, the departure and arrival airports, and flight numbers, if available.  Once I’ve entered the necessary flight information on the site, a screen will appear showing details relating to the flight, such as whether or not the plane has been boarded or if it’s on the runway.  Then suddenly, a miniature plane appears and the flight begins.

               I find it fascinating to observe the jet as it crosses the country.  Actually, watching the plane is a good geography exercise.  Cities, highways, lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges are all visible.  A chart is also made available which gives the altitude, speed and other specific information about the jet.

               As I see the small plane figure move from place to place, I feel connected with my family members and friends who are aboard the plane. I visualize being there with them, sharing the experience together, talking, laughing, reading, napping, and anticipating the arrival of our destination. Then, when I read on my laptop screen that the plane has landed, I feel relief, knowing they are safe upon the ground so I close the site and wait to hear from them.

               Yes, the Flight Tracker is an amazing resource for following flights across the United States, but what is even a greater resource is God, our Heavenly Father, who is continually tracking our lives without the internet. Not only does He track us, but He also wants to be connected with us so He sent His Son Jesus to make that connection. With Jesus we can share our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions because He knows us inside and out. We don’t have to wait till the plane lands to find relief and inner peace. We can find it in a personal relationship with Jesus, our one, true and constant flight tracker.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Shadows

               Do you remember the time when you discovered your shadow?  I don’t recall my age, but I do remember the fun of playing hand puppets on the wall by making different finger and fist creations. Sometimes I was even impressed with my designs. J But then, the fun ended when the light went out or some other entertainment took its place.

               When I walk down the quarter-mile road, depending on the direction of the light, I am joined by my shadow.  I find it comforting in a pleasant sort of way to know I have company. However, when the light disappears, so does my shadow.  While I reflected on this simple “shadow” concept, thoughts concerning the Holy Spirit surfaced.

               Imagine if you will that the Holy Spirit is one’s shadow. As I walk with the light behind me, my shadow goes before me, leading the way. It also accompanies me from the side as though we’re striving together side by side. However, when I face the light, my shadow is behind me. Even though it’s there and I can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s gone.

               Similar comparisons can be made to the Holy Spirit. Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior, he/she receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Helper Jesus spoke of when He was with His disciples. “And I pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever---the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  John 14: 16-17   Likewise, as our shadows appear before, beside and behind us, so the Spirit will lead us through our challenges, walking side by side and never leaving us alone, even when we don’t see His Presence. So, the next time you notice your shadow, let it remind you of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who’s with you 24/7!!!

“Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.”  Psalm 63:7-8

  

Bird Feeders

               One day when I was visiting our daughter, Karen, and her family, I noticed they had a bird feeder hanging from a shepherd’s staff in their backyard. I enjoyed watching the variety of birds as they devoured the seed from the feeder. I guess my fascination with the birds was recognized by her husband, Kenny, because before I left that day, he had bought me a shepherd’s staff for a bird feeder. Surprised and enthused about my gift, I didn’t hesitate in buying a feeder which ended up being a lighthouse, one of my favorite items to collect.J This had to be a God “thing.”

               When I returned home, I found the perfect spot for the shepherd’s staff and feeder so I immediately filled the lighthouse with wild bird food.  Day after day I checked from my kitchen window to see if any birds were taking advantage of the available nourishment. Sadly, not a bird appeared.  I was very disappointed and even posted on face book about my new bird feeder and that I thought the city birds needed to visit their country cousins to show/teach them how to use it.  Well, I don’t know if it was the fb post or maybe a passing, hungry bird but finally, one bird found the feeder, and now it’s the popular feeding ground for all kinds of birds.

               A couple of weeks later I was observing the birds while washing dishes and I had a thought or two.  The feeder, although filled with seed, was ignored at first. But then, one little sparrow discovered its food and soon more arrived. Sometimes don’t we treat God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as the bird feeder?

               God has given His children nourishment through the Bible. Many take advantage of His provision while others ignore it completely. Those that take advantage are filled with knowledge, instruction, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of God, our Heavenly Father, as well as His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who ignore the Word go hungry and seek fulfillment through a variety of worldly means. However, there is still hope for the lost. Just as the birds discovered the bird feeder so can the lost discover God’s Word. All it takes in one messenger.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”  Romans 10:14

The Package and the Radiator Cap

Last week Larry, my husband, was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital for a re-evaluation of all the medicine he was taking.  He began feeling poorly during a routine check-up on his shoulder which he had surgery on four years ago. The surgeon told him he needed to see a doctor asap. As God provided, one of the local doctors was able to see him…thus the admittance into the hospital. 

               Now this in itself was a blessing as Larry has been having health issues for some time.  This new doctor was determined to find the cause of his problems. Consequently, he would need to remain in the hospital for a period of time.

               Since his health issues weren’t life-threatening, I decided to drive back and forth from our home to the hospital which made about a 120 mile round trip.  Normally, this trip wouldn’t be a concern; however, our “well-travelled” car, which has been a reliable vehicle for years, has developed a problem.  It now requires coolant/antifreeze added to its radiator about every other day, depending on how much we drive it. This doesn’t seem like a huge problem, only an inconvenience. However, try as I may, I have NOT been able to remove the radiator’s cap. Larry has shown me how to do it, but my attempts have failed so he is the one in charge of this task.  Consequently, with him in the hospital and with me driving back and forth, removing the radiator’s cap became my concern.  Granted, I could have driven Larry’s Dodge pickup, but to be honest, I’d rather ride in it than drive it J  So stubborn me had to rely upon my own strength or (and this was the main source): the strength of JESUS!!!

               In the morning before I left to drive to the hospital, I prayed that Jesus would either give me the ability to take off the radiator cap or send me someone who would.  Taking a deep breath and trusting in Jesus, I attempted to remove it, but I couldn’t. Consequently, I would follow my second option which was to find someone who could.  With the Spirit’s urgings, I contacted a friend of mine who has a son who’s a mechanic so she said she would call him to let him know I was bringing in my car to have him help me.  I sighed with relief, but just as I was finishing our conversation, Larry called.  He told me that the postman had contacted him because I had a package that needed my signature and wondered if I would be home.  WOW!!!!  It wasn’t my friend’s son that God had planned to help me but the postman.  AND to top it off, the package was from my spiritual sister, LaJuan, (Dimes and Hearts post) who had sent me a package from Hong Kong.  I had no idea that LaJuan had sent me a package, but God did, and HE also knew I would need someone to help me with the radiator cap on that particular morning at that particular time!!!!   What an awesome God we serve. He was in control…all I had to do was TRUST Him and stay out of His way!    

               The postman came to my aid so I was able to make the trip to the hospital twice before adding more coolant. By that time Larry was home and was able to do it.  Yes, Larry is some better, and hopefully, the new medicines and other physical therapy treatments will make him feel even better.

 We are praising God for His assistance through this unexpected lifestyle change, and I am praising God for his amazing orchestration as the package from LaJuan brought me my rescuer.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills---from whence comes my help?

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2