The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)
When you think about significant moments in your life, the first thing that pops into my mind are dates that I will never forget: November 22, 1963, October 17, 1989, 9/11/01. Those are the dates of John Kennedy’s assignation, the San Francisco earthquake, and the attack on the World Trade Center. Of course, there are personal dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings. Nevertheless, those tragic moments of history are sealed in my memory.
But there are also events that I know more about than I thought I ever wanted to know. I was on a Curriculum Review Committee when my daughter was a freshman in high school. It was 1987 and one of our tasks was to review AIDS education. No one knew much about it at that time. The more I learned, the more I struggled with how to impart this information to grades K-12. It was overwhelming in scope and implications for each child.
I know more about divorce than I ever wanted to know. The devastation to family, friends, and colleagues ripples out like a pebble thrown into a pond touching everything and everyone. I know why God says He hates divorce.
I know more about depression than I thought possible. Living with someone who suffers from this disease is like riding on a roller coaster—inching slowly up into the darkness and then whooshing down around the curves so quickly that it nearly takes your breath away. And much like that ever-twisting ride, fear of the unknown smacks you in the face.
Now, I know more about dementia, a cruel disease that takes but never gives back. Once was will never be again. We are walking this road these days.
In those defining moments of your life, you have a choice. Sometimes I would rather run and hide. Other times, I try to reason and logically figure things out. Then there are the times, I just cry, spent with worry and fear, not having a clue what to do next.
In those moments of despair—Jesus. I can’t imagine going through any of it without Him. He is there with me. He is IN me. He holds on to my hand and leads me though the minefield of my life. And, He comforts and encourages me to keep on, keeping on.
Life changes but as I look out over the grandeur of the Catalina Mountains, I know without a doubt who is in charge:
I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Ahaa, its nice discussion about this post here at
this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
You are much loved and appreciated for your service to our Lord even as you have a full plate at home. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
My site goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me
an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you!
Excellent blog by the way!
I’d love to do sharing. My site is currently under reconstruction so hard to moderate the comments. Let’s keep in touch.
I think I am finally up and running. Still interested?
Such an overview of life’s big digressions.
For each of us the challenges are different.
For each of us who run a gauntlet of uncertainty
the solution is the same, Jesus.
How blessed we are that we belong to Jesus and He belongs to us. Try to find at least one Joy moment each day and write it down. You will be surprised at how many He shows you. With love and prayers for good days ahead.
I agree 100%. You expressed exactly how I feel.
I send much love to you today, Gerry!
Very heart wrenching. The things we never want to learn about- God seems to give us. To identify with his suffering; to make us more like Christ. They are hard things that must be worked thru & not run from. When I was young, I thought I could run from difficulties. But I found I got the same difficulty in different ways. Then I came to know Jesus & found that He did help me walk thru them. Thank you dear friend for sharing your heart & your trials with others. It helps to know we are not alone.
Very heart wrenching. The things we never want to learn about- God seems to give us. To identify with his suffering; to make us more like Christ. They are hard things that must be worked thru & not run from. When I was young, I thought I could run from difficulties. But I found I got the same difficulty in different ways. Then I came to know Jesus & found that He did help me walk thru them. Thank you dear friend for sharing your heart & your trials with others. It helps to know we are not alone.