Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Abide With Me
Reflections are beautiful, although sometimes hauntingly so. Today was one of those mind-shifting days, full of reflection and awe, gratitude and happiness. Walking 14km through the bush, I was once again reminded of the power of our awesome God. From the two beautiful friends walking beside me to the beautiful sights we experienced... from the magnificent rocky outcrops to the flowing waterfalls, from the green leaves to the orange flowers, from the warm sunshine to the cool breeze, from the chirping birds to the constant refrain of steady footsteps (at least most of the time)... It is all a reminder of the creation God has placed us in and the joy we can receive from His handiwork.
But my reflections of the day don't stop there. Today I faced one of my nightmares and visited a haunted place. You can read about why Serpentine Falls is one of my 'fears' here. Okay, so maybe that language is a bit strange. Let's just say that before today I hadn't revisited this place because the memories scare me. But today was different. I was happy to go back. I was ready to let go. I was willing to try to get over it. And I guess in a small way I did. No, those memories and flashbacks aren't gone forever. No, I will get more goosebumps if I go there again. No, I don't think that for me Serpentine Falls will ever be a simple waterfall and swimming hole. But I feel like I accomplished more than a great deal of exercise.
A text that immediately comes to mind is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). One of my favourites. Today it meant a lot. I reflect on what I did, and I did it with God's strength. I think about what I faced, and I faced it with God's strength. I look back on where I went, and I went there with God's strength. His care and guidance is real. As I sit here and write this post, the words of "Abide with Me" repeat themselves in my head. Life doesn't always need to be difficult, because with an all-powerful God we have strength. My happiness and joy comes from Him. And so I continue to pray for His abiding guidance. And as I continue to walk through life, I can live in the comfort that He abides with me. Life isn't just about me and my passions or worries; not just about what I am doing now, or what I will do tomorrow. Life is about living for God with God.
But my reflections of the day don't stop there. Today I faced one of my nightmares and visited a haunted place. You can read about why Serpentine Falls is one of my 'fears' here. Okay, so maybe that language is a bit strange. Let's just say that before today I hadn't revisited this place because the memories scare me. But today was different. I was happy to go back. I was ready to let go. I was willing to try to get over it. And I guess in a small way I did. No, those memories and flashbacks aren't gone forever. No, I will get more goosebumps if I go there again. No, I don't think that for me Serpentine Falls will ever be a simple waterfall and swimming hole. But I feel like I accomplished more than a great deal of exercise.
A text that immediately comes to mind is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). One of my favourites. Today it meant a lot. I reflect on what I did, and I did it with God's strength. I think about what I faced, and I faced it with God's strength. I look back on where I went, and I went there with God's strength. His care and guidance is real. As I sit here and write this post, the words of "Abide with Me" repeat themselves in my head. Life doesn't always need to be difficult, because with an all-powerful God we have strength. My happiness and joy comes from Him. And so I continue to pray for His abiding guidance. And as I continue to walk through life, I can live in the comfort that He abides with me. Life isn't just about me and my passions or worries; not just about what I am doing now, or what I will do tomorrow. Life is about living for God with God.
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