Saturday, December 18, 2010

Footsteps in the Snow: Following God

It's not a new idea, I know. But it hit me afresh last night when I took the trash out. Isn't it funny how the divine can strike you right in the middle of mundane tasks?

I cracked open the back door and peered out into the frigid black night, then noted with relief that there was a trail of husband-sized footprints leading out to the garage. Oh good. I wouldn't have to change into boots.

Of course, sometimes when one is cautiously stepping into deep footprints in the snow, one might not step perfectly into the print and wind up with snow in one's shoe. But one is more careful on the next steps.

Of course, it was my own fault that I got snow in my shoe. The footprints were plenty big enough to see, and there was plenty of room for me to put my foot inside the boundaries. But I wasn't careful enough. After several steps that worked out for me, I got careless and didn't pay as much attention. And yes, I learned from my mistake. It was too late to salvage my socks, but I could keep them from getting wetter.


Such it is with God.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me a path that is easy to see and follow. Thank you that the boundaries are clear and that if I am mindful, I can stay safe walking with You.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Top Ten Things I Love About October

Yes, I know it's December. A mere less-than-two-weeks from Christmas. But in my harried mind, it is still October. The last two months have kind of gotten away from me. The days are zipping by at all-time record speeds this year. And the only post I really cared about getting up for October was the one in which I declare the many things I love about that orange-y month.

I think it will be easier for me to transition into December-themed blog posts if I don't leave any unfinished business.

So without further ado, I present you a throw back to our first lavish, glorious days of fall this year:

10. The leaves: on trees, falling through the air, gathered and tucked around my house for fuh-reee!
9. The pumpkins: on front porches, on dining room tables.
8. Apples...and the apple orchards. And the fresh honey.
7. The crisp air.
6. Autumn sunlight.
5. Woodsmoke.
4. Cookouts.
3. Bundling up in scarves just because I finally can!
2. Halloween candy.
1. Beginning my personal countdown to Christmas.

Thank you for bearing with me. I'll try to catch up to real time now.