Finally! Sunshine streamed through the pine canopy along our country road. Days of rain had dampened everyone's spirits, and even though a warm, rainy December didn't feel like Christmas in the mountains, this bright sunshiny day felt grand. Blue and I strode along enjoying each other's company. Like most everyone these days I pondered the things of this past year and wondered about what lay ahead for me. I knew God had carried me through the troubled waters. Like He promised, I didn't drown. And through the flames, I wasn't burned because He was with me. How amazing is that? But I still felt some trepidation about my future. Blue stopped to sniff out a deer trail. As I stopped with him, I turned slightly. The sight took my breath away. There along this beaten path my shadow lay quietly below me. Elongated silhouettes followed my every move. Had I not been thinking about the Lord I may have missed it - the lesson He wanted to show me. My shadow accompanied me all along the country road as I faced the sun and kept moving forward. I instinctively knew the Lord was speaking to me. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you, Nan, all the days of your life; And you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."* Goodness and mercy. God's mercy (chesed) is His unfailing, steadfast covenant love for His children. His love never fails. It bears all things, endures all things, and holds within itself a perfect hope for us - a hope of good things to come. A hope of never walking this journey alone. A hope of provision and protection born out of His great love. Goodness and mercy.
Following closely every step of the way. Selah. Pause and think about it.