‘Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on the
arm of her beloved?’
This line from the Song of Songs is a theme running through
my life. That is a picture of me leaning on Jesus. It may also be a picture of
you doing the same thing.
Surprisingly, technology has failed and I am preparing to
return to California to complete the settlement of Mom’s estate. Because banking
still requires time, what I thought might be a quick trip has stretched into
another two weeks. Having had so many instances of things not being as I
thought they would be, I find myself leaning in on Jesus and trusting that the
things I think we have in place will in fact work.
Nobody can believe this is necessary, but as I have sat with
it, I have asked God to reveal the gold in this fourth trip this year. And he
has.
In between the banking tasks, I have the joy of staying with
my two ‘oldest’ friends, helping one who has recently had shoulder surgery. Relaxing
together at the other end of our lives, sharing perspectives which will have
changed over the decades between high school and university days, and now. I also
look forward to visiting with a couple of cousins I’ve only seen at lunches for
decades, spending time with each of them. And I will share Thanksgiving with my
last remaining Uncle and Aunt and their family.
None of this anticipated; all of it welcome.
I have found that coming up from the wilderness, from
challenging situations, flailing and fighting and protesting, is exhausting,
depleting, and hides the reality. When, instead, I can lean in on Jesus, he
reveals to me where he is working, where he wants me to join in, and how he is
using this situation for the glory of his kingdom.
On this Veteran’s Day, my prayer is for all those in real
wilderness situations, situations of unimaginable loss and anguish. I pray that
they will be drawn in to the Saviour’s loving embrace, that they will lean on
his strong arm, and that they will glimpse the divine gold that will be
sparkling somewhere in an otherwise bleak landscape. May God end the injustice
and suffering. He never desires the wilderness situations, but he redeems them
all.
Glory to Jesus.
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