Cuddling in

The mist closed in and the plane circled. Eventually the captain made an announcement. The fog was too thick and the plane would have to be diverted a hundred miles away. Passengers would be brought back by coach.

Everyone on the aircraft groaned and mentally began to rearrange schedules, cancel plans, make note of who to call. As the plane made a final circle, the captain suddenly announced that a break in the cloud would give them a chance to set down on the runway. Everyone held their breath fearfully, now anxious that there might be an accident.

The plane landed and everyone carried on with their days as planned. Nobody knew if there was danger in the descent or if it was a fairly normal landing after all.  

Life is odd. We make our plans and think we know what the day holds, but there are myriad ways of those plans being scuppered and the day turning out totally different. We think we know what we’re doing, but...

A woman on the plane was returning from Poland. She had other plans for this week – moving into a new home – but then her gran died and she had to zip back home for the funeral. She’d not slept for a few days. And then the plane nearly got diverted. 

Sometimes it feels that things are stacked against us. I didn’t even know this woman but here she was pouring out her story to me. You could tell it had all been just about too much. Bereavement, house move, thick fog. Too much.

We make our plans but only God knows whether or not they will play out like that. So important to stay close to God. 

My wee granddaughter likes to cuddle in when she needs a break from the constant busyness. That’s the relationship we should have with God – he is there waiting for us to cuddle in when we need a break from life’s concerns.

I’m off to cuddle in.

God's Love Never Fails

The fog has clamped round our house like a damp towel. Our nearest neighbour is invisible, lost in the cold white mist. It’s isolating and unpleasant, reminding me of nightmares of the past where I was lost and alone in a thick fog, fearful of what lurked beyond my view.

I am about to venture forth, however, as Dusty, who hesitates to exercise in stair-rod rain, is unperturbed about the fog. She seems to trust that what was there yesterday is still there today. She doesn’t seem bothered about whether or not she can see to the end of the path. Just as long as she can see the next step, smell the next enticing scent. One foot in front of the other. 

One step at a time. 

That’s all God asks of me. Take the next step. Don’t be anxious about seeing the entire path and where it leads. Don’t fear what you can’t see. Just stay close and keep walking, one step at a time. 

God’s love never fails. If he calls me onto a path, he equips me to follow him all the way. He will never leave me, nor abandon me. He will never give up on me. His love never fails.

So I’m off, secure in his promise and excited to see what he has for me today.

Wild winds

The wildest thing at the Harris Ranch so far is the wind.

And it isn’t too wild. 

A little fog through the valley. Uneventful trip other than that and on to Sacramento this morning. Really fun having a road trip with Mom. A lot of reminiscences and laughter and a few moments of sadness.

Today we will link in with her friend from back before they had children. We won’t go into how many years ago that was.

Yesterday I met a friend I had before I had children.

Reunions. Remembering. God tells his people to remember what he has done for them. It’s encouraging and heart-warming and strengthens me for what might lie ahead.

Grateful today for memories.