Routine

We all do it, everyday. We have our routine, it helps the day run smoothly. Predictable.
Any disruption/interruptions in routine, our flow of the day, can induce stress. Who we are, when our routine is disrupted is a good indication of our true character.
I thought, why do I, if I truly trust God, work so hard at keeping myself safe by staying in the familiar?
I decided to break out of routine, praying for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and His leading. And when uncomfortable, keep my eyes on Him without returning to the familiar.
It was an early Saturday morning no one stirred except for the dog, who seemed to know the very moment I opened my eyes in the morning and loudly exclaimed it was time for our walk. Not wanting him to wake everyone in a house where sleep was precious due to a new baby, I obliged and we quietly slipped out.
In just 3 hours I would be doing my first 5K with my daughter and son-in-love so we'll have to make it a short one I thought. I decided to reverse our route.
I was intrigued that with such a simple change, I saw my route from a different perspective. I was noticing things that I had not noticed before despite the many times I passed this same way. How life circumstances can be much like this, if we take the time to see things from the "other side of the street" so to speak.
I was now coming to a part of my route where I questioned the turn to take so I decided to activate my "internal GPS" My God's Power Steering - Jesus. Today was not an intentional test of trust but here I was tossed into full dependence. I was finding myself in an area that was very unfamiliar. If I turned around, I would be relying on myself, the familiar, and I would not be fully trusting God and where He wanted to lead.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I should mention at this point that I was in a country where I did not know the language,not familiar with the neighborhoods but as a side note, I did not leave home without wisdom, discretion, and a 100 pound Doberman.
As we walked, Fear asked to join us. I knew if I entertained Fear for even a little while he would refuse to leave and could dull the reception of my GPS. How to get rid of him while he is persistent? I began to sing. Praise songs to my Holy God. The declaration in song of Who He IS changed immediately my perspective of my situation and I began to pray. I prayed for direction. I prayed for family not to worry. I prayed to be home in time for the run we planned to do as a family.
Just in front of me I noticed a Polizzia Metro sign. I thought I would take my chances to head in that direction, even though it was early on a Saturday morning and the station may not be open. I walked around the corner in a desolate industrial area and noticed vendors setting up for the local Saturday market but no polizzia station.
What do I do now God?
Just then a Polizzia car pulled up to the market. Although I didn't know the language, I was able to communicate that I needed directions back to the area that I was staying in. One officer spoke broken english and insisted that I, and my rather large dog, get in the car and they would take me where I needed to be. I graciously and humbly accepted their offer. Not realizing that I had travelled quite a distance from home, I had the priveledged opportunity to talk to two of God's "angels".
I'm back home now, in my familiar home, in my familiar country but the lessons I learned in a brief moment in time will stay with me a lifetime.
I praise God that He hears us in our times of uncertainty, our times of trouble.
I praise God that He answers prayer, sometimes, just as it leaves our lips.
I praise God for guiding our steps, and when we are obedient, how we can be a blessing to others.
I praise God for the valuable lessons He teaches us about ourselves, about Him, when we have the courage to step out of the familiar.
I praise God for sending those uniformed angels and pray that I too can bring a blessing to others and give God the glory in return.

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2

Storms

I'm not a runner. 

But I've learned that the Great I AM is most completely the Great U  R.  Rarely does He tell us what we are not.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13
I cling to this truth when self doubt tries to invade my thoughts. And, although I would classify myself a slow learner, I am beginning to understand that when He says go, the wise don't hang around. 
He said Run.  and so I did. and have been ever since. 
The things revealed to me as I run are treasures. Some to keep, some to share.  The changes occuring physically can be a tangible mirror to the changes He is making within. 
Despite all the positive reasons to go, tonight, I put it off as long as could. Eventually I dragged myself to my starting point and began.  The pain as my muscles tightened, the pain as my lungs expanded and contracted to keep up with increased demand.  If only I had some water for my dry mouth. My thoughts were truly inward, MAN! what a complainer.
A quarter of my run finished, it began. Slowly and then more steady, the drops landing sporatically on the road ahead of me, an occasional one hitting my face.  Ah, how refreshing, the cool rain was!  Just the day before, however I looked upon it as a deterent of what I needed to accomplish, but today, it was just what I needed as I opened my mouth toward the sky to catch the falling droplets. 
Reaching the halfway point, the sky began to light up as lightening streaked the sky and thunder rocked the heavens.  Spectacular, truly spectacular!  I couldn't help looking up as I ran. 
The sun, trying to set amid the commotion, radiated a silver outline on the dark clouds which, in great collaboration framed a most glorious array of color.  Lightening, not to be outdone, continued with Thunder, and in unison accompanied me, now thoroughly drenched but completely invigorated by the Power surrounding me to a final strong finish.
I think of the Mighty God that orchestrated the timing of His beautiful display. Amazed once again by a fragmentation of His splendor. 
I reflect on the challenge I faced earlier just to get out of the door.  I think about everyone God brings across my path, how each one I meet, everyday, faces their own challenges, sometimes a storm, sometimes a season.
I reflect on this and I thank Him.  I am thankful that all of our challenges are hand picked for us by a loving, merciful God.  Challenges to make us stronger, experiencing victories through His Power so that when the time comes, we can be instrumental in leading others to victory.
I pray that you too have reason to thank our Mighty God, that through the Power of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can do anything, you can do anything. 
That when He says go, we are not alone,  He is there, every step. He is all that we need.