Nipping at our Heels
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3
This Psalm was ringing in my ears yesterday as I walked through the coulees near our temporary home. Yes, our temporary home because living and ministry during a global pandemic wasn’t enough challenge for us. August 18th, 2020 our neighbors garage caught fire and with it burned our home down to the ground. Everything we owned literally went up in smoke. All the little treasures collected after 30 years of marriage and raising 4 children were gone in an afternoon. As I stood on the sidewalk watching the fire blaze and the fire fighters working hard in the heat, I thought it was no coincidence that we just finished up a series on Psalm 23. The final verse, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This truth filled me with hope, with assurance of His presence and trust. The good God that I serve was active in the chaos of my life. He was and is literally nipping at my heels with His goodness and love. Since that day Don and I have experienced this goodness and love through the generosity of others. We have received cards of encouragement, financial gifts, family visits, and even a vehicle to replace our sons uninsured car in our driveway. This goodness and love have been gifts in the midst of grief, tiredness and overwhelming days as we navigate the rebuild.
It was early evening when I was walking. As the sun was setting I couldn’t help but stop to take a picture. My dad always taught me that each day is a gift from God. Yesterday is done and tomorrow is yet to be lived. Today is the gift that you have. He still reminds me, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is the day, as each day the sun rises and sets. Each day God shows up! Doesn’t mean we won’t have hard days, full of sorrow, loss, illness or fire, it just means that He is present and when we are present we can see His goodness and mercy nipping at our heels.
Have a blessed day my friends, Donna
