When I was ten, Gramps came to stay with us for a while after Granny's life was ended in a car accident. It was a novelty to have him there. Looking back, he must have longed for some peace and quiet at times, but he was far too longsuffering to be abrupt with us children.
One of my favorite memories of that time is Gramps' morning walks. He would rise while the rest of us were still in bed, and walk down the nearly empty country road where we lived. I woke up one morning, earlier than normal, and heard him leaving the house. By the time I was dressed, he was already down the road. I remember running until I felt exhausted, trying to catch up. The sky was clothed in delicate colors, and the morning felt fresh and clean.
Panting, I finally reached him. I don't remember any conversation, though I'm sure there was some. We walked together, mostly in silence, my patient grandfather and I. My hand was tucked inside his big, calloused one. The birds twittered in delight at the dawn. Everything felt safe and peaceful. I was loved. My little world was completely secure.
After that first walk together, I hoped ardently to awaken early every morning so I could walk with Gramps. Sometimes I was lucky, and sometimes I wasn't. None of the adults in my life seemed inclined to awaken me early on purpose. The morning meanders remained a precious privilege.
Years have passed since then. Gramps is no longer with us. Life has overtaken the innocent girl that once ran down that rural lane. Sometimes it seems there is no dawn at all. Darkness is all about and there is no hope. Casting about for some semblance of joy and peace often seems entirely useless.
There are days we cry to our Father, asking where His hand is in all this misery and despair. It seems the burden of our hearts only grows heavier day by day. The pain of this world only intensifies. Our lungs cry for air as we run and run, trying to follow the path that our Father is walking. Exhausted, we are sometimes tempted to lie down in the ditch by the side of the road and give up.
May we never feel alone and forgotten. Although there are many sad things that we do not understand, we need to grasp in faith this opportunity to be drawn closer to God. Do not despair by the wayside! Continue to run with courage, continue to call His name.
He is not walking away from us. No, He is leading us toward a beautiful reward that He has prepared. He is drawing us closer to Him, closer to His peace, His love, His joy. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee (Jeremiah 31:3).
What is more wonderful than to be drawn to the One who loves us? It is my prayer that although we are assailed by a foe that tries his best to plunge us into a dark valley of loneliness, we will learn to rejoice in the battle. We will take the darkness about us as an incentive to draw nearer, not only to our Heavenly Father, but also to one another. And someday, we will remember the darkness and weariness and realize that, truly, the struggles have been worth it all.
One of my favorite memories of that time is Gramps' morning walks. He would rise while the rest of us were still in bed, and walk down the nearly empty country road where we lived. I woke up one morning, earlier than normal, and heard him leaving the house. By the time I was dressed, he was already down the road. I remember running until I felt exhausted, trying to catch up. The sky was clothed in delicate colors, and the morning felt fresh and clean.
Panting, I finally reached him. I don't remember any conversation, though I'm sure there was some. We walked together, mostly in silence, my patient grandfather and I. My hand was tucked inside his big, calloused one. The birds twittered in delight at the dawn. Everything felt safe and peaceful. I was loved. My little world was completely secure.
After that first walk together, I hoped ardently to awaken early every morning so I could walk with Gramps. Sometimes I was lucky, and sometimes I wasn't. None of the adults in my life seemed inclined to awaken me early on purpose. The morning meanders remained a precious privilege.
Years have passed since then. Gramps is no longer with us. Life has overtaken the innocent girl that once ran down that rural lane. Sometimes it seems there is no dawn at all. Darkness is all about and there is no hope. Casting about for some semblance of joy and peace often seems entirely useless.
There are days we cry to our Father, asking where His hand is in all this misery and despair. It seems the burden of our hearts only grows heavier day by day. The pain of this world only intensifies. Our lungs cry for air as we run and run, trying to follow the path that our Father is walking. Exhausted, we are sometimes tempted to lie down in the ditch by the side of the road and give up.
May we never feel alone and forgotten. Although there are many sad things that we do not understand, we need to grasp in faith this opportunity to be drawn closer to God. Do not despair by the wayside! Continue to run with courage, continue to call His name.
He is not walking away from us. No, He is leading us toward a beautiful reward that He has prepared. He is drawing us closer to Him, closer to His peace, His love, His joy. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee (Jeremiah 31:3).
What is more wonderful than to be drawn to the One who loves us? It is my prayer that although we are assailed by a foe that tries his best to plunge us into a dark valley of loneliness, we will learn to rejoice in the battle. We will take the darkness about us as an incentive to draw nearer, not only to our Heavenly Father, but also to one another. And someday, we will remember the darkness and weariness and realize that, truly, the struggles have been worth it all.
Worth it all, worth it all.. some day Heaven will be worth it all!🎶🙏🏻 Thanks for the encouragement to “keep on keepin on”.♥️
ReplyDeleteAh yes...that hand of his..I can feel my hand in his...his hand on my shoulder...encouraging to keep on the path...thanks Nette
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