19/06/2023
I’ve written about Peter being the rock this morning. I’ve written about deer passing by the house this morning. I’ve written about hot coffee this morning.
None of it worked. All of it was junk. So I deleted it.
Instead, I offer you this short anecdote…
Hannah and I raked leaves yesterday. We raked those dry and crispy oak and sweet gums leaves from all over the yard. Piles here, there and everywhere dotted the landscape that was the yard. And then we lit them all on fire.
Leaves don’t burn hot like dry wood. Instead, they smolder, and that smoldering makes massive amounts of smoke. So it wasn’t long before smoke fogged the yard such that it was difficult to see through to the other side. Playfully, Hannah asked “where are you” jesturing her hands as if she was straining to see me. Lincoln thumped his tail on the ground.
Lincoln followed us all day long. From this part of the yard to that one… from that pile to the other one. He was faithful to never be too far away. And though, at times it may have been hard for us to see him… I’m certain that his keen nose and sharp eyes knew exactly what was going on. Why once, a neighbor drove up the driveway and Lincoln started barking long before Hannah or I caught even a glimpse of their truck coming through the woods.
He knows.
My dog is no god… but he knows. It’s like a sixth sense. He know where to be and he knows who is there. Lincoln protects this family… because he loves us. Yes… I do believe dogs have human like emotions like loyalty and love. And in much the same way, I know that God does too. Though some fear that God is too busy to notice their tiny needs… I know that like Lincoln, God loves each one of us so much that He is always paying attention… even when it seems He couldn’t possibly be.
This Sunday morning I just want you to know that know matter how thick the smoke of life is, or who might be banging on the door to your emotions… God knows. And He is there, watching and waiting.
The Bible tells us that the Lord goes before us and makes the path straight. It also tells us in Deuteronomy that “he will never leave us or forsake us.” Fires can burn hot and smoke can bellow… He won’t leave you. He is there.
And though my dog would do all he could to try to rescue us from the perils of life, God will do so much more. Fret not if the smoke is thick or the fire burns bright… He has you in the palm of His hand.
God is good. All of the time.
