Life is constantly changing. Some changes put everything into perspective.
Sometimes life can be rather dull and monotonous. Autumn is here but I recently gave up hunting, so deer hunting is out. My current outdoor activities, besides taking care of the lawn and grounds, is exercise and long walks. I enjoy splitting firewood, which we no longer use, and giving it away to friends and others. My best hobby is photography, and I almost always carry a camera where I go.
Thus, I go forth now carrying only a camera. However, I forgot it on a walk this morning! I like walking on trails by water, meadows and trees. If I can see flowers, butterflies, crane, duck, hawk, or fox, I am happy. The trail at the Old Mill by the Soque River is a good local area and is free. Who can price a lovely sunrise! What was it worth not long ago to see a long legged white crane? Some three years ago I saw a bald eagle sitting on a dead tree over the river. One nippy morning a year back I watched a fawn splash around in the cold water where trees line the banks.
While I like to be with family or friends, almost daily I feel an urge to go walking trails alone. At times I find comfort talking to God, thanking Him for the flowers or the colorful sunrise or sunset. On the night of the great storm that blew down many trees and damaged our house and fence, I looked out and prayed for help and safety. While trees did fall and roof damaged, we were not harmed. Then, when this little storm came to blow down even more trees, and tear up the fence between us and our neighbor, while I was at the dentist, spending some of life’s savings, I first thought, “Now God, what next?”
As I was worrying over these problems, word came that a fine lady and mail carrier of our area was killed by a tree falling on her car. Thus, I am now praying for her grieving family and realize how petty are my problems in comparison.
I had an inner struggle, feeling so much was going wrong all at once. Storm damage had recently occurred twice to house and board fence. A wisdom tooth went bad and had to be pulled, which required a change to a partial bridge, meaning a hefty bill had to be paid. Then another storm arose over our home and more trees fell across the fence and into a neighbor’s yard.
As I was worrying over these problems, word came that a fine lady and mail carrier of our area was killed by a tree falling on her car. Thus, I am now praying for her grieving family and realize how petty are my problems in comparison. Any casual view of the daily news shows trouble thrives both here in America and around the world. The times call for an increase in faith and a turning back to God. Many folks united by faith and hope can change the course of events and bring both healing of bodies and revival of faith and spirits.
