Rod & Rose

Psalm 25:4-10 “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. …Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. …The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.”

I love toy train exhibits!  I recently had the privilege of taking two of my granddaughters to see the train exhibit at the Albuquerque BioPark. Surrounded by trees, nestled into a gardenscape of scaled-to-size mountains, tunnels, rivers, and bridges, it was a highlight of our visit to be sure!

As we watched the trains winding in and out of tunnels, up and down rolling hills and carefully maneuvering intersections, I stood in awe of the one person that managed it all – the exhibit conductor. He stood in a strategic location…at a distance, yet watchful of every train section that he himself had carefully set in motion. He watched intently as each train set out on its course.

Soon, he turned his attention to a train that had gotten off track. From where I stood, I could not see where the train wreck had occurred. But from his vantage point, he obviously could. He quickly reached down and picked up the train car that had derailed, assessed the damage and took it back to his maintenance table.  He fixed a wheel, made some adjustments, and before too long was able to set the train back on it’s’ track…back on course.

I paused for a moment to take in all the sights and sounds around me. The train whistles, the water sounds of the miniature river, the chattering of children leaning against the guard rails, watching in awe and anticipation as the conductor added more trains to the track. The “oohs,” the “ahhs” and the “yays” as he rescued a train that had gone off track.

It was then that I took a moment to look up through the canopy of trees that hovered above me. I breathed in all the aromas, listened to the wind as it whispered through the trees. With my heart full of gratitude…I thanked Papa God for towering over me…for being watchful in every season of my life! From the moment of my birth to the present, he has been with me. I thought of the times he carried me,  the times he has had to mend the damage caused by the choices I made that resulted in painful derailments…taking me off his intended course for my life. His tender mercies are evidenced in the masterful tapestry of my life.  What a patient, forgiving, faithful Father I serve!

“Oh how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on, all generations will call me blessed.  For the Mighty One is Holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things!” – Luke 1:46-51.

If you know you are off track…feeling  a little derailed, or perhaps a complete ‘wreck’… look up! He is there, ready to  mend the broken pieces. He alone can set you back on the right course…the course He destined just for you!  Thank him for his never-ending faithfulness! ~ Be blessed!  In HIS Strong Love! ~ rose