A Simple Celebration – Part 1
In the next two Listening on the Journey … posts, I would like to simply celebrate the innate—albeit imperfect—goodness of life found in:
Creation. Faith. Family. Friendship. Heritage.
I will attempt to do so with reflective words and a few of Ron’s lovely photographs from a recent getaway to southwestern Montana where we spent time with friends and family.
I am a septuagenarian and as such, possess a lot of “in-retrospect” memories. Some are pleasant. Others, not so much. Some have guided me in good, healthy ways. Others still cause moments of confusion, dissonance, and raise difficult questions.
As a result of these memories, I have been led to certain conclusions:
· Most people possess fundamentally good but varying degrees of wounded hearts.
· Despite even extreme dysfunction and devastating circumstances, the human spirit is amazingly resilient.
· Hope is more powerful than hardship.
· Goodness is more potent than greed.
· God is always good, and for those who sincerely seek, God will work difficult details of life together for good purposes that lead to peace even when we cannot comprehend the “WHY’S.”
· There is no need for me to fret about all that is wrong in the world and to become angry about “systems” that seem to be in control because at the core of my being, even though I don’t understand the “HOW’S?” I believe these words from Scripture are true:
“We look at [Jesus] and see the God who cannot be seen …. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible … got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.” Colossians 1:15-17 (MSG)
[The Good Shepherd] renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:3
Herds of Pronghorns abound near our friends’ home in Ennis, Montana. I was fascinated and curious about these handsome animals and learned that while they are often called “antelopes,” they are in fact their own species, more closely aligned with giraffes. Indigenous to western and central North America, they are the fastest land mammals in the Americas. Amazing information to me. When I was privileged to visit South Africa several years ago, the giraffe became my favorite animal, and it brings a smile to realize Pronghorns are related!
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Psalm 23:4
If you look closely, it appears this resting Pronghorn is smiling. Sometimes, life feels dark and scary. At other times, it is simply fuzzy and confusing. Despite every uncertainty and inconvenience, when I am reminded that the Good Shepherd is always leading me, I realize it’s okay to embrace and enjoy every moment of my life journey because I don’t need to be anxious or cynical.
Prayer:
Lord,
No matter the vista from which I view my life,
Please keep reminding me that
You are good, and You are in control.
Amen
Blessings on your journey!
