A Walk in the Woods

While Tim was in class at the Prevost Community seminar in Vonore, TN, I hiked the trails at nearby Fort Loudon State Park. 

Instead of finding the peace this bench promised, I giddily tried to capture every picture-perfect scene I came across. 

I snapped more shots on my cell phone's camera than anyone would ever want to see. 

Caught up in my frenzy, I overlooked the wonderful details that were right before me.  I didn't allow the renewal that nature brings a chance to speak to my soul.  

In a sense, I was as lost as this shoe marooned on the signpost of Lost Shoe Loop.

But there was a quiet voice in my head that whispered the words of Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God."  

So I found a spot where I could rest and thank God for His marvelous creation.  

Early Sunday morning after Tim left for class, I went in search of daybreak.

It proved to be elusive. Clouds covered the sky, but every now and then, the sun's rays broke through the gloom. 

Isn't that just life?  Sunny days are inevitably followed by dark times.

But then God's grace breaks through with the kind words of a friend, the love of family or a new window of opportunity.  That's when I see a safe harbor, a dry dock where I may stand.

Thank God!