always here

Friday, June 8, 2018 (7:22 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Blessed God,

Thank You! Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for struggle. Thank You for privilege. Thank You friends and family who are willing to pray for one in need.

There’s that word again. You made me willing yesterday. Willing to pray. Willing to ask. Willing to search. Willing to forgive. Thank You Father. Thank You that You alone are good (Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19; Psalm 16:2).

(9:19 a.m.)

And then there was breakfast. Followed by near silence, but for the sound of the lake lapping on the shore. Father, I thought that somehow I was going to bypass the usual end of trip sadness.

While there is just a tinge of it as the rest of the family heads off to the airport, I am keenly aware that a dam of emotion could break at any minute. Thank You Father for awareness. Thank You that I know You have my back in all of this.

Thank You that 

(11:23 a.m.)

… I go away and come back and You’re still here. Always here. Mm, yes. Thank You Father. Praise You. You are always here.

We are getting ready to pack up. Make decisions. What goes. What stays. How about good attitudes and memories go? Anything unnecessary stay behind.

Thank You Father. Again the lake is lapping the shore. Peace resonates deep within.

(11:44 a.m.)

Now sitting at the lake’s edge. Breathing deeply. Wanting so much to stay focused only on You. And Your Word. What appears to be an introduction to Psalm 16.

David speaking of Your presence. Acknowledging that our strength and security come from You alone. Knowing that You are always with him (v. 8). How I thank You Father for the blessings we have in You.

We’re going to pack up. Get ready to leave. Thank You that You are ‘the one who goes before us’ (Deuteronomy 31:8). I look to You Blessed Father ‘to be with us; [and] never fail us nor forsake us.’

Always here. Thank You. We love You. We need You. Amen.

(364 words ~ 12:14 p.m.)