The sweetest thing in the world is to see an elderly couple holding hands. Another sweet thing is a dad crossing the street with a little one in tow. I was near a freeway overpass today and she was tiny and distracted. Dad had a can of paint in one hand and daughter securely in place with the other hand. A child as young as that is unaware of the dangers in the street. I immediately saw me. Yes, I also started life with two tiny pigtails. I am that child who has encountered danger and survived because of God’s guidance. One of my favorite devotionals to share is called Dave in the Cave. It reviews King David’s dependence on God while he was being pursued by King Saul. Sometimes people pursue us or just let us down. I had over twenty years of needing God’s hand to tightly hold my hand. You can hold your hand just so and no one will notice. I pictured God there beside me when I was frightened. He did hold my hand. When I talk about God’s grace and my gifts, I am talking about God’s grace and the gifts I received from God. Every good gift comes from Him and it was God all the way! At that time the gift from God was success. He blessed my business. He provided good people to serve. I worked hard but I was not given a choice so I just did it. You know what I mean. Troubles may unsteady us but God is reliable. Twenty years with a familiar stranger – hard work. It has never been that hard – before or since. I am so grateful for today’s reminder of growth and joy coming out of an unsustainable time – and by a child. I think the disease of disappointment can feel worse than breaking your tailbone (yes and that happened). We are never alone and that’s His promise. Psalm 37:24, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
