Maybe the very best things are the ones you have to step out on faith to find...

I have never been what one might all a brave soul at heart. Shy from childhood, I often found myself afraid to step out and be counted as one who could shine. Funny thing is, the light has always been there, I just never understood that pure joy isn't found in confidence in one's abilities, rather it is a result of knowing your heart and soul are shepherded by God. He, in his infinite mercy holds the only joy a candle of hope can cling to with heartstrings of trust. Merciful in every way, my savior is!


One Christmas I was chosen to be the angel Gabriel in our children's presentation complete with angel wings and a halo covered in sparkling pipe cleaners and shepherds who happened to be my brothers. I hid in the shadow of the more outgoing children...all the while wondering if I was chosen  because I was tall for my age or maybe my sparkly blue eyes were simply angelic looking
enough for the part. I prayed for the whole thing to be over as quickly as possible.


 Our parents were so proud to see us gussied up in our costumes while we portrayed perhaps the greatest story ever told. Pure fear shone from our faces as the spotlight gazed upon us as the story was shared by our pastor. I could hardly wait to get off the stage and back to my simple every day attire. Years later as luck would have it, courage began to replace fear and hope became anchor of my soul to this day.


One thing is certain...we can always depend on God for each and day to grant us hope and mercy so freely available and ever so near. Heart to heart, we are and fashioned in his image. I marvel at the deep and abiding love with which he cares for our every need. Oh, what a loving compassionate father our God is. As the tides of life ebb and flow the grace of one so much greater than we can even imagine reaches down to touch the souls of each weary traveler the earth has to offer.


Perhaps the psalmist said it best...We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your failing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33;20-22.). In peace I will lie down and sleep; for you alone Lord make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8.) He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father Prince of peace ( Isaiah 9:6.) Praying for my simple words from a servant heart to light the way to Him.