God Owns the Day

I went to the lake with my future daughter-in-law, Rachel, and came home with a rope burn…on my neck…

“…‘What I really need is a trip to the ocean.’ So I went to the beach, but the ocean seemed to say, ‘It is not in me.’ …‘Perhaps, the mountains will provide the rest I need.’ I went to the mountains, and …gazed at the magnificent mountain… But the sight did not satisfy, and the mountains said, ‘It is not in me.’

What I really needed was the deep ocean of God’s love, and the high mountains of His truth within me. …Christ’s wisdom is our deepest need. Our inner restlessness can only be pacified by the revelation of His eternal friendship and love for us.” Margaret Bottome, “Streams in the Desert,” August 26

I was nervous and worried as we turned into the park. My daughter was with me. If I had a major problem, she could drive. We started curving our way around the park and “Fear is a Liar” came on the radio.

I didn’t need to worry. I took every precaution. I braided my hair and tucked it under a bucket hat. No pollen got in my hair. (I look awful in a bucket hat!) I put on oversize sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen. I wore Capri leggings and a tunic over my swimsuit. I told everyone I was “incognito.”

I wanted to try paddle boarding. Rachel rented two and we took turns. When I got on it, I couldn’t turn left! I got in a current headed to the center of the lake. I told God he had better have a whale prepared.

I got around a peninsula and paddled furiously to the beach near the rental cabin. Our hour was not up and Rachel ran to meet me before the man took the board. They said I was the fastest, but it was partly due to panic! (That’s one item off of my bucket list.)

Back under the tree shading our stuff, I thought I got a bug in my eye. Rachel’s mom, Corinna, checked it and said, “You had better take some Benadryl.” I spent the rest of the time in the shade.

I thought I would only last an hour but I made it to sunset. The stars came out, I ate a s’more, and headed home. A shower washed away the allergens. I took more Benadryl and went to bed.

Psalms 74:16-17, “You own the day, you own the night, you put stars and sun in place. (17) You laid out the four corners of the earth shaped the seasons of summer and winter.” The Message

…the rope burn was from my swimsuit…which never got wet! I guess it is time for a new one! I faced my fears and found “Fear is a liar!”

#bible