In grief

Sometimes life is like being on top of a ridge. The trees fall away and the view opens up. One can see for miles around and the bright sunshine illumines everything in sight. It is easy to see all that God has done and is doing. More often days seem like walks in the forest where the views are limited to glimpses of the glories beyond the trees. Dust and tree roots occasionally take the eye away from the grand vistas just visible beyond the trees. Other days, darkness presses in so heavy that the light seems gone; the path faint if present. It is then that faith points the way, not out of the darkness, but toward the light unseen, yet trusted.

I chose to trust Your hand in the darkness. I chose to hear Your voice in the night. Even if the answer is not the one that I seek. I trust Your love. I trust You.

I like stories.

I would rather read a novel than an encyclopedia. I suppose that most people would. Many times I have caught myself looking to the Bible as an encyclopedia. I turn to it to see what God says about this or that. I have even counseled new believers or seekers that they should begin with one of the gospels rather than reading the Bible like other books where you start at the beginning and finish at the end. It struck me today (while running) that the Bible isn't an encyclopedia. It is, rather, a story, the greatest story ever told. It is a love story, a true story, a compelling story. And as such it should be read with an eye toward theme and story line. From Genesis to Revelation, the themes are laid out: God is. He is powerful. He loves me. He pursues me. He wins me. He wins. Anyone for a good read?