Tree to Tree

I was talking to a friend the other day about my discouragement (see previous post if you want to know what I'm talking about). She told me about something her mom told her and it's been running through my mind the past few days.

She said that right now I'm just walking tree to tree. All I can see in front of me is the next tree in the forest...which doesn't feel like "the answer." But sometimes, walking tree to tree is all you can handle. You can't see the big picture, you can't see the open meadow that's waiting for you...all you see is the closest tree.

The more I think about it, the more comforting this is. The reality is, there will probably be more times in my life that I'm walking tree to tree than I'm walking in the open meadow. That's just the way life tends to go. But if I can learn to walk tree to tree well while I hold His hand, that will be something that I can learn to cherish, even if I would rather see the meadow.

Is my life not what I want it to be? No, it's not. Is it difficult? Heck yes, it is. But I trust the One leading.

So, if you need me, I'll be holding His hand...walking to the closest tree.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord ! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the Lord ? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. 

Psalm 25