Apples of Gold

School is just a day or two away from resuming here in West Virginia. The long, carefree days of summer are slowly fading into the shorter, scheduled days of fall.  Although my kids have been out of school for years, I am ready to embrace the changes that take place in my community when predictable routines lessen the traffic signaling the return to “normal” life and a hoodie is a welcomed fashion accessory. 

Fall often brings with it a chance to recalibrate our focus as many of us spend less time on lawn care and trips to the pool. The leaves are beginning to let go of their vibrant green and succumbing to the inevitable process of drying up and letting go. Some of us are trying to hang on to summer as long as possible, while others have already loaded up on pumpkin-spice everything and have their Christmas decorations all planned out!

Each season comes with its own beauty and challenges. The seasons of our lives flow in a similar manner. Sometimes we find ourselves unprepared or off-balance as we enter new phases. The things that worked so smoothly in the last season seem to thud like a deflated tire as we attempt to keep moving forward. In these times we can either continue driving at a snail’s pace on a flat tire, risking severe damage to ourselves and our vehicle, or we can come to a momentary complete stop and take time to remedy the situation. 

I am currently navigating one of these seasons. Since I am no longer homeschooling-with a schedule that was literally broken down into 15 minute increments, with my days packed to the rafters-busy but predictable-let’s just say it’s different. Something punctured one of my tires and like it or not-I need a minute.

These words of David are a much needed balm to a weary soul:

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3

He Lets Me Rest in Green Meadows

When I read green meadows, I think of lush, velvety pastures stretching off into the distance. I picture a meadow rivaling the opening scene from The Sound of Music, as Maria twirls around singing to her heart’s content. The pasture David was describing was actually quite different. Since Israel is quite arid, rolling hills covered with thick, green grass were nowhere to be found. It is much more likely that David was picturing scattered tufts of grass, surrounded by dry, dusty soil. There was enough grass to momentarily satisfy the hunger of the sheep but in order to be fully satisfied, they had to keep moving. 

Now that sounds much more like reality. I’m not sure who Agur, son of Jakeh was, but he gave us some sound advice. He asked God for two favors:

First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. Proverbs 30:8-9

Enough, but not too much. That seems to be the norm for most of us. We don’t go without; but excess isn’t present either. Could it be that God is protecting us from an unhealthy illusion of independence? So while he lets us catch our breath in the meadow, we most likely won’t be hibernating there.

He Leads Me Beside Peaceful Streams

I love being near the water. River, ocean, lake, stream it doesn’t really matter. There is something soothing about being around it. Peaceful streams-you don’t have to ask me twice! Some translations read: He leads me beside still waters. When I hear still water, I think mosquitos, algae, stagnation. Peaceful is a much more desirable description. A slow-flowing, gentle stream that cools weary feet and quenches parched lips is what is being described here. 

He Renews My Strength

A good meal and some time by the water is a recipe for renewal. Most of us could probably use some serious refreshing. The difficulty is allowing our schedules to provide time for grazing and wading. Too often our time with the Lord is more like the mad dash through the drive-thru, eating poor quality food at a dangerous pace as we head to our next commitment. 

He Guides Me Along Right Paths

Sometimes life feels like we are going the wrong way down the interstate and the oncoming traffic is about to run us off the road. Paths of righteousness is how the NASB puts this. There are many paths that we do not need to pray about going down. Anything that is not in line with Scripture is out of the question. Being on the right path, at the right time is important and the only way to arrive there is by allowing God to do the leading and choose the speed of progression. 

Whatever season you find yourself in, take time to be refreshed and refilled. 

Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30