A Safe Haven

My little son Will examining a spot where deer lay at night.

Today the temperatures are in the 60s here in Minnesota.  It is unusual to get this warm at this time of year.  The normal temperatures are in the 20s, 30s, and 40s.  I think back now, for many years on the prairie, hunting deer with my muzzleloader, the snow was very deep and very hard to walk through.  In some cases I could even trek over the frozen ice of the Little Sioux River when tracking a deer.  This year though, ice can only be found in the stores.

On this day, Americans celebrate with their families, Thanksgiving Day.  For many it is a time of rejoicing and reacquaintance, but for the not so fortunate, it is a time of being alone and filled with sadness.  During the holidays for these individuals it becomes a time of sorrow filled with memories and what ifs.  I remember being overseas eating Army food and wishing I could be having my mom's cooking instead.  I remember in college eating at a restaurant far from home, and missing my family and the good food they were having.  But then one day, my thoughts changed when accepting Christ.  I began to choose to help others not so fortunate as myself by working in soup kitchens during Thanksgiving.  I decided that I was going to change, and help others rather than dwell in my own saddness.  Jesus helped me to see through his eyes instead.
I understand as in all things, one must choose to see what a person wants to, whether it is bad or good, happy or sad.  I know that there is a balance in all things, and sometimes, heartache cannot be avoided.  It must be worked through, and in the end, growth does take place.  Sometimes though, it is through these most difficult times we realize our inner strengths and weaknesses.  There are times though that I am overwhelmed with life, and no matter how positive I might try to be, it is not enough.  As a Christian, I know that my strength and insights about life comes from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Little cousin Nathaniel running to his mama, Gayle.

As with a child having a gentle earthly father and mother, I find myself running to Jesus for help frequently.  The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  When asking Jesus for strength, he indeed gives it freely.  When requested of Jesus, he will give you insight, peace and joy, all because we ask of him.  I know that within myself, I can do very little without his guidance and love.  I recognize my frailties and fallen nature that comes with being born of Adam’s sinful nature, and because of Adam, we also live in a fallen world where sickness, war, and sin prevail.  We cannot change that, but we know the person who can change us, and the world that we live in.  In all things, we must seek out our savior, and Jesus will give to us all the things that will help us to grow in his love.  The Bible says in Proverbs 3: 5,6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  As a hunter, when tracking deer, I know that when its footprints are spaced far apart, the deer is running from something, and away from danger.  I also know that it is running towards a safe haven of its own choosing.  Jesus is our safe place, we can run to him with all our needs, and he will never leave us alone.