I wish we were having a “footprints in the sand” moment but alas our view outside isn’t of a beach but a little more like this:

Yup, in case you hadn’t experienced it yourself, heard people fussing on Facebook, or recently watched the weather I am here to break the news that Western New York has snow and we at Camp Vick are sufficiently covered.

And as winter has finally become, well… more winter like, the footprints we’ve been seeing have been a little more like this:

Which, unless the driveway is freshly plowed, is less like footprints and more like foot-plowed trenches.

Right when the afternoon bus runs were due to drop kids off the snow decided to kick it up a notch or 10 and things got a little “exciting.” With the wind blowing and the snow swirling, Avari wasn’t too happy about the situation as she faced the task of walking back to the house. Normally she likes walking hand in hand with me all the while chattering about her day. But yesterday it went a little like this:

Avari: “Momma, I can’t walk in the snow, it’s too deep and I can’t see. I’m COLD.”

Me: “Okay honey, but you can’t stay here. We just have to start walking.”

Avari: “Momma, the wind won’t leave my hood alone. It keeps blowing it off. The snow is too deep, its too hard to walk. And I can’t see!”

So I walked in front of her, leading the way through the footpath in the snow, blocking the wind and holding her hand.

Avari: “Momma, how do you know this trail goes to the house? What if it goes somewhere else? I can’t see. Let me see.”

So, letting go of my hand, Avari would try to run around me, her hood would fly off and she’d be cold and fussy again. After a few attempts she followed nicely.

And I was thinking…

In what ways do we do this to God? We’ve asked Him to shepherd and lead us. We’ve trusted Him to make clear our path and guide our steps. And yet… we question if this is the right way. We try to run ahead to get a clear glimpse to make sure He’s heading us in the right direction. All the while letting go of His guiding hand and getting a face-full of icy wind in the process.

God, I want you to lead me. All too often I find I don’t follow well, especially when the path isn’t clear. Help me to trust in your guidance, love and care. Amen

If you are struggling with allowing God to lead, may these scriptures be a blessing to you today. Spend some time reading, meditating and praying on them. Allow God to minister to you right where you are at, meeting your specific needs today. You can click on the blue text to open each scripture.

(Psalm 16:11) God will show me the path of life.

(Psalm 23:1) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack.

(Psalm 32:8) God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me.

(Proverbs 3:5-6) I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him and He directs my paths.

(John 10:3-5) I hear Jesus’ voice and He calls me by name and leads me out. Jesus goes before me and I follow him, for I know his voice. I will by no means follow a stranger.

What scripture give you encouragement and help you to follow God faithfully and allow Him to lead  you?

~Jillene