Ps 37:23

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.

Today, our son Isaac who is five years old, brought us something very special from the woods. He is quite an adventurer! His frequent offerings have included rocks, flowers, baby birds, toads and many other natural wonders of God’s creation.  This one was nothing short of God’s demonstration of His tender care for Isaac....and us all.

Prov 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

I have been taking a jog on the trail of our families property each day this week in effort to enjoy the beauty of the season while getting some fresh air & exercise. So, when Isaiah goes down for a nap, Isaac, Isabella, and I meet up for some healthy fun. They usually emerge from some tree or brush line as I call and then make our way past the chickens and barking dog to disappear into the "big woods." Even Grandma, who is our neighbor, has caught on to the event and has joined us for the joy of watching her grandchildren run along-side her.

John 10:27-28

Today was special though, because as I was finishing the second lap through the well beaten trail, I met up with Isaac. He decided to head back the opposite way after the first lap and take a walk. I expected him to try to surprise me by jumping out from behind a tree, but did not see him until I had almost made it all the way through. He was walking alone. It was unusual to see this because he is most usually in his Sister’s company being they are so close in age. "The best of buddies; the worst of enemies" to quote my husband.

As I passed Isaac, I thought I should inform him that I would be heading back home after the last stretch, to which he shrugged "O.K." and traveled on. I remember looking back and having a momentary glance at the back of him as he bravely walked on. Since the kids were babies, we have always made the woods our home for walks, four-wheelin’ trips, berry picking, golf-cart rides, and family photos. It should be no surprise to me to see him grow into his independence in the woods, though while every milestone is a true joy for me to behold, it is also a letting go: I take mental pictures all the time.

I was already back at the house when Isaac came in and asked me to come and see something: It was a stick in the form of a cross. He said "look at what I found!" He loves crosses, and has made them out of everything from licorice to old scrap wood that he nailed together and took to his Sunday school class. They adorned it with ribbons and there it has found a loving home.

As he held the branch up before me, I was taken back by it’s beauty. I was a lovely shape...and as I inspected it in more detail...to my amazement I discovered that it matched the shape of the one that is in our family room - "to a T!" All the bends were exactly like the very unique wrought iron one that is our family cross!

I knelt down beside Isaac and said, "Look Isaac! It is just like the one on our wall!" He was also amazed as I said "Do you know who must have been walking alongside you?" He replied, "JESUS!" As we embraced with joy, I reminded him that although he cannot see Jesus with his eyes, or hear Him with his ears, The Lord is always with him....walking alongside and living in him, guiding his very steps.

Ezek 36:26-28

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Our God is so much more intimately involved in our lives than we could every comprehend, though in moments like this, we see just a glimmer of His glory revealed. Thank you Jesus, for another powerful moment of opportunity for me to teach the children of your ways.
Isa 54:13
13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
And great shall be the peace of your children.
Matt 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

If you would like to see the cross Isaac brought to me, go to our photo gallery to see it displayed next to our "family cross."  May God bless you as you do.