October 17th
Read: Deut. 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 139 and Psalm 43
It was not a particularly good morning for a walk. The sky was overcast, and the October wind had a bite to it, but I was in the habit of walking daily at that early hour. I put on my jacket and left the house.
My mood was as dour as the sky. Although Jim was still living at home, I was lonely, missing my husband who had died some weeks earlier. I plodded rather heavily along the gravel road behind the cottages, noticing the browning grass and bedraggled flower gardens. No one was about but me.
As I turned onto the main road, there was a rustle in the red of the sumac at the corner, and a red-winged blackbird appeared on a branch and chirped at me. It was too late for him to be protecting his nest and, indeed, rather late In the season for him to be around at all. Most of the summer birds had already left for southern climes. I proceeded past him and was surprised to see him fly ahead of me to the next convenient branch along the road.
When I arrived at his vantage point, he chirped again several times and flew to another branch ahead of me. Again he spoke to me as I approached and again flew on ahead of me. By then I was talking to him, and my spirits had risen considerably. I was not alone at all! Here was a charming companion who was sent just to keep me company on this dark day. He stayed with me the whole way to my turnaround point before flying off on his own business.
On the return trip my step was lighter and my thoughts much brighter, for I knew that my God was aware of my loss and my loneliness and that He had involved Himself in meeting my need through that red-winged blackbird.
THOU ART GOD
Thou art my Guide as I walk on my way.
Thou art my Light as my eyes seek the day.
Thou, my Deliver, show me new life.
Thou art my strength in the midst of my strife.
Thou art my Truth, the Word in my heart,
Thou my new Hope when afflictions may start.
Thou art my Joy, my delights that unroll,
The pure, living waters of my thirsty soul.
Thou art my Judge. Thou desirest my health.
Thou art my source, my beginnings, my wealth.
Thou art the springhead of all lovely things,
Thou, the sweet song which my thankful heart sings.
Prayer: Father, keep me aware of Your presence and Your loving thoughts towards me. Help me to see You at work in all of my circumstances.