As I took a long, long walk in Shawnee Mission Park today to clear the cobwebs out, it's pretty amazing to see how the Lord works in your heart and in your soul when you are weary, tuckered out, and just plain spent!
I remember back in 2004 when I first quit corporate America and had left a very dysfunctional job without another one to go to.........I retreated to SM Park on many days after my resignation.
It healed me.
It relaxed me.
It restored me.
It empowered me.
It equipped me for something new.
It gave me a fresh, new start for a brand new journey!!!
Once again, I am repeating the healing, the relaxing, the empowerment, and the restoration I need as I walk in this exquisite park that truly exemplifies God restoring our soul!
PSALM 23 is one of my favorite Psalms!!! Years ago, I realized that having my birthday on the 23rd made me look up the Psalm for that day - what a pleasant surprise to read this:
"The Lord is my Shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in beautiful, green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And, I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Restoration......just taking in the sight of these beautiful green pastures over so many acres...
Walking beside the creeks and small rivers that flow so quietly as you go along....
Seeing the path before you and taking the chance to walk a new way....
Realizing that His path is right.
His way is true.
His Holy Spirit in dwelling inside me.
His Word comforts me as I recite a psalm I learned as a child.
Even while I am in a dark valley, His light shines on my heart.
He is leading me.
He gives me strength to face another day.
He gives me hope that restores my soul.
He gives me more than I can comprehend.
He allows His Holiness to rest upon me.
My cup truly does "runneth over" as the original King James Version says.
As I walk, real bluebirds fly past me with their brilliant sapphire blue on their wings.
The blue glimmers in the sunlight.
Squirrels rustle past me in the woods.
Butterflies flutter past me on the path.
Cardinals call to their mate in the breeze.
Bumblebees taste the sweet nectar of the dandelions.
Violets peak out among the leaves along the path.
Trees are budding.
The breeze is swaying the tree branches.
Nature sings the beauty of Creation.
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name is all the earth!!!" (Psalm 8:1)
Blessings abound - how can one be weary after all this???
