He is Always Close

                  These two doves were pretty puffed up as they sat on the branch passing the day.

"To increase your happiness . . . randomly wish for somebody else to be happy." Chade-meng Tan

I received a letter from a woman I worked with back in the 80s. We had lost touch a few years when she moved to Delaware. I sent her a birthday card and asked her to write. I was thrilled when the thick envelope arrived with her handwriting.

                 Passed a nice red barn in my drive around on snowy lanes the other morning.

I met her when I moved to another department at Bell Atlantic back in the 80s. I soon discovered we shared the love of Jesus and as friendship began, we spent many years of enjoying each other.

Her difficulties have been many during the last few years and my heart was sad that I wasn't in touch to bring a smile to her face.

Then I remembered the scripture that assured my mind God had not lost touch. "The Lord is close to the broken hearted; he rescues those whose spirit is crushed." Psalm 34:18

                                  I could drive around on snow covered lanes all day!

Our broken heart leads us to the abundant life, as we seek him to wipe away our tears. We discover infinite depths of His love as we let Him heal our sorrows.

                               A beaver (or two) did their professional work on this tree.

"I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I'll pray till heav'n I've found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground."

That wonderful song Higher Ground, written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922), certainly pulls your attention to living for Christ. Above is the 4th verse.

          I spotted this skunk along the roadside. When I passed by the scent was light. Thankfully!

So our God is always close by and always ready to help. But He does use our hands. Valentine's Day is next week. Can your hands be used to bring a smile to another's heart?

"To make a valentine God took two shafts of work

And on that wood in love and anguish placed his Son,

Who gave his heart that mine might

Be made new."     Eleanor Whitesides

I've written a nice, long letter to send to my friend. And I sent it in a Valentine to cheer her heart!