Wilderness Wanderers

 It's easy for life to feel like a wilderness. I will say that my mental image and definition of a wilderness changed when I used to hike the Kistachie National Forest wilderness areas. I thought it was going to be barren, dry, and empty. I was surprised to find it natural, full, and living. Wilderness doesn't mean there is nothing there. 

A quick look at the online dictionary reveals wilderness to mean: uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable. Yup. That's about right. At least the 7-mile trail I loved to hike was that way! It had abundant plants, animals, and beautiful natural features to enjoy. But it was a rough hike filled with climbing, sliding, and crossing small waterways. It was the challenge that drew me to hike it over and over again!

In Isaiah 49:11, God tells Isaiah that He will make mountains into level paths... and that He'll raise the highways above the valleys. Sounds like to me that He's going to smooth out the path in the wilderness. 

What I noticed in these verses is that the person perspective changed. In verse 10, it's third person. The Lord will have mercy and lead them by cool waters. Then in verse 11, it says And I will make my mountains into level paths for them. (NLT) God shows intention and action. He interjects Himself right into the situation and makes a difference. 

There are no easy caregiving days, but God can take the sting out of them. He can make the path before us smoother and more peaceful. We may still be wandering through life's wilderness, but He can take the sting out a little. 

Just yesterday, I leaned over to kiss Chris on the forehead and was overwhelmed by the journey. It was a simple action. A heartfelt show of affection. But for one moment, I caught a glimpse of how hard it's been. The years of fighting to stay positive and keep going washed over me in an instant, and I found myself on the floor, ugly-crying, overcome with grief. (Yes, btw, I can still get up off the floor at 65 yo! lol)

We never know what a day will bring and when our emotions will check in. Or when they will check back out, for that matter. There is absolutely nothing easy about walking the caregiver wilderness, especially when we feel alone and overwhelmed. But God...

We can gather strength by reminding ourselves that He's already walked the wilderness for us, AND He's going to continue to walk it with us as well. He will make our paths sure and smooth, so maybe we can just enjoy the view.

Today, I will remind myself that He's walking the wilderness of life with me. As every day brings new challenges and situations, I know that there isn't anything coming at me today that He hasn't already seen and covered. I know I can trust Him to continue keeping my soul tucked into His heart. My meditation will be on how He truly cares for my son and me. He will not abandon us to the wilderness. He's right here helping me navigate the rough terrain. I can and will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

Command Your Morning is a 31-day devotional that focuses on how to take charge of your soul and day in the morning, so that you can trust God with the rest of the day. Command your morning and the rest of the day will follow suit! You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and Kindle versions are now available in my Amazon Shop.