Day 232 Passing By Ourselves Without Wondering

“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.” Saint Augustine

After yesterday’s blog where I blathered about the problem of pride and encouraged us to not think too much about ourselves, I pondered the balance of that point of view. And that is this: One could pass through this physical experience and never listen to the proddings of their inner man to see more than meets the eye. And that would be a colossal tragedy. Because after all, we’re here for 5 minutes, and then eternity. My dear husband, who has considered and concerned himself with the invisible reality of his life, was up against the real and present possibility of stepping into that sphere on November 8. Now if you know Stephen, you know he is not a sour, introspective Pharisee. On the contrary, I know few men with more mirth and contentment than him. But he is sober in matters that one should be sober about. Sober meaning thoughtful and serious in his awe and respect for the Master of the Universe. He has need of a Savior, and he knows it. He lives the reality of a walk with Jesus Christ every day. Not perfectly, not without stumbling. But with a resolute heart. I think even more so now, having taken a nap with death, but not falling asleep altogether. Anyway, I wanted to get that on the table, lest anyone think self-evaluation is always a bad thing. It’s not, and Augustine puts it so much more perfectly than I ever could.

Joseph called us from Alaska, and I could hear in his voice the inspiration he is experiencing seeing the young, steep, jagged mountains and the icy glaciers of the Far Northwest . I’m expecting a new song when he gets home. He brought his ukulele with him, and no doubt he is regaling the other teens on the ship with his Tiny Timism’s. (I’m quite sure he has no idea who Tiny Tim is, and most probably neither do some of you young bloggies). His little brother is champing at the bit to see his hero, and they will get just a short visit. David leaves for camp on Saturday, his first time away from home without us ever. Yikes. Double Yikes.

Once again looking for your prayers for a dear member of DFG who has had a stroke. So suddenly, life can change. Don’t pass by yourself without wondering. The Great One is always speaking, always looking for a relationship with us. We’ve just got to get out of the noise so we can hear. (Once again, I speak to myself!) Way better to do it before we’re flat on our backs.

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann