Good Morning

One of the benefits of writing early in the morning, especially on the day after chemo, is that any side effects that are going to surface usually show themselves as the day progresses. As of this moment all is well.
Yesterday morning I received a text message from my friend, Geri.  Many years ago, when our lives were particularly stressful, she sent me a small hardcover book titled Streams in the Desert, by Mrs. Charles Cowman (rather appropriate name, don't you think?).  This book had served Geri well as she went through her own challenges and she was so thoughtful in sending a copy to me.
The book, a collection of both personal observations and quotes from other strong men and women of faith, has been updated but Geri and I share an appreciation of unabridged work and she was able to find this beautiful old volume which she sent to me.  As with other unique devotionals, the daily message hit just what met our needs for that day those many years ago and the collection continues to do the same today.
Geri texted that the message for that day, January 3, had brought me to her mind.  The Scripture verse was Genesis 33:14-"I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children are able to endure."  It is a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness as he led the children and cattle on their journey.  He knew just how much they could take for the day and when they needed to stop and rest and he planned the marches accordingly.  What a perfect example of God's care for us.  My journey is not Jacob's journey but I can have confidence that God is watching me, just as Jacob watched his charges, to see how much I am able to endure and He has already planned my journey accordingly.
Mrs. Cowman quoted Frances Ridley Havergal.  "The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through-Jesus has gone through it all before us......'He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.'  He is remembering all the time, and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure."  I take great comfort in that knowledge.
Many thanks, Geri, for that timely text.