The Man Who Trusts in the Lord
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green….” Jeremiah 17:7 and 8 NIV
It may have been Father’s Day but it felt like Mother’s Day to me. Our family was together~those of us still living here at home. We had a fun outing and dinner in a restaurant. To me that’s a mother’s holiday, even if I watched the man movie, “Man of Steel”–in 3D and IMAX as a Father’s Day present for my hubby.
All it takes to make this mother happy is to have her family gathered around with chatting and laughter. And a phone call from the one who no longer lives under our roof. He’s a Navy man now and makes his home near the base.
It was a brilliantly clear day in Arizona with the sun’s rays exerting about 110 degrees of heat upon us as we opened the car door. We parked as close to the theater as possible, not just for convenience, but because we did not want to trek far in the smothering heat. Don’t let anyone kid you about it being only “a dry heat”–it is still hot. Your face feels the heat radiating from the paved surfaces and your breath is a little shallower as the heat crushes against your chest.
As we approach the mall doors, relief in sight, the sound of voices on our son’s cell phone blow a refreshing breeze across my sun-streaked face. Our youngest son has called and suddenly it seems like we all walk through the mall doors together. Distance may have separated us but those cellular towers have joined us in this moment of celebration.
We all smile knowing the great gift of family that God gives. The gift may be visible in only moments or may not look exactly as we imagined it, but it is a gift nonetheless. Our day continues with the joy that God gave us at the start of our journey. His presence and love infused in each moment.
For this week of gifts from the Lord’s hand, I give thanks:
961) The gift of a husband who follows the Lord
962) Two sons who honored their Dad
963) A crazy man movie that I actually enjoyed, seated between the men in my life
964) Spending a a night and the next day visiting with two dear friends–one from Cali and one from here
965) Having friends who listen to my heart~such a blessing
966) My friend taking me to Hobby Lobby~my new favorite place
967) Celebrations along life’s journey–our anniversary, oldest’s birthday, and Father’s Day–times of renewal when life presses in
968) Chocolate covered strawberries and fondue for dinner (here)
969) The feel of being outside, working under the citrus trees. Feeding and caring for God’s creation that will produce fruit for the family and friends in the fall.
970) Gathered together with friends from church in our closely knit home group.

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What a wonderful day! Having *walked* with you the last months of ups and downs, I know how much it meant to you to have your two boys “with” you on this day.
I knew you married Superman! – and what joy to have a special Father’s (Mother’s!!) Day!
GOD BLESS!
Thank you, Sharon. It is a blessing to hear your comment because you have walked with me through the storm. Thank you for hanging in there with me and praying me through it. I do hope we’re at the end except for the Lord’s changes in me 🙂
Thanks for saying hubby is Superman~He sure has been for me. However, he said he can’t jump very far off the ground.
Blessings,
Janis
What a nice post to read – God Bless
Janis, Enjoyed reading your list. I haven’t posted to my list in several weeks; I need to get back to it! Hobby Lobby can be a dangerous place! You better leave your wallet at home when you go in there! – Can you believe I tried my first chocolate covered strawberry just a few weeks ago? I love chocolate and strawberries, but never had a chocolate covered strawberry! Well, I don’t comment often so I just thought I’d say hi today!
It sounds like a beautiful day, Janis. These are the days that open us up to God, aren’t they? When we slow and appreciate the passing moments and let love lead.
It’s nice to catch up with you, my friend 🙂
Janis, I’m so glad to meet you, honored you stopped by my blog and left a comment. I’m from Arizona too, though I haven’t lived there for 10 years now. My husband is a Phoenician and both my kids were born there. And yes, it might be a dry heat but it’s still hot enough to take your breath away.