While out hiking with Scott and the pups, I began to think about Mr. Dan and Ms Lily going on and off the trail. This way and that way, they kept moving forward on the path and then they would run off of the path. They sometimes ran way ahead of us on the trail. And then they would run back to us. Then they would run off the trail. I would call them back to the trail. Mr. Dan would come running right away when called back. But, Ms. Lily could sometimes find something that was quite interested her and so my calling to her over and over didn’t sink in until quite a few calls. We stopped by the stream for refreshment. The pups enjoyed a refreshing walk into the stream and even a refreshing drink of cool water. I enjoyed refreshment by listening to the stream running by me which brought me feelings of peace and serenity. And, I so enjoyed watching the pups as they waded thru the waters of the stream.

As the pups were running around the wooded forest, they reminded me of us – followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a trail that we walk on as His children. It is His trail. Sometimes we run off the trail. Sometimes our friends run off the trail to bring us back – back to Him – back to His trail. There are times a friend runs off the trail and we follow after that friend. Always the Father is calling us back And then we come to those refreshing streams given to us by our Father. We can laugh and play with Him. Our Father is calling us to Himself.

Another way to view our journey on His trail is that as we run off onto the side of the trail, He is giving us rest, refreshment, and growth in the place that He has brought us to. It is a time of growing passionately and deeply more in love with our Savior. Sometimes we bring our Sisters and Brothers into this portal of love so they too can be bathed in His presence. Our Father will call us to join Him again onto the trail as we move closer to Himself. At the end of the journey, we are standing right by His side and bathing in the cool refreshing waters of His overflowing and generous love.

Father God, thank You for staying with us and guiding us as we walk thru this life with You. If I go off of Your trail, please call me back quickly to Your loving side. If I take a friend of mine along with me to a side trail, please call us back quickly to Your loving side. Bring me into rest and peace with You for refreshing my soul and spirit. Please call me each and every day to be with You and guide me along my journey on Your trail. Thank You for ALL that You do in my life. You are worthy to be praised and adored. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.