The Long Walk 2011, Part II

Yesterday was the continuation of Long Walk 2011.  Earlier in the week I received a visit from a friend at church.  He mapped for me several wildlife habitats that he has personally cultivated acres of native wildflowers and grasses.  That map became my destination goal as it sat on my desk the remainder of the workweek.

I was not disappointed with the site, but breathless with the splash of beauty among the fertile corn and bean fields that otherwise are so neatly and precisely planted and cultivated.

The path was rough…requiring a true decision to veer off the safe, smooth terrain of the paved highway.

 The habitats are in the shadow of our local windfarm.  I had to smile as I scanned the scenery.  How like God to tie together so many variables into one experience.

Some of the flowers are subtle in appearance

Others are rather bold...

Some perfectly formed…others ravished by prairie winds and insects

This year’s Long Walk did not have a path or even a trail to follow.  It was a trek into the wildness of the beauty.

God’s word to me was very personal and evident in the midst of the walk.  He is present in the beauty and wildness of life as it unfolds each day.  He leads and guides even when we may not clearly see the path.  His Spirit is powerful…breathing life into our weary, dry bones…and He cares…oh how He cares for all of His creation.    Most of all, the power of His Word remains.  It is only the truths of His Word that gives such perspective of His provision, His care, and His faithful lovingkindness. 

…"These people are nothing but grass,

their love fragile as wildflowers.

The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,

if God so much as puffs on them.

Aren't these people just so much grass?

True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,

but our God's Word stands firm and forever."

Isaiah 40:6-8

The Message