Prove Me

Brother Butler spoke of a road less traveled, a thorny path, the hard road.

It is the road we are about to travel.  It requires reaching beyond ourselves. Reaching out of our comfort zone.  Simply reaching.

Sometimes it means leaving the course we are currently on.  Taking a detour.  Being willing to adjust our plans.

This past weekend Meg and I went kayaking.  On purpose we avoided the fishermen, who were fishing on the side of the lake.  We chose the part of the lake where serenity could be found.  We paddled a little, but mostly we drifted quietly and chatted.

Then pandemonium broke out.

A well placed cast unintentionally caught the wing of a dragon fly, sending it unexpectedly into the lake.  Its flailing in distress caused 5-year-old Mac to panic.  His little voice echoed across the lake, "Help!  Help!  What should we do?!"

Immediately Megan left the serenity ––heart bent on rescue.  As paddle met water her kayak skimmed across the lake until finally she was there.  Carefully reaching she lifted the dragon fly, released the hook, and then little creature carefully in hand, she paddled back to where I was waiting.

And then she waited.
Reaching hand still and outstretched.
Slanted carefully so the sun rays would gently dry the water drenched wings.

I was reminded of the lines of a familiar hymn...
"He answers privately, reaches my reaching..."

After several moments of stillness strength was restored.  Then rescuer stretched a reaching hand to safety of the shore.  Then wings stretched and shimmered, and dragon fly soared.

My thoughts are Conference focused this week.  My heart is busy preparing.  Looking back I am reminded of Conferences where I have been the one flailing in distress.  My reaching heart desperate for His rescue.  Pondering leads me to remember other Conferences where I have listened ever so carefully for inspiration to help someone I knew who was flailing in distress.

Now this Conference approaches.

What is it your are seeking for?
To be rescued...
To rescue...

Is your heart prepared to leave your course for His?
To take the detour He needs you to take?
To adjust your plans if needed?
To reach for Him?

The answer will come privately...are you preparing your heart?