Watch Where You Are Going!

Watch where you are going!

This oft-repeated exclamation I heard growing up, from people who saw me crash into other people or things.

Clumsy was how some described me. In too much of a hurry was how others described me. I would laugh off my clumsiness, saying grace is not even a secondary virtue. I was not about to slow down!

However, now, when I hear warning words – it’s not other people’s voice I hear – it’s my own.

For I am clumsy in ways that scare me.

I never worried about falling or dropping stuff thirty years ago – I’d bounce back or bend over.

Now I worry about breaking a limb; I worry about not rebounding.

Bummer.

I sound like my mother: I am so afraid of falling, she’d fret.

Just hold on – you’ll be fine, I’d cajole, without a clue what bifocals and creaky bones can do to a girl!

Just hold on – you’ll be fine is not what I say to my old self when I am headed down the cellar steps. I pause, and pray: Slow down; watch where you are going!

I say that to myself about fifty times a day!

The days of bounding anywhere are on hold.

Extra ballast, argumentative knees, and hips slow me down — as a healthy fear of borrowing trouble takes hold.

So, the Scriptures that speak of God not letting go of me, though I stumble, take on new meaning. As warming days call me out to the garden, away from the fears of falling into real opportunities to do some damage, I search for that Hand:

For I hold you by your right hand—
    I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
    ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Our steps are made firm by the Lord,
      when HE delights in our way;
though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong
      for the Lord holds us by the hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

God willing, I have work to do – and time to enjoy new growth in me and our garden. So do you dear reader, especially if you, too are an autumn’s garden! You know, getting down on my knees takes a wee bit longer; getting up is slower too, and that’s not a bad thing if new life is my goal.

 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green. ~ Psalm 92:12-15

Down on my knees, digging in reviving spring dirt – doing a little weeding and some planting – some praying . . . God willing I will watch out where I am going.

This is the day the Lord has made;
                                    We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Let the Gardening Begin!