Just yesterday, my eyes caught a glimpse of the note on the calendar – autumn. Already-!? I thought. The weather was mild and somewhat cool–unusual for this early in the season. Knowing how few mild days we typically have to enjoy, I decided to walk the neighborhood. Our neighborhood is not large, comprised of fewer than 100 homes. And the streets connect so one can easily make a loop.
I knew it was early in the evening, so the typical walking crowd would probably not be out yet. But having other things to tend to, I started out. With just a few steps into my trek, I began to wonder if I should have grabbed a jacket on my way out. But soon my swift pace elevated my body temperature, and I was comfortably warm.
I plugged my earplugs into my phone and soon was enjoying worship music along with some modern tunes. The overcast sky drew my eyes upward, and I wondered how the view might look from God’s perspective. Then to my surprise and pleasure, I passed a few walkers along the way. I whispered a prayer of thanks that others were nearby.
The last quarter of the loop …
Soon after starting the last quarter of the loop, my eyes lit on something I had seen in my walk the day before. I had taken note of it on my previous walk but quickly forgot by the time I reached home. Looking down for several feet, it appeared as though a heavy rain had washed through the yard and spewed its hidden contents onto the sidewalk. Worms! The small black squiggles had dried in a heavy concentration, so avoiding them with my footwear was simply not an option. It looked as though another heavy rain was needed to clean the sidewalk again.
Worms, I thought to myself. Why are there so many? And why only in front of this house? Zoology not being my strong suit, I quickly dismissed my curiosity and continued with my walk. But the image kept returning to my mind. Eventually, my imagination would not let it go. I began to wonder what life these now lifeless worms once enjoyed. It looked like a whole community, an entire city of worm buddies had met their demise together. I tried to imagine their underground town in the beautifully manicured lawn. Then looking farther down the street, I began to consider what other insect communities might be thriving, albeit hidden, in the lawns that lay before me.
The Spirit began to breathe into my soul ....
As the humid coolness gently swept through my hair, I heard the Spirit breathing into my soul. It was as though He brought to the surface all the current realities weighing on my heart, and reminded me that while seemingly hidden, God was busy at work in my circumstances. Like many others, concerns with my career often hung over my head. And then there were the recent health questions. And, of course, family and community needs. And of course, the list could go on endlessly.
But as I passed each lawn, I began to realize there is so much more going on in the depths than we ever truly recognize. Our limited view and understanding prevents us from seeing so much. But God is not limited. He sees all of the details. He knows when the next rain will come and what the outcome will be. He knows what needs to be flushed out and what needs to stay put and be nourished. So, too, He knows all our needs, even before we think to ask Him to intervene.
Continuing toward home, a peace washed over me. Washing away the heaviness, it occurred to me that I do not carry the responsibility to answer all of the questions. The next steps in my career are in my Father’s hands. His Word says I am fearfully and wonderfully made. So in that, too, He is powerfully engaged and knows every aspect of my health. He is big enough to handle all of my family and community concerns, too. He is even able to look after our nation and the world He created.
He is at work even when we cannot see …
Only when the rain washed them out was the worm community revealed. And what a gentle reminder to our souls, that God is at work – even when we cannot see what He is doing.
Jesus said:
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
And Peter noted:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Anxiety dissolves when we realize God is at work.
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