“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.”
—Psalm 23: 2-3
This week I’ve been applying and doing my best to navigate through some rough waters, landmines to be honest, and through it all, what helped me the most is a principle I use every day, all day. He Leads Me. Those 3 words sum up something so simple, yet profoundly important in our everyday lives, and if practiced daily, throughout every day, it can be what helps you navigate when it “feels” like everything and everyone is coming against you.
What I love is just how simple it is to show it with others. If you’re not familiar with the HLM “He Leads Me” Principle, go to LL #3 “He Leads Me” It’s short but oh so powerful.
Midweek my oldest grandson, just nine, accompanied me while running errands, reminding me of his dad at that same age and already feeling eminently blessed by how God creates offspring that look and act like their parents. 🙂
It was when we got outside one store when he said, “Mimi, I need to use the restroom.” The way he said it meant he couldn’t wait, so instinctively, I said out loud, “Lord, we need to find a restroom that’s easy to get to, clean and safe.” And immediately a fast-food chain came to mind that I don’t remember ever going to, not to mention I had no idea where it was. So I said the name of the place and my grandson said, “Oh, it’s right over there” and pointed. Sure enough, I saw it and it took us less than one minute to drive, park right outside the side door and when we entered, there were the restrooms.
It was instinctive, because as I said, I use this everyday, all day!
God was not done. Once we got back into the car, He orchestrated another opportunity for me to teach my grandson this principle a second time. I looked at the clock and noticed it was lunchtime. I mentioned we could either head home or try to find somewhere to eat out. No easy task.
Recently, to help my grandsons to heal from a few things, his mom had just put her boys on a no gluten, no dairy regime. So, again, I asked out loud, “Lord, where can we eat that’s gluten, dairy free and where we’d enjoy eating?” Immediately I thought of a restaurant I knew was about a three-minute drive, but did it “really?” have a gluten free menu? So I googled it (which I recommend only doing after you check your GPS “God’s Position Spiritually”) and up pops a picture of a huge burger, no cheese on a gluten free bun!
We had a lovely lunch, talking about all sorts of things, but the best part for me was the three-minute drive over when I was able to ask, “Did you notice how we found the restroom and this great restaurant that has the perfect lunch for you?” He said, “Of course, you asked God!” And that’s when I said, “Then I guess you also know that this promise is from Proverbs, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” and also from Psalms 23 ‘He leads me.’ Did you know that Mimi always asks the Lord? Why would I want to start leaning and get off course?” My grandson affirmed each time I made a point, and then I knew it was time to stop talking about it.
* Planting a seed and watering it, without drowning your seed or small plant is important if you want it to survive.
Dear Fathers and Grandfathers. This week you may have felt like your world was spinning out of control, leaving you confused and unsure of which road to take. If so, like me, simply ask just as I did. If you’re not used to living this way, you don’t want to miss out on the simplicity of Him leading you throughout your day. Try it and then be the example to your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and younger coworkers. Ask GOD for the opportunity to use what you learned so those around you can witness what He wants to be in their lives!
“You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.” 2 Corinthians 3:2