The sun filtered through the tall trees in the forest as I once again stopped along the path. My then 3-year-old crouched next to a trunk picking up another treasure she’d spotted. The voices of our group ahead of us faded away and we were now seemingly all alone in a forest we’d never walked.
I told my daughter that we’d better hurry up or we’d get lost and the words she uttered next are ones I’ve needed to hear again and again.
“Don’t worry mommy. God is with us.”
I knew in that moment, she believed it with all her heart. She was not afraid of being lost as I was. And looking back, I wonder if she could sense God’s peace and presence in the forest that day.
I don’t know exactly how it happened … but in recent years we’ve lost our way and have ended up in some dark and scary valleys. I’ve been afraid out of my wits and in my fear and pain, I’ve made some poor choices and so has she.
One of the ways, God is helping me get out of the dark valleys, is remembering moments like that day in the forest when she assured me,
“Don’t worry mommy. God is with us.”
It’s been 13 years since that day in the forest, and I may not have remembered that moment but I found it written down in my journal and I’ve treasured the memory.
Looking back to that day, I remember feeling the warmth of the sun, the cool forest breeze and the joy of seeing my sweetpea’s curiosity and childhood innocence. And I hear Father reminding me that it’s true. He was there with us in the forest and He is with us now.
We will make it home safely. I don’t have to worry and be afraid and neither do you, my friend.
God is with you. You are not alone.
Thanks, Hulda. Sometimes I need to be reminded of this. Especially lately when I feel as if I have been on the wrong path.
Out of the mouths of babes! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to always have the faith & fearlessness of childhood?