Horizon

 

 

"Horizon"
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
July 13, 2013

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." –Psalm 91:2 NIVThere are many definitions for the word, “horizon”, but I came across two that I liked enough to share. The dictionary states that “a horizon is the apparent intersection of the earth and sky as seen by an observer”. Another definition is “the range of one’s knowledge, experience or interest”. The times I have spent at the beach, looking out towards the horizon, I have wondered what was beyond what I could see. I trust that the maps of the world are correct and that there are countries on the other side of the Atlantic…yet I can’t see them from where I stand on the North Carolina shore. The range of my vision is limited. It is then that trust comes into play. But it isn’t always easy to trust in something if we can’t see it for ourselves. That is one of the spiritual lessons we each have to learn on our own with God as our teacher. Many times He allows us to walk certain paths with only the vision of a few feet in front of us. He lifts the veil of fog to reveal more when He is ready. Isn’t it daring to consider ourselves walking on a course but we don’t know where we are going? Not at all, if we have trust in God. He knows where He is leading us. He can see beyond the horizon. Trusting in God’s provision and care is not always easy for those that have relied on their own abilities to control their destiny. I know because I was one of those people and God has put me in situations where I have had to trust Him completely many times over. But this I can say. Surrendering to Him is good and He has never let me down. Our trust should be in Him. Part of trusting in Him is believing that the road we are on is one He has chosen for us. We should trust that He is leading us step by step and teaching us lessons to grow us spiritually along the way. And finally believing in His vision for us that stretches beyond the horizon. If we realize that He knows our needs and desires, plus we trust Him to know what is best for us, it makes it easier to let Him take the lead, so that we may follow.

"Living in Freedom"

"Living in Freedom"
Reflections by the Sea ©  Betsy Ore Glass
July 13, 2013

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.  –Galations 5:13 NIVMeandering through the downtown streets of Manteo recently made me smile. The streets were lined with so many beautiful and different picket fences. Blue hydrangeas and orange day-lilies bursting through the white pickets. Climbing roses, too. These fences surrounded Victorians homes, cottages, bungalows and more. Everything appeared to have a fresh coat of paint. Front porches were decorated with wicker chairs and steps were lined with pots of flowers. Loving touches here and there like birdbaths, baskets of flowers, window boxes and garden art showed individuality and expression. One house had a starfish in each window. It was a charming afternoon to observe neighbors visiting over the fence, children riding on bikes to the water, vacationers supporting the local economy, restaurants bustling with patrons. But one thing stood out. So many American flags…everywhere! Homes, businesses and the waterfront. Such pride was apparent in the community and for our country! Independence Day just behind us, yet it is important to remember to celebrate our country and the freedom we enjoy each day. We should always be grateful and never take our freedom for granted. It is a blessing and a gift. We live in a free country where we can express ourselves without fear. There are so many opportunities for learning and doing for those that wish to pursue them. We have freedom to live, work, play and worship wherever we want to. Many people in other countries would give anything to have the choices we have. With 4th of July celebrations still going on with cookouts, parades, fireworks and ice cream, let’s also take time to offer prayer for our local, state and national leaders. I do believe that God has put many of these people in a place of leadership that they might serve Him and the People to the best of their ability. They need our prayers for godly wisdom as they make decisions that affect each of us and the places we live. Thank you God for the tireless efforts of those that work so hard to help maintain the freedom that we continue to enjoy.