(This morning I was reminded of this blog post from last summer. I am amazed by what God was teaching me even then, to prepare me for what was ahead.)
Little sister stood alone, staring at the long yellow strip of slippery plastic. She could not find the strength to step out.
Big sister came along side, “Why don’t you let me help you?” (She was a frequent rider of the bright yellow slide.)
Little sister tiptoed down the runway.
At the end she cried, completely unsure of the accomplishment. “Is that how I was supposed to do it? Is that it?” The others tried their best to wait patiently.
Eventually she stood at the bottom, waiting for others to plunge by… Cheering them on, with shouts and claps of joy. She had already done it – she knew what it was.
And later on she went again, and again, and again.
To me, these are beautiful photographs of my children. But, they also explain some of my own sentiments in life right now. While walking this journey, sometimes I face unknowns, overwhelming circumstances – and I look around at the end of a trial – and I say to my Heavenly Father, “Was that it? Did I manage it right? What was that for?” Tentative, at best. I know He was with me; I felt His presence all along – but, I could not claim understanding.
Could it be that later (much, much later) when the time is right, I’ll realize that I’ve been prepared? I’ll be able to come along side a sister and say, “I’ve done this before. Can I walk this road with you?” And I’ll stand in full view of fellow travelers on their way cheering and clapping with joy for them because I know what it means to survive. Because I’m confident He’ll be with them, too.
I don’t have to know. Just trust His words:
from Romans 8:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(originally written June 24, 2012)
daily portion 
Mel, we really liked this one and the pictures were great, of course. Love, Mom and Dad