No More Wobbly Stairs

Yesterday was not a great day. Circumstances beyond my control just kept pecking at me until I nearly lost my peace. After recognizing the bully in the school yard (Satan/the devil), I ran to my Heavenly Dad and tattled.

He took care of it.

But today didn’t promise a much better forecast. Sure, I now know where the attacks come from, and I know I can go to God when they do… but it still makes me want to hide from the world where it’s safe, quiet, peaceful and not so…. “lifey.”

So I began the day by slinking out to my man-shed where I feel safe. It’s a great place, decorated with all the stuff that brings me joy. I am the master of that domain. No cars backing into my space there. No businesses that advertise that they should be open, but have the door locked. No phone solicitors. Just me and my stuff.

The only uncompleted aspect of my shed to date, however, are the steps. Since the ground is uneven, I’ve been getting by with a couple of cinder blocks for stairs. But with recent rains, some of the ground beneath them has washed away and, though I had a bounce in my step as I whistled across the yard this morning, when I sprang onto the first cinder block… it rolled sideways and so did I. So much for my day of smooth-sailing.

So, right off the bat, I went and tattled. I spent some quality time in prayer. Sure, like many, many of the Psalms, I began by moaning and groaning about my life… but the longer I remained in my prayer time, the more room I began to make for God. And my weeping and gnashing of teeth turned to praise. Remember the song? “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face… and the things of earth will grow strangely dim… in the light of His glory and grace.” Truth.

Prayer became a time of meditation and listening and, as I focused on what God would have me dwell on today, this verse jumped out at me:

Matthew 7:24-27 Building on a Solid Foundation (NLT)

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

I then got up and went outside. Staring at the overturned cinder blocks that were my steps, I made the connection. I took some rock and placed it on top of the ground. Leveled it, packed it down, and then made plans to fill in the gaps with gravel and then sand. Only then would I be able to “trust” the placement of the “steps” to my place of peace.

One of those days, when God speaks, and you totally understand, is a GREAT way to start the day. Prayer. His Word. His Voice. His Answer. Ground. Rock. Gravel. Sand. A firm foundation.

Tomorrow. First thing. I’m climbing some firm, solid, unshakable stairs to God to begin the day right. No more wobbly stairs. No more wobbly beginnings. No more wobbly days.