Forever Blowing Bubbles

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.

And, sometimes, the summer lasts, and the bubbles grow large, letting us know that, when the season passes, precious memories fill our hearts ~Sandra Heska King 

Summer is drawing to a close.  Gradually, yet unmistakably.  The temperatures are cooler, the air, drier.  Miniature acorns, not destined for ripeness, clatter on the rooftop, clutter up the deck.  They are joined by the first fallen leaves, released before autumn could pain their green in glory.

As I reflect upon the season, my heart relives a roller-coaster of memories.  Ups and downs.  Highs and lows.  There are days I wish to treasure forever.  There are days I long to leave behind.

But, all the memories have shaped who I am right at this very moment.  This moment.  I can't appreciate the ups unless I've been down.  I can't rejoice in the highs unless I've traversed the lows.

We cannot predict how long the good times, or the bad, will last.  It's like blowing bubbles.  We dip the wand into the soapy mixture, lift it to our lips, and blow upon it the best we know how.  Sometimes, our gentle breath creates the bulbous, luminous, gigantic bubble for which my granddaughter, Virginia, begs.

"Big one, Gammie!  Pweaze?  Twy, Gammie!"

"I'll do my best, Virginia."

Other times, our efforts produce only tiny orbs, or none at all as the viscous liquid breaks apart at the least provocation.  Leaves us with just the moist stains of regret on the floor of our souls.

But, when that happens, I refuse to give up hope.  I dip the wand once more.  I try again.

For, I know the promise of the Lord.  He is with me in the valley of shadows.  Ready to take me to green pastures.  There to lead me.  To offer me His hand in comfort.  Even when those pastures are miles away.

I will fear no evil.

I will let the bubbles of grace loom large, if not in real time, then in my heart, my soul, my imagination.  To see fruition in a time of God's choosing.

Summer is drawing to a close.  Fall approaches.  Change in seasons.  Change in our lives.

Unceasing, uncontrollable, and, sometimes, unwelcome.

It is what it is.  We are who we are.  We can't control the changes, but we can choose how we respond to them.

With God's help, we can forever blow those hopeful bubbles.  The ones iridescent and resplendent, sparkling in the sun's playful rays.

"Big one, Gammie!  Pweaze?"

And, memories can fill our hearts with joy . . .

~

What are your special summer memories?  Please share in the comment section.

Will you pray with me?

Dear Father, help us to ever blow those bubbles of hope in our lives because we set our faith on You.  Remind us that You are there to walk with us through the darkest valley, so we need not be afraid.  May we face each and every day with faith and courage as we place our hands in Yours.  Amen.