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I’m excited to be entering uncharted territory (for me) in an area I hope to be able to announce soon. But I’ve had to become adept at ignoring and/or stepping over a lot of stuff that keeps getting in the way. Some days the obstacles seem insurmountable, and I’m tempted to crawl back into my cave and stay there.
On one of those days I got a vision of a bulldozer. I imagined it paving a way through the wilderness, clearing a road through the rubble of my doubts and past failures that lay like boulders between me and my desired destination.
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When our family of five lived in the country, a large grader would regularly drive up and down our gravel road to smooth out the bumps and fill in the ruts. In the wintertime it showed up for snow removal too. I loved it when I’d need to drive to town after a snowfall, and the grader had already been through our neighborhood; it made driving much easier. So I imagine this memory influenced my mind to ponder big machinery.
My next thought was a question: Who should drive the bulldozer? I knew it probably wasn’t a good idea for me to drive it. I’m not mechanically inclined, and I’ve learned the hard way, a few too many times, that things go better when I invite God to do the driving.
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I’ve also learned that it’s best to stick close to the Boss. So I think I’ll climb onto the bulldozer and sit beside Him, so I don’t get sidetracked and end up lost on some wayward trail on either side of the road (because—let me tell you—I’ve been lost in the woods before. It’s scary. Very scary.) And then when I spot a humongous boulder blocking the way, I’ll look to the Leader and wait for Him to show me the way around it or through it, because God’s bulldozer ain’t no Tonka toy.
Because I’ve been lost before, I cherish clearly marked out roads and trails. I’ll hike happily if I see a well-worn path to follow. I’m not a fan of the unknown in so many ways. And I suppose that’s why I find it hard to break trails in my life. If I remember God’s leading the way, I can travel in peace, and maybe even dance for joy since nothing can stand in the way of His plans to prosper us.
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When obstacles galore
Seem to block my way
I need to trust the Driver
to navigate each day
For He has plans for me
That reach beyond this realm
And so I’ll trust my Captain
As He holds the helm.
Wendy/2016
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Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not
perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
I, even I, am he who blots out
Your transgressions, for my own
Sake,
And remembers your sins no more.
Isaiah 43:18-19 & 25
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How do you visualize and pray your way through obstacle courses in life?
I’m nosy-to-know.
Bulldozer Blessings ~ Wendy
Wendy, I’m nosy to know what’s up ahead for you! 😉 <3
Diana xo
You’re funny, Diana. 🙂 Thank you for wanting to know, dear friend. xo
Always good to have a Navigator 🙂
I agree, dear Morgan. 🙂
Wendy: You know God is leading the way for you. Listen, and follow; because you are a woman of great courage and creativity, with an enterprising spirit.
Thank you, dear Richard. Ian and I met a couple from Michigan while we were at this beach last Sunday. It made me think of you & Mary. They were just passing through, trying to see as much of the island as they could.
So love and relate to to this analogy. It is tough to step out in new territory. Only with the Father driving have I been able to do so. Praying for you as you venture forth. PS I love that verse. God gave it to me in the wilderness and I used it in my wedding vows. ❤
Thank you for your comforting words, dear Marisa. <3 It helps to know I'm not alone in the struggle, and in the victory. Your story–your book–inspires me to believe.
You’re welcome. 🙂
I too find it hard to break trails in my life. I love your analogy of God being the Driver, who can break trails for us. Your post is lovely–the format, photos, poem, scripture. It all speaks to me about letting God help us break new ground. I’d love to know what’s up ahead too. 🙂
Sharon, I find comfort in hearing others also find new ground intimidating. The Bible is full of these kinds of stories, and I love the fact God often uses the “small” people to accomplish big things. It gives me hope. 🙂 Blessings, dear friend.
I feel as if I tread uncharted territory every day recently. I get the feeling. However, I have also learned that “Sometimes the greatest blessings come when we leave the familiar behind and take a step of faith.” You should recognize the quote from my own big step of faith. God is there waiting!
I love your quote, dear Norma. And I should also know from experience that God delights in having us trust Him enough to step into the sea before He parts it. That way we’ll lean and learn. <3
Reminded me of Wayne Drain’s song ‘Come Away’
“…But I know too much, and I’ve come too far
Gonna crawl in the backseat, and let the Lord drive the car…”
Thank you, this quote is perfect. <3 These are good words for me to read today.
This is a timely post. Our sons are both away at college now and I’ve been considering next steps for Mom. My hope is that “empty nest becomes writer’s desk”. Appreciate the encouragement to let the Lord drive the bulldozer!
Thank you, dear Patty. What a wonderful thought and idea you have: “empty nest becomes writer’s desk”. Blessings as you write. I’ve enjoyed your posts over the last four years and look forward to reading more. 🙂
You are in safe hands. It will be fun to see what you are about to do next. 🙂
Thank you, dear friend. This morning I read a lovely verse about victory due to His hand, His arm, His light, His love. 🙂
I am looking forward to seeing the knew thing the Lord is starting in your life. <3
Thank you, dear Theresa. If it goes ahead, I’ll announce it on Facebook. <3 I appreciate your encouragement, sweet friend.
The Lord is using you in wonderful ways. <3
That’s my heart’s desire. <3 Sharing His Grace.
Thanks Wendy, can I borrow the bulldozer? Ha! Blessings, great post.
Thank you for making me smile, Keith. 🙂
So beautiful, just fantastic.
Thank you, dear Inese.
Can’t wait to hear about what you and the Boss are working on. Loved your poem too! I often say, “God, take the wheel.” 😀
Thank you, Tracy. 🙂 I like your phrase: “God, take the wheel.”
Nature is wonderful.We only have to see it
I agree, nature is a treasure to be enjoyed. 🙂 Blessings to you, Marylou.
Life is the most amazing journey; most of the regrets people have is just not taking that step forward, failing to recognize that failure is part of learning to get you where you want to go.
Charlie, you’re so right about the regret factor. My husband said the same thing to me when I hesitated to begin the writing journey. I’m learning much in my failures. 🙂 Blessings, friend.
very good post, i understand what your getting at, when you stay in the zone it works, i have been on the path, and it’s only fear that puts you off course, as Jesus says, he sends the helpers, blessings
Amen to Jesus sending help. 🙂 The Holy Spirit–Himself–is our Helper, Comforter, and Friend too. The people God places in our lives are a bonus gift. Blessings on your weekend.
cheers wendy, wonderful thought, bless you