>The Horse Knows the Way

>"Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh in the white and drifting snow."


I always think of that as a Thanksgiving song. Thanksgiving approaches and I begin to sing those lines in my head. It is very comforting isn't it? The road to Grandmother's home is so familiar the horse knows the way.

I wish I knew as much as that horse. I have no idea where I am headed.


Mapquest
I would like a map, please. I would like to be able to trace the path I will travel and see what is coming. I want to know if I'm headed over a river and then through some woods. I want to be prepared, get geared up, brace myself. I want to know what is coming and what is expected of me. I would like it all laid out very clear and plain.

I haven't been given a map, have you?


Uncharted territory
Have you been following Helena's recovery? Day after day Chris reports of progress that amazes everyone. We marvel at the wonders reported and witnessed. We about burst with joy. Who could have guessed five weeks ago we would be here today? Who can predict where we will be tomorrow?

Not me.


Tight squeeze
There is a narrow path - that's the one I want to be on. It's a tougher trail. Sadly, it is the road less traveled.

To travel this narrow path I have to stay within earshot of a still, small voice. I have to walk close enough to God to hear Him.

Now that's a narrow path.



Stay the course
There are a lot of people following Helena's recovery from the accident. And many of them are drawing close to God, close enough to talk, to ask for His mercy and healing for this dear daughter.

I don't know where I'm headed. But I know from whence I've come. And looking back, ah that path is clear and I see God. I see His provision, His grace, His love, His care. And today, tomorrow, Thursday, I will draw close to thank Him for all He has done, for how far I have come.

Maybe I know as much as that horse after all. I do not know what lies ahead, but I guess I do know the Way. His name is Jesus. I must remember to stick close.

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>What did you do Wednesday?

>October 31 Grace Chapel families scattered to their homes, to await their neighbors....

This was the first year the porch light was on at the Schmidt house, and it rocked my oldest daughter's world. So I sat on my porch steps (it was such a nice evening) talking to Anne on my cell phone and explaining why, after 25 years, we were passing out Halloween candy. I would interrupt our call every couple of minutes to greet Spiderman or various princesses who came calling.

For about two hours I greeted children and parents, admired costumes, joked about dental bills, and offered candy to older siblings who were walking with their families. It was a very pleasant and relaxing evening.

Being on the border of the city of Detroit, most of our Trick or Treaters are driven in from other neighborhoods, and so I didn't meet many of my local neighbors. The folks I saw I won't likely see again, until maybe next year, if they liked my candy, and yes, it was the good stuff.

As I tried to explain to Anne, this was less about Halloween, and more about people, just being friendly to people. By the time we hung up I think she had an idea of how sitting on my front porch giving out candy and smiles might be something Jesus would do.

What about you? What did you do on Halloween?

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