Today began a little rough. I took both dogs to the beach by myself, and on the way we had some trouble. In front of the market, there was a moment when cars were passing and stray dogs were drawing near. In all the hubub, I got tangled up in leashes and wiped out. I was frustrated, embarassed, annoyed with myself that I would be embarassed about something so simple. By the time I got to the beach I also noticed that my engagement ring had broken from the friction of the leashes I guess. In the back the platinum just broke down the middle. Ugh.

I was glad to be on my way to the beach, and when I got there took the time to talk out loud with God about how I was feeling. Where would I be without him? I'd hate to know. This morning I needed to hear the voice of Jesus reminding me of all the things I know to be true, including his remarkable love for me demonstrated on the cross. So many good things have been going on in and around me recently, but there are hard moments as well. The redeeming truth is that in the hard moments, God is not changed, and I have the same opportunity to draw near to him.

I got home and read through Psalm 139.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in-- behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

It's the prayer of an ex-pat I think. Even if I settle on the far side of the sea, He is here and will guide me. I am so glad to know it.

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