Illusive by Mark Keathley

Taking time to be still and at rest is a difficult challenge for me.   The past few months we have been helping my son open a business as well as trying to manage a farm with nearly a dozen different types of critters.   So on occasion I will take a stroll on our land to quiet the soul and see what the day should be about.   I love the;[se times (if I can keep myself from seeing something that needs “doing”  and instead just “be”) . Walking in the wilderness or a park offers me this rare chance to focus or practice being in the moment with my constant companion and Helper.   This “walk” - being mindful of Him and just “being present” with Him, is an illusive thing.  The worries of the world sneak around every bend and yell “what are you doing!?  You should be ________ !”  “You won’t get it all done!  Push !  Push!  Work !  Work !”   So instead I let myself dream a little..   This particular morning I heard - “this land will be yours” (as I was looking over my fence into the neighbors unkempt lowlands.  Oh My!   I like that!   I will take you at your word on that.  I stood there and gave him praise - and the verse “I will enter through the east gate” game to me.  Hmmm…  I don’t have a gate that faces east between my land and the neighbors.  So I installed a gate.   I’m anticipating His activity, claiming this land, standing in His promise “you will inherit a double portion.”   Should I dare to believe this?    Because all of this happens in the spirit (that quiet place from deep within, I hesitate to share it, cuz many would say “that is not God.”   However, I will declare what I believe to be His promise and stand in expectation.   This is the illusive “walk” with Him, not in the natural, or habitual pattern of living but in the spirit.   This all happens much like these deer that I have seen on our place.   You aren’t expecting them, they just appear - right beside you - on their own mission.   You look for them, and rarely find them, but if you are just still - well - it shows up.    ~Mark Keathley