I have terrible childhood memories. That did not come out right. I have a terrible time remembering things from my childhood. Apparently, my Alzheimers started when I was twelve.
This is pertinent for one reason. The things I remember I treasure. And so it is with great delight I share a favorite memory.
Cow paths.
My mother’s kitchen was a place of peace. It wasn’t big or overly fancy. When I grew up nobody had stainless steel appliances, commercial stoves or a backsplashes designed by Van Gogh.
Nope. It was just a kitchen. But it was so much more.
You see, when you sat at my mother’s table you could look out a large patio door and gaze a half mile down into a valley. Beyond the valley was a lazy river. It wasn’t within walking distance but it was easy to travel to in your mind.
Depending upon the time year the fields were peppered with the colorful blooms of alfalfa or wildflowers. But the stunning flowers and picturesque river weren’t even the best part.
It was the cow paths.
We were small time farmers. It wasn’t my Dad’s primary vocation but our few fields and sixty head of cattle kept us all out of trouble. Their combined 240 hooves served as a collective paintbrush. They provided the perfect stroke of visual candy as they formed paths in their daily meandering from the barn to the river and back again. It looked like God had taken up cursive.
Gazing at cow paths from the table in my mother’s kitchen is something I doubt I’ll ever forget.
It was peaceful.
All was right with the world.
It. Felt. Safe.
Today I’m a grown woman who lives with her family by a lake. Make no mistake, I’m grateful for our view. But when I find myself needing to retreat to the safety of cow paths I find peace between the tender pages of the Psalms.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. Psalm 122:7
The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
The Lord will keep you from all harm——he will watch over your life. Psalm 121:7
Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Sweet DoAheads, if you ever find a longing for your own version of cow paths and peace consider climbing into the lap of Psalms. You’ll find that it’s a place you can lay your head on his chest, safe in his arms assured by his words of love and faithfulness.
Be sure and stop over to Suzie Eller’s #livefree community where others are telling their stories of what it means to feel safe.
*And be sure to stop back next Tuesday when I introduce my friend Amy Lively!
Here’s a link for her fantabulous website and book about loving your neighbor. She’s passionate about making new friends. I know I wish she was my neighbor! (Psssst. There will be a give-away too!)
Your DoAhead Friend,
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