“Writing is hard. Not as hard as not writing. 

But the truth is, I guess I’m not really a writer. You see, every time there is a new post here, it’s simply because God has inspired me to write. And that is a fact. As a blogger, I’m simply striving to be connected to God’s truth ~ to be His vessel, as I sit in His waiting room. And as He reveals His truth, I’m compelled to write it down. Just as our therapists ask us to write a journal, so this is my journal. And when I re-read what I’ve written, it reinforces God’s truth in my heart and life. And sharing with you is part of my mission.

So now I’d like to share my most recent experience from the waiting room with Christ! Some weeks ago, I took my hubby to see a “low vision” specialist. This was a great opportunity to learn more about ways of adapting our environment to help hubby’s eyes, as well as to gain information on visual aids and resources. I told my husband that I was hoping it wouldn’t be another three hour session, like all the previous visits. It wasn’t, actually. It was four hours.

Our opthamologists are located in the beautiful Baylor Alkek Building, near the Houston Medical Center. The waiting rooms, unlike the exterior, are far from beautiful: rectangular, very large, with gray walls and doors.  Having spent numerous tedious hours there, I know that the lunch room downstairs closes at 2 p.m. and the air conditioner goes off at 6. They have very few magazines, no music, no television to maintain one’s interest. Not surprisingly, there are usually few people in the waiting room. I suspect that many drivers probably drop their patients off and pick them up later, rather than waiting.

And I sometimes wonder whether word has gotten out that this is the most tortuous waiting room on earth ~ airless, colorless, soundless. If a place could cause a person to die of boredom this would be it. The longer I’m here, the more I’m convinced. I’ve even explored the nooks and crannies of the rooms, to see if there are any human remains lurking.

Anyway, I waited for four hours, alone in this room. I spent a few brief moments with hubby in the exam room, talking with the doctor ~ but mostly I waited. And it was silent. It was as still as any morgue, silent as any chapel.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121: 1-2

“The Lord God is my Strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19

Suddenly, as I reflected on these last months, I was transported to a different waiting room, a higher one. With Christ. The Holy Spirit presented me with a vision. I can only describe it as such, because my surroundings were transformed.

The walls of this airless room fell away, in order to allow freedom to experience this paradise. The colors softened into pastels of varying shades, and my surroundings melted into distant peaks and valleys of masterful colors. A peace settled over my heart and soul, again removing every fear, every sorrow. Instead of stale air conditioning I was breathing cool, refreshing mountain air. Inhaling it was energizing, revitalizing.

“The voice of my Beloved! Behold, He cometh, leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.” Song of Solomon, 2:8

And then I saw my Lord. He beckoned to me, invited me to come along. He walked a pathway upward, toward the highest peaks of the mountains, and He asked me to follow.
I thought back over the years to one of my most beloved readings, HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES, by Hannah Hurnard. I remembered the journey of Much Afraid, who traveled to the high places accompanied by her companions Suffering and Sorrow.

Did I really understand this allegory when I first read it? As a young woman who suffered from depression and anxiety, I could always identify with Much Afraid, who faced great trials and terrors in her journey. But as of today I became Much Afraid, that tentative little creature who knew Christ required her to follow. And once she stepped out in obedience, her world was changed. And she was changed by her simple obedience.

So, my friends, I am following Him in simple obedience to my high places.

Life with Christ is a journey to the High Places of obedience and rest in Him. Come along with me as I follow our Lord.

“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’

Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’ “



And may our precious Lord bless you today, as we follow Him together.
Never fear to take those tentative steps upward, fellow traveler. He will make your paths straight.