Signs & Questions

I first posted this a little over two years ago, in September 2011.
In January, I was looking for a blog post to take to a writer's group.  

And there it was.

The circumstancees were different then, but the message is still the same
and is pertinent for me now,(third paragraph particularly), over two and 1/2 years later. 

When we write down what God says to us,we can remember it when we need it later.
God's words to us are timeless. 

As I walk into the Gardens today,
I pray to be aware,
To pay attention.
Perhaps there is
Something I need to see.
Something I need to learn

My mind has been full of questions,
mostly questions about our future
Where will we….
When will . . .
What if . . .
What should we . . .
Will we . . .
How can we . . .
Will there be . . .

And then I notice the sign.

“Don’t go here,” it says.

But, I am here at the garden,
surrounded by all this beauty.
Surely there is something else
to speak to me this morning.

I continue my walk
and there it is again.

What is it about these signs that say
“Don’t go here.”
The image stays with me
As I continue.

And then I understand.
It’s about those questions
I’ve been asking
About the future.

And I hear You say to me,
Carol, don’t go there.
You can plan,
You can be wise,
but the things you are
asking about cannot be
controlled,
planned for,
set up or
fixed.

And I know I am being asked to
Stay present
To the present,
Trusting my future
To the One who knows.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34  (The Message)