//in-between places//

I long to see beyond the barriers 

and blockades standing in my way.

Past a wilderness of tangled weeds 

and leaf-lost, barren trees

in an ocean of unruly overgrown green. 

I can get so caught up with the circumstance or situation standing before me. I see the thorns threatening to pierce and feel myself recoil at the thought of pressing on through the jaggers. 

Soon forgetting.

Soon questioning. 

Soon doubting. 

That the path set before me is a good one. 

Even when I don’t see the sunrise from the valley.

Even when I can’t find a foothold on a steep climb.

Even when I stumble along a rocky path. 

“Come. Follow me.” 

A beckoning carried by breeze, 

lingering there

in the remaining leaves rustling.

To walk through and press on. 

To push past what’s threatening my perspective. 

To catch a glimpse of what’s to come. 

And to settle into an undeniable understanding

that He will carry me on. 

Even when I’m caught in the middle of where 

He is taking me and where I’ve come from.

“He refreshes my soul. 

He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” 

(Psalm 23:3-4)

He walks with me through the wilderness. 

He journeys with me up the mountains.

He carries me through the valleys. 

And He is my comfort in every space between.