Minnesota Prairie Roots

EVEN WHEN PASTURES are not green, the Lord stands steadfast as our shepherd.

Pastures currently are not green, in the literal sense, here in Minnesota, although on Saturday we enjoyed a balmy 46 degrees.

Today we’ve been thrust back into winter’s hold, with an Arctic air mass gripping the state. Air temps are hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit with the windchill at minus 25 –  minus 34 degrees F.

Consider that yesterday I didn’t wear a coat; my long-sleeved flannel shirt proved sufficient to keep me warm while outdoors.

This morning I pulled a sweater over my shirt and bundled into my wool coat, scarf and gloves to head out for church services.

What a difference between yesterday and today.

Just like our lives. One day brings comfortable walking through green and sunny pastures. The next day brings challenges along a cold and snowy path.

No matter the route, I am assured that the Lord is my shepherd, there to guide me on this journey through life.

He gives me the tools—prayer, loving family and friends, His promises and love, and more—to help me clear and navigate the path when the going gets rough.

What a blessing to have the assurance of His presence.

© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Photo taken at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Faribault, Minnesota