The intense Montana sun shone brightly as I watched a plethora of fall leaves gently drifting across my yard. Bright oranges mingled with reds and yellows, almost taunting me to start up the leaf blower.
The freshly mown green grass had enjoyed its moment of glory for half a day before the leaves covered its plushness with all the colors of fall. So, on this day, my number one task was leaf duty.
But Butch, the cat, had other ideas!
Intending to get my fall cleanup underway, I procrastinated briefly after breakfast and found my way to the couch. From across the room, Butch came racing toward me like a sprinter in a 50-yard dash and promptly landed in my lap. I tried to explain my plans for the leaves, but by then, he was purring loudly.
Suddenly, I laughed as a silly solution to my dilemma came to mind. Perhaps a new device designed for babies held the answer! An automatic baby-patting machine soothes little ones with a weighted hand that gently taps to create a comforting sense of constant presence.
A small motor produces a rhythmic up-and-down motion that mimics a parent's soothing touch. Some models even have a remote control to adjust the speed and intensity.
As Butch continued purring, I began thinking about God's hand upon our lives, especially during difficult times. I couldn't help but laugh as I imagined God instructing His angels on one of my particularly challenging days: "Okay, we'll need to increase the tapping speed and intensity today!"
Acts 11:21 tells us, "The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
And Psalm 139:7–8 reassures us: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."
God's hand is always upon us. He soothes our striving, comforts our aching hearts, and reminds us we are never alone. Through life's uncertainties, He longs for us to rest in the assurance of His unfailing presence.
Butch will never understand why leaves fall or why they need to be raked. He understands only that he is loved and that my lap is a safe place to rest.
And isn't this what we need to remember as God's beloved children? We don't have to understand everything that happens in our lives. We simply need to trust the One who holds us, comforts us, and guides us through every season.
When God's hand is upon us, we can rest in His love—even when the leaves keep falling!
I love the reminder of God's presence in Anne Wilson's song Me and Jesus: "If I got Jesus, I got all I'll ever need. When my hope is barely holding on, He's holding on to me."
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort of Your hand upon my life. When I feel overwhelmed, help me slow down, rest in Your presence, and trust that You are holding me close. Remind me I never have to face life's challenges alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
