Happy Tuesday Tidings, My Friend!
Today, I want to share with you an unlikely love story. The two lovebirds? Not birds at all; in fact, one is a horse, and one is a turtle. I know, I know, it sounds kind of gross. But really, it’s pretty cool.
If you don’t know my husband, let me fill you in: The man never stops working. And not because he “has to” but because he “wants to.” He’s a worker. If he’s not working at his “day job,” he’s working in some capacity elsewhere. He works in the yard. He works on the house. When he’s not doing those things, he’s working out. Weights, recumbent bike, treadmill. Walking, walking, walking. The guy Never. Sits. Down. If anything needs to be done, you can bet he’ll do it—pronto. No “I’ll do that later, dear” around here! I’ve never had a “Honey-Do” list because as soon as I mention one thing that needs attention, he does it! He can do more in one Saturday morning than I can in a month.
He’s a horse.
And then there’s me. Man, I love to rest. My cure-all for whatever ails anyone is this: Rest. Feeling a bit blue? You need to get some rest. Feeling sick? Well, of course—rest is what you need! Feeling a bit sluggish? Are you sure you’re getting enough rest? I sleep like a baby most nights and love a short catnap in the afternoons—a “twenty-minuter,” as I like to call it. Just enough to turn the world off and reboot. I get tired just watching how hard Kevin works. I need to rest, seeing all the work he gets done. Plus, I like to be home, and I like hiding from people regularly.
I’m a turtle.
It’s a wonder we get along so well. I guess there’s enough commonality that brought us together and to keep us that way. And now, after 41 years of marriage, we’re used to each other’s pace and know each other is there, even if we get just out of each other’s sight now and then.
I can remember a time when we lived in Delaware and went to Washington, DC, for a day trip. My parents were visiting from Wisconsin, so it was Kevin, me, three little kids, and two elderly parents navigating the sidewalks of DC. If memory serves me correctly, Kevin was pushing a very young Teddy in a stroller, and I would have had Maria in one hand and Sean in the other. My parents were probably right behind me. I’ve always been grateful that Kevin is tall because he’ll get ahead of me, but I can always have him in sight as he stands taller than most others. Plus, I’ve always loved his curly hair, and it also made him easy to spot.
That day in DC, Kevin was forging a way to whatever spot we were bound for. I think it was the White House. The sidewalks were crowded, and we were bumping off of other tourists making our way to our destination. I could always see Kevin a few steps ahead, and I knew he’d never leave us. He is a good leader and goes ahead to make our pathway easier. I knew he’d eventually look back to see where we were. It might take us a little longer, holding the hand of turtle mom, but we know our workhorse of a dad is waiting for us, looking after us.
This past Sunday, in the kids’ classroom I was in at my church, we talked about how God goes before us and helps make a path for us. (I swear, I think I might get more out of the Sunday School lessons than the kids do!) I hope that’s not true, but those truths taught to the little ones are for all of us.
Sometimes, you need to know that our Creator, the One who loves us more than anyone else, is just ahead of us. Forging our way. Leading. Making a path for us to follow and be safe. He’s stronger than us and faster. He’s working for us and will never leave us alone.
Whatever you might be going through right now, I hope you know that you have that Heavenly Father wanting you to follow Him. He’s got your back and wants to lead you to still waters. Where horses can drink water and refresh themselves from their work. And where turtles can rest.
Written with love – – – Patti XOXO 
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk
through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,
for You are close beside me.
Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.”
Psalm 23