I was out for a morning stroll in my usual walk in the woods, feeling how much I love this place. It's filled with trees and beautiful trails. As I walk along this trail, I notice how all of these trees live in harmony and perfect community, with their roots crossing one another and creating stepping stones for my path.
I always start with this prayer before entering the woods: "Angels, please go before me. Let the creatures and crawlers know I am coming. Allow me to appreciate their beauty from a distance. God, if it's within your power, keep me safe and clear my path from anything that may harm me. Thank you."
As I begin walking into the woods, I express gratitude to the woods for welcoming me. I thank the trees for the clean air they provide. I take time to not only focus on the trail but also to observe everything around me. I ask, "Who wants to reveal themselves to me today? What can I see?"
I've seen a beautiful little turtle on the side of the path, making its way down to the river. This brings me joy and reminds me of the time I once had a turtle as a pet. I've seen butterflies fluttering to the left and right of me, always bringing a smile to my face and reminding me of the beauty of life with their vibrant colors and unique patterns. Birds make their calls as I pass along the trail. While walking, I feel a bit anxious about reaching the lake. I love to sit there and see what else will reveal itself while I wait.
As I walk up one part of the trail, I look around as I always do. It's spring and starting to warm up. I begin having a conversation in my head. "I wonder if the new snakes know to stay off the trail? I've been praying and talking to all of them for a year now, but did the new ones get the message? I would think this is the time for them to come out and go to the water."
As I continue along, reassuring myself that the snakes know the rules, I'm suddenly startled. I'm baffled as to why I am thinking about this now. As I look to my left off the trail and on the side bank, I see a HUGE BLACK SNAKE! Fear rushes over me, and I quickly move as far to the right of the trail as possible. I begin to walk faster and faster, not wanting to awaken or scare the snake. Once I've moved several feet ahead, I can't stop looking to the left and right of me, fearing there might be more snakes.
At this point, I'm furious. Anger and rage fill my body inside and out, and I'm letting God know it. "Why is that snake there? Why did I see that? I thought I asked you to..." Before I can finish, I hear, "Wasn't it off your path?"
A sense of shame washes over me, my own shame. Then, a feeling of peace as I sense God's smile.
Yes, He did exactly as I asked in my prayer – to keep me safe, to keep anything off my path. This was a way for me to build trust, trust in my prayer, trust that God does hear me. Though it wasn't how I expected, I'm still protected and safe.
As I walk out of the woods, apologizing a million times, I begin to feel a sense of relief and increased trust. I'm relieved that my prayers were heard. I thank the angels for clearing my path ahead of me.
God is good, and if we pay attention, we can see and hear Him in EVERYTHING
