Are You Not My Own?

Out of my fear and anxiety, Jesus spoke to me, “Are you not my own? Do I not care for my own?” It has been such a treasure to have had those words spoken to me years ago. They are seared in my heart. I believe I will forget my name before I forget Jesus’ words spoken to me that day. In times of concern and doubt, they have provided reassurance and strengthened me. In joyful times, they have provided affirmation and strengthened me. Jesus says in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me” (NRSVUE). And the apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” What wonderful words of assurance. We belong to God. God cares for us. AMEN!

After moving to a new community to accept the position I referred to in my devotional, two more times I accepted a different position that also required us to move to new communities. Each time we moved, we had a wonderful church family waiting to greet us and take us in. In retirement we have become more active serving in leadership positions in our church. I also serve on a board of commissioners making low-income housing available in our community.

In retirement we have enjoyed traveling in our recreational vehicle. We purchased our current motorhome in 2009, and it has now taken us over one hundred thirty thousand miles throughout the United States and Canada. We love seeing the awesome beauty and variety of God’s creation. Illnesses and advancing age have slowed us down, but we continue to worship and uplift God. To God be the glory!