FOREBODINGS

Do you ever get those feelings?

You know, (or maybe you don't)

the dark dread of something.

Sometimes it's just dark dread --

no "of" at all.

I can tell, sometimes, what it's all about.

Driving to a funeral, I will sometimes feel this way.

Then, I can reason it out, 

take a deep breath and

pray for help.

Sometimes, 

it is obviously

depression.

We've met, many times,

depression and I.

There are ways to 

shorten that meeting.

This is not what I'm thinking about.

Today, my father

called and said he is going to

spend some time in a

neighbor's garage.

Dad has been very sick.

Although the weather has moderated,

it is still barely above freezing.

I got a horrible feeling.

Now, when this happens,

I know it can just be my own fear

attempting to attract more

notice than it is due.

I know it can be just me, 

being out of sorts.

I know it can also be

God's Holy Spirit

warning me.

You know,

 And thine ears shall hear a word 

behind thee, saying, 

This is the way, walk ye in it, 

when ye turn to the right hand, 

and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 30.21

I have not heard

with my physical ears,

but I have certainly 

experienced this in my life.

So, how do I know

if I am just in a bad mood,

afraid or getting direction?

I stop and pray.

Today, I called Dad,

and told him I had doubts about his plan.

The feeling is relieved.

I still don't know the origin

of that heavy, dark feeling.

I do know

if I was meant to do more

about the situation

I would still feel uncomfortable.

This knowledge comes

from years of experiencing

guidance from my loving Father.

I trust him.

I put everything in His hands.

I listen for His direction.

He never fails. :)