Surrounded

The narrow bridge was just wide enough for 2 golf carts. The hill was steep and I was running laboriously. Then I heard the golf
cart behind me and saw the golf cart before me. All three of us would hit the apex of the hill simultaneously. Someone would have to fly, or jump off the bridge as all three of us could not pass through the narrow opening.

I knew that if I ran too slowly, the cart behind me would have a hard time making it up that steep hill. If I crossed to the other lane, I would be mown down by the cart screaming down the steep side.

So I sprinted and all ended happily. The uphill cart didn't stall and the downhill cart didn't smash into me and I reached the point where we would have all collided early enough that they could pass me and not flatten me. Whew! My lungs were very angry with me and told me
that if I ever abused them that way again, they would demand overtime pay and a yearly bonus.

I realized that I am metaphorically in that kind of an impasse more often than I like. Pressures mounting behind me while new struggles and expectations are racing towards me. And I am caught in the middle, not able to outrun either. ... kids still needing direction and schooling and guidance or at least my credit card number, aging parents with many needs I find myself helpless to provide. There doesn't seem any way to get along
this road safely without someone getting squashed.

Grandma told me this morn to return the cell phone I got for her to make calls in an emergency.
It was too complicated and too bulky for her to carry everywhere with ease. I can't force her to leave her home, but I fear she is going to die a gruesome death living alone and falling, unable to get up or summon help. Someone will find her in 10 years stuck behind the garbage can that rolled on top of her when she tried to lift it.

We live too far away to be a real help. I am running up a hill as fast as I can and problems are racing towards me from the other direction. My strategy now is to stop and look up. It is the only direction help is going to come
from.

Psalm 40:11-13,16-17 (NIV)
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me. [12] For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. [13] Be pleased, O Lord, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me. [16] But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The Lord be exalted!" [17] Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

- Nothing is impossible with God
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