This series has been so refreshing. With each testimony a depth of faith has been revealed, not because of what experiences were had, but because of the character of God revealed. Today we welcome Chris Tracy. She faces the uncertainty of change holding the hand of an all-loving God. He sees you friend, He sees you. He has not forgotten you along the way, you are not lost in the backdrop of the waves. Please welcome Chris!

A Good Papa

Today, I am alone but not lonely.

This kind of day often beckons me to the mountains, and I always take my Canon with me. It helps me see, to be intentional about looking for the art in nature. Today I have taken pictures of a happy display of red and gold leaves; puffy white clouds mirrored in a sky blue pond; a perfect grouping of brilliant pink fireweed; and a carving in a white tree trunk.

If I could describe heaven, this place of golden aspen, dark spruce, and blue sky and waters would be it.  If only I could capture a 360-degree photo complete with birdsong, breeze, and fragrance.

I sit down on a rock to record the next best thing – a 360 degree video clip – and I am thankful for technology that lets me share this moment with a daughter in Texas. I sit for a moment feeling happy and full of wonder. My heart is full and I am blessed. I could stay here forever.

Then, sadly, my wandering thoughts turn to the daunting uncertainty of the coming months. Another move. Another risk. Oh God, what do you want us to do? What do you want me to do?  I’m so uncertain .

I get up and walk a bit, shooting a few images of a golden stream. I could apply at a newspaper, or maybe I should do a completely different job like a coffee shop or book shop. How can I make income? What do I need to learn? Who will hire me? What if I don’t like it? What if…?” Then I see another bit of heaven and lift my camera.

And suddenly there is a voice:

“What’s in your hand?”

I look down and, astonished, I realize God has answered. He likes my photos.  He loves what I love. It’s what He wants me to do.  He put all of this passion for His creation in my heart. “Help others see, too” he says inside my thoughts. “Show them my goodness.”

His goodness. I think about the summer afternoon eight years ago when Rick and I stood at the top of our driveway praying for our land and the home we built, thanking the Lord for 30 good years there, and then blessing it to its future owners. Bankruptcy and foreclosure had broken us. What was God thinking? Where was His goodness?

But, He had a better plan.  In the process we learned to trust again.  We learned about thankfulness for the important things like family and joy and each other. We learned about love – the God kind of love that loves the unlovable––that loves us. We started over and learned how to live life with courage. We learned to say “no” to fear, anxiety, stress, striving, and worry. Like young David, we overcame a Goliath of hopelessness and cut his head off.

Through the pain, we clearly saw what King David hoped for in Psalm 27–– the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Because of the loss, we learned who we were – children of God, heirs of kingdom, and co-inheritors of resources beyond our imagination.

With God’s strong help, we learned to walk again. Baby steps at first; then more certain strides. Our lives had new purpose, and hopes and dreams were restored to our family.

It is good, this pausing and remembering. I tend to forget sometimes and start worrying. But at least now, now I remember quickly.

So, now I know what I am to do; at least for today and tomorrow or until He speaks again. He simply asks me to do what I love and He promises to take care of the rest.

He’s a good Papa and I love Him very much.

Chris Tracy is a writer and photographer with 11 grandchildren. Her book, Tapestry, is filled with God’s healing, encouragement, and stories of victory. (You can read more about it  here ).Chris is presently writing two more books and creating a line of photo art. (check out her photos  here ) She and her carpenter husband, Rick, love Colorado and restore old homes in Denver.

You can connect with Chris on her blog:  Crisp Mountain Air. She is a graduate of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and she and her husband run a ministry to local church leaders called  Bread and Wine Ministries of Colorado. You can also find Chris on  Facebook.