Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs?



Sometimes I can be so blind. 

You see, I'm a word person, forever researching the origins of words, digging for the hidden meanings, delighting in the twists and turns that language takes over the centuries. But despite the fact that I often miss what is staring me right in the face, God is teaching me to see, and this past week, I've been seeing turtles.



We were on vacation last week over on the coast and my granddaughter, Alexis, gave me this turtle shell she found on the beach. 

The next day, this guy shows up in the backyard:



Then, despite the fact that I have basically ignored this blog and not posted for 2 years, I start to receive comments; one from someone who Googled "Turtle Muse" (who googles turtle muse?!) and another from a lady searching for "Turtle Gardens." Both encouraged me to start posting again. Not too long ago one of my son's friends had suggested that I might make The Turtle Muse a devotional.

So, here's what the Spirit is saying to me today, and maybe to you, too: it's from Psalm 40:17
"As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking of me right now." 

When all those turtles started showing up last week, I knew he was thinking about me. He wanted to remind me that he is always thinking about me.

If you're reading this, you might feel forgotten, but he is thinking about you right this very minute.
All his thoughts about you are loving thoughts. He see, he knows, he cares.
He is whispering an invitation to you, just like he whispered to me, so many years ago:
"Come out."

His presence is the only hiding place you need. He promises he will never leave you, and he will never forsake you. His posture is forever one of outstretched arms.

The Five Man Electric Band got it right on the last line of their song:
"I said thank you Lord, for thinking about me, I'm alive and doing fine."

*Thank you also, to Alexis, Doreen, and Ellen for reminding me who I am.