Shifting Shadows

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

—James 1:17

Having seen no shadow this morning, Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring. That is good news for me, as the winter months are lonely months. Cold weather and short-changed sunlight can hold me hostage inside my home, isolated from family and friends. I check my cell phone countless times to see if a loved one has texted. Has anyone wished me a good morning? Is anyone praying for me? Does anyone care how my day was? 

                                           

How Long, O Lord?

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

—Psalm 13:1

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” I echoed the psalmist’s cry, as I prayed once again for the same prayer requests I’ve prayed for twenty years.

“Don’t you know how old I am, how long I’ve waited, Lord?” I reminded Him, while I sipped my coffee at the kitchen table, staring at the wall.

I’m talking to a wall.

“Lord, that’s how I feel! I feel like I’m talking to a wall!” I blinked back tears.

I blinked again. What’s that? I wondered, as my eyes focused on a shiny spot on the wall. A handprint.

That must have been left by my one-year-old grandson, Javier. I figured.

But why hadn’t I noticed it before? Javi hadn’t been at my house since Christmas.