Snark & Sensibility

PLEASE WELCOME

JARM DEL BOCCIO

TO

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

     I was hoping for a full moon to give us light, but it was pitch black when we were met by Mohammed, our English speaking Bedouin guide.  He lead us to the place where we would mount our Sinai Desert camels for the hour and a half ride, taking us two-thirds of the way to the summit.  I was struggling with "Pharaoh's revenge" and arthritic knees, so I breathed a prayer, asking God to stay my infirmities so I could complete the much anticipated nocturnal journey.

     Though we were using our flashlights, we could barely see the path beneath our feet but heard the camel drivers shouting orders in Arabic from every direction.  Their words seemed to bounce off the surrounding mountains and echo across the hillside.  Soon the camels came into view, bathed by a glow of yellow light, rounded up and ready to escort us up to the mountain.  Their musky animal odor mixed with sweat and moist fur was unavoidable.

     My daughter, Olivia, and I were chosen first to mount our camels and lead the group. We remembered to lean back when our beast of burden made his two-step maneuver to stand.  Forward, then backward, and up we went.

     I was told to move ahead, so, with a swat and click of the tongue from a Bedouin child, we were off: cloppity, cloppity, clop, moving in a slow rhythmical stride, in rocking horse fashion. 

    Since I was traveling well ahead of the other 12 in our party, with no one leading me, I had the sky and trail to myself for almost an hour.  At one point, I glanced behind me and noticed a zigzagged path of sojourners on foot, their lights flickering in the night as they made their way to the summit. Our lives are like a pilgrimage, I thought. We take a step at a time, as God gives us light for our path, always moving forward.

     Since I couldn't see the ground or even a hand in front of my face, I raised my head to the sky. And what I saw took my breath away.

     Because there was no moon, millions upon millions of stars were visible in the night sky.  These twinkling bodies that dotted the heavens seemed to be winking at me as if they held a magnificent secret that was soon to be revealed. For the first time, I realized that the sky was alive!

     And then I saw it. A shooting star. I gasped with delight, ready to share my discovery, but realized that my trusty camel had moved ahead of the group, leaving me alone. During the remainder of the trek, I counted ten of them; more than I had seen in a lifetime. All because I had kept my eyes on the heavens.

     I thought of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as inestimable as the sands below his feet, and as innumerable as the stars in the heavens above him. As I studied the night sky, I could see Orion's Belt, and soon after the Big Dipper, standing on its handle. And, stretched across the expanse was the Milky Way. Awesome!

     Did I mention I am fearful of heights?

I could not see the outer edge of the trail leading up the mountainside, but somehow, after looking up at the Creator’s awesome display, I was not afraid.

      It occurred to me that many times I find myself worried about the road ahead when God (like the camel) knows the path intimately. If  I would relax, and look up to Him, I would have numerous blessings to enjoy. Instead, I focus on my fears.

   I began to quietly sing, "I Just Keep Trusting My Lord, as I walk along . . . He gives a song . . . tho' the storm clouds darken the sky on the Heavenly trail . . . I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail. He's a faithful friend . . . I can count on Him to the very end."

        Our ride came to an end far too soon.  My buddy, the Sinai Desert camel, had taken me to my destination safely. I was ready to meet the remainder of our group to walk the final two hours to the summit, anticipating the beautiful sunrise. Our Bedouin guide, who also knew the path well, brought us to the top just in time to see the sun break on the horizon. The craggy rocks surrounding us, and as far as the eye could see, changed to various shades of orange and brown as the ball of fire rose in the sky. We heard pilgrims singing hymns of praise to God, their hands outstretched to the Heavens and felt an awe-inspired hush as we continued to witness the majesty and creativity of our Savior.

     As we walked down the mountain in the morning sun, I noticed that our trail was covered with stones. Most of them were large and uneven, making our descent on foot difficult. But, being carried by the camel, going uphill was a smooth experience. It was quite an unexpected discovery. His large sprawling feet took the bumps, reminding me once again, when I left the journey to the One who knew the way, the uphill climb was almost effortless. In the same way, the Lord is there beside us during difficult times, wanting to bear us up. He makes the rough places level.

     It didn’t occur to me until we reached the base of the mountain that my prayers had been answered. My knees did not pain me, nor was I bothered by Pharaoh's revenge. Another little miracle to remind me of God's faithfulness.

     A never to be forgotten experience, in which I learned to trust in God and His direction for my life. And I've fallen in love with my Sinai Desert Camel. Thanks for the ride. And the lessons!

ABOUT JARM DEL BOCCIO

Jarm (‘J’ pronounced as a 'Y') Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on the lives of characters from the past, Jarm is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history. Jarm taught kindergarten and high school and served as a school librarian. She is a member of SCBWI and American Christian Fiction Writers, and has published articles in "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine.“The Heart Changer,” her debut MG historical fiction, releases with Ambassador International April 26th. Jarm is content with the journey God has placed her on and lives with her husband, adult daughter and son (when he lands at home) in a tree-lined suburb of Chicago. You can connect on her author’s website at https://www.jarmdelboccio.com/

ABOUT HEART CHANGER

Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?

Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with bitterness.  Little does she know the Heart Changer is preparing her for a greater mission — far beyond what she could imagine.

This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.

Purchase link:https://amzn.to/2SCcPnx