From last September until the beginning of summer, I participated in an exercise group, in an effort to improve my physical fitness. Along with the usual cardio-, flexibility, and strengthening exercises, in each class we did balancing routines. Some of us did well with them, and others of us struggled.

On the day of our last class before the summer recess, we abandoned our usual venue and headed to a local park for a walk. Our instructor invited a local walking clinician to join us. He brought special poles for us to use, which, along with lessening the strain on our lower bodies, increased the workout for our upper bodies. However, the best use of the poles was revealed when we reached the last part of our walk, which was a very steep uphill climb. As we dug the tips of the poles into the ground, we realized that we were able to push ourselves up the hill and to make the climb much more easily than when we just used our arms and legs. The poles helped us to keep our balance and also gave us a lift.

Jesus is our pole in life. He will help us to keep our perspective and balance, if we will only rely on Him to give us a lift and to lend a hand to steady us when we feel that we are falling.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we need only look to You to give us the balance we need to weather the storms of life. Keep us from falling, and help us to climb the hills that so often present themselves in our path and cause us to fear. Amen.

For the last ten years or so, I have organized the annual street sale in our neighbourhood: setting the date, notifying the residents, and placing the ad in the paper. In my notice to the residents, there is a comment that anyone wishing to have anything highlighted in the ad should contact me by a certain date. The other morning, the phone rang, and when I answered it, all I got was silence. Finally, the voice on the other end said, "This is so and so up the street. I can't remember who I am calling."

Just at the moment I answered, she had pulled a blank on my name. Once we got that straightened out, we had a fine chat, catching up on all the doings of our respective families.

Isaiah tells us that God has given us each a name, and He will never forget it. We are His, and He wants only the best for us. He has forgiven us, and He has redeemed us through Christ Jesus. No matter where we may wander, we need never fear. God is always there, waiting to welcome us back and lead us forward.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many blessings to us. A name is a precious gift. May we take comfort in the knowledge that You will never forget the name You have given us. You call us into communion with You and Your Son, Jesus Christ — the name above all others, and in Whose name we pray. Amen.

Recently, our daughter set up her first apartment, three hours from home. Thinking a furry friend would be good company for her, she headed to the SPCA and brought home a four-week-old kitten rescued from a dumpster. She fought valiantly to save her, but after ten days, Pussy Willow succumbed. Two weeks later, Hope, rescued from the side of the road, arrived.

Hope has done well and has been good company for our daughter, but now the time has come for her mistress to get a job. She expressed some concern that Hope would be lonely by herself all day. Then last weekend, she and a friend rescued two cats being mistreated by a group of youth. One was limping and had a gash on her head. Rousing a vet in the middle of the night, the girls took the kitten for treatment. Unable to find the owner, our daughter has decided to keep Una. Along with being company for Hope, slightly older Una is teaching Hope some manners.

For each of these kitties in turn, our daughter has been there for them in their time of need. At the same time, they have been there for her, to give unconditional love and friendship. The same is true of our Lord Jesus. He promised to be there always for us. Even when we are not aware of it or do not turn to Him for the support He offers, He is there waiting for us to remember His promise to be with us always.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us always to remember that You are there for us, no matter what the circumstances. You are our friend and will not leave us. Forgive us, Lord, when we try to go it alone. We give You thanks that You are our constant source of strength and guidance. Amen.