Fear Can Be Downright Foolish Sometimes

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Today’s reading: Psalm 46: 1-5

A friend who has spent a lot of time on local beaches once gave me the rundown on an apparently frightening, very remote, stretch. I’ve never heard a similar story about this place before or since, so I don’t know if it’s true. But it was definitely on my mind  this morning as I went for a run through this very spot.

“Every criminal element from here to Mexico passes through there almost daily these days, and the cops are useless,” he said. “I don’t think I’d want to be stranded out there, and I definitely wouldn’t set up a camp or go out hiking or sunbathing — especially by myself. “

I have run through this part of Padre Island dozens of times over the last 20 years or so (and at least 4 times since my friend’s warning). I always do so because of the remoteness. Yes, it’s a long drive. And, yes, that journey is a bit harrowing for a vehicle not equipped with 4-wheel drive. But the peace is worth the trouble. I usually encounter only a bunch of pelicans, some dead fish, and, only sometimes, a fisherman or two. (Sorry. I’m not going to tell you exactly where this is!)

But ever since my friend’s story, I’ve headed out there with some reluctance.

And, today, when I came upon a convoy of 4 large, vacant pick-up trucks parked in the road about half-way through my run (at least 30 minutes from my own truck), I felt downright frightened.

Fortunately, I remembered today’s reading, at exactly the moment my friend’s voice also popped into my head.

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;” (Verse 2)

I could add something to that list: though 4 large, scary trucks are parked mysteriously on this isolated road of ill-repute.

With God, of course, all fear is downright foolish. So, fully fitted with His armor, I just kept running strongly — and happily.

And another truck drove toward me — filled with maybe 10 old men and their fishing poles. Several of them waved at me as they passed.

I turned to see where they were headed and saw the truck stop near the others that had frightened me.  It was then clear: those trucks belonged to these men and that they had piled into the one for a trip up the beach (to scout other locations, to find bait, or to do whatever other thing fishermen are wont to do).

Thanks be to God for eternal riddance of fear.