...for I take refuge in You.

             Psalm 25. 20

(Along the pathways

through the mountains in Italy,

there are places for weary hikers

to come and be refreshed,

to stay the night in a shelter,

to fellowship with others,

to be fed and nurtured

   and gain strength for the journey.

These small little outposts

  are not insignificant to those

  who are strengthened by them.

They are called refugios.

When we take refuge in the LORD,

   it is not a place to hide

   but to be strengthened.

He is our strength

                   and courage.

Do we walk with Him?

He restores our souls

    in more ways than one.)

O LORD,

Thank You for the refugios

  that You place on our paths,

the outposts

    and rest areas

to nurture us on our way,

to encourage our hearts,

to reassure us

    that we are not alone.

You guide and You provide.

Help us to walk in such a way

   that we help others

by letting them see

   that You are our strength.

Use us, O LORD, to guide others

             to You.